Good day Chamber Member, you are likely reading this within a day or two of the announcement of a second provincial emergency in Ontario. We have included the announcement and the accompanying slide deck with more industry-specific details below.

In conversation with members and colleagues across the province, while these measures are welcomed from a public health perspective to slow the spread, they are also extremely challenging and, in many scenarios, confusing for businesses, particularly small businesses. Your support of the Chamber in your membership and feedback has assisted in the advocacy for, and development of, the Small Business Support Grant through the Province of Ontario, which will be available shortly. Additional business supports are noted below as well.

I would also like to draw your attention to the pan-Canadian national strategy developed by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and other partners, for your support https://www.nationalstrategy.ca/

Accordingly, the Chamber office will close as well, but staff will be available and continue to develop our events and services for 2021 during the business day.

 

Stay safe.

GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO: As of Thursday, January 14, 2021, at 12:01 am the Ontario government has issued a stay-at-home order with the exception of essential services for groceries, health care services, and essential work. Read the full release for all of the details

HELPING WITH COVID-19 COSTS: There is additional support for businesses that are required to close or significantly restrict services as a result of these measures: Click here for the Ontario Small Business Recovery Resources

COMING SOON: The Ontario Small Business Support Grant will provide between $10,000 - $20,000 to help small business owners. This will be a one-time grant which you will be able to use however you wish.

Eligible small businesses include:

Further details will be announced later this month. Read the release

ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: Collective Approach is Required to Get Virus Under Control. OCC calls for increased testing & tracing, speedier vaccination roll-out, and province-wide collaboration. Read the full article

#weareinthistogether, we know it is tough right now but we can get through this, and the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant will be here virtually keeping you up-to-date on what you and your business need to know to get through this.

Stay home, take care, and stay safe.

David

Join us on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at 4:00 pm to find out who will be the finalists for the Company of the Year Award, Community Builder Award, and Entrepreneur of the Year Award.