Traditionally, the Night Before the Night Before has been a time where local businesses offer extended hours for those last minute gift ideas, in store sales and promotions, and offerings of thanks to their customers for the dedicated support received over the past year. 2020 may have been a difficult year for many but we want to encourage all businesses to continue with these offerings where possible.
If your business plans to continue with a sale, promotion, or offer of thanks for consumers; submit them to be included in Think Local, Shop Stettler's social media advertising blitz by emailing Donna.
Keep watch on the www.shopstettler.ca website for updates from local businesses and let's keep seasonal spirits alive and well during the 2020 Night Before the Night Before!
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Small and Medium Enterprise
Relaunch Grant
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Program expansion
Applications are now open for second phase. Job creators who have experienced a 30% revenue loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic will qualify for the program, lowering the threshold from the existing 40% revenue loss requirement. This 30% threshold will be available to impacted businesses retroactive to March.
Alberta businesses affected by the public health orders in effect from November 6, 2020 and later will also be eligible to apply for a second payment through the program.
Job creators that meet the program’s eligibility criteria will be able to apply for 15% of their pre-COVID-19 monthly revenue up to:
- a maximum of $5,000 in funding for their first payment, and
- a maximum of $15,000 for their second payment
Application intake for the second payment is not currently available but will open soon. More information, including updated eligibility criteria and how to apply for the second payment, will be outlined on this page when finalized.
Stay informed by visiting
https://www.alberta.ca/biz-connect.aspx
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Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
The CEWS has been extended to June 2021, including changes to the rates and top-up calculation.
Changes to CEWS as of November 19, 2020 (Bill C-9):
- the subsidy is extended to June 2021
- the maximum subsidy rate for periods 8 to 10 will remain at 65% (40% base rate + 25% top-up)
- beginning in period 8, the top-up rate and base rate are is now calculated using the same one-month revenue drop
- for periods 8 to 10, use the new top-up calculation or the previous 3-month average drop, whichever works in your favour
- the deadline to apply is January 31, 2021, or 180 days after the end of the claim period, whichever comes later
- starting in period 9, the calculation for employees on leave with pay now aligns better with EI benefits
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you can now calculate pre-crisis pay (baseline remuneration) for employees who were on certain kinds of leave, retroactive to period 5
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the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) has been introduced for businesses, non-profits, and charities
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The new Lockdown Support would be available retroactive to September 27, 2020, until June 2021, during periods when businesses are facing eligible public health restrictions. The government is providing the proposed details for the first 12 weeks of the program, until December 19, 2020. The proposed program would align with many aspects of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to provide a simple, easy-to-understand program directly to renters and property owners.
This backgrounder provides information for organizations that have been significantly affected by public health restrictions and may be eligible for additional support for certain rent or property expenses. If your organization is not subject to qualifying public health lockdown restrictions, but you are currently experiencing a decline in revenues, you may still be eligible for the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.
Read more about CERS by clicking the below link.
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CASH CARDS
Pick ups today and draws tomorrow!
Thank you to all our Cash Card participants, it was another great year with lots of entries. Tomorrow three lucky local shoppers will have their names drawn!
Prize #2 - $200 Heart of Alberta Dollars
Prize #3 - $300 Heart of Alberta Dollars
GRAND PRIZE - $500 Heart of Alberta Dollars!
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Looking for a fantastic way to promote your business? |
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Become part of making Stettler everyone's
favourite destination!
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Find out more about Destination Stettler membership opportunities and the benefits of becoming a member. Email us today! |
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Find the Twinkle Tour Map at shopstettler.ca
Thank you to everyone who submitted their addresses for the Twinkle Tour map. Hope everyone enjoys the beautiful light displays throughout our community!
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Holiday Time!
Please take note of upcoming holiday hours for the Stettler Board of Trade Office.
While we are all in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we wanted to take the time to remind everyone of our regular office hours as well as our adjusted hours for the holidays.
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Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
The Government of Canada and Community Futures organizations (CFs) understand the difficulties the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the small business community throughout the West. As a result, the Government of Canada has made funds available to the CFs to provide support and assistance to SMEs through the rural stream of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF).
Small business owners impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for loans up to $40,000 through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF).
The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund provides funding to support businesses that have not been approved for supports through the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) or the Emergency Loan Program delivered through Aboriginal Financial Institutions.
General Details:
• Maximum loan of $40,000;
• 0% interest until December 31, 2022;
• No principal payments until December 31, 2022;
• Principal repayments can be voluntarily made at any time without penalty;
• 25% up to a maximum of $10,000 in loan forgiveness is available, provided the outstanding balance is paid back by December 31, 2022;
• If any part of the balance is not paid by December 31, 2022, the remaining balance will be converted to a term loan effective January 1, 2023; and,
• The full balance must be repaid no later than December 31, 2025.
For more information or to apply visit:
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Learning and Development Opportunities |
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Business Insurance 101 – Supporting Businesses during the Pandemic
Friday, January 15, 2021
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MST
Free Online Event
Canadian businesses are facing uncertain and challenging times. COVID-19 has had a devastating financial impact, and business owners continue to face new risks and challenges. When it comes to commercial insurance, many business owners are seeing their premiums rise and may be finding it increasingly difficult to get the appropriate insurance to meet their needs in certain regions.
While there are no easy solutions to the problem, Canada’s insurers are pulling together to find creative solutions to support businesses across all sectors in accessing the insurance they need. Pete Karageorgos, Insurance Bureau of Canada’s Director of Consumer and Industry Relations (Ontario), will present some of the key economic dynamics affecting Canada’s property and casualty insurers, how the industry, governments and businesses are working in partnership to address the current challenges, and more importantly, tools and resources IBC and insurers are providing to support Canadian businesses.
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During this 14- week program receive instructional lessons, workbooks, and templates for how to draft your written Exit Plan. Gain clarity on the journey toward a sale and learn how to prepare yourself and your business to be
operated by your successor.
Exit Planning Masterclass Series Dates:
Jan 14th- 9:30am – 11:30am – Session 1
Jan 28th- 9:30am – 11:30am – Session 1- Q&A
Feb 11th - 9:30am – 11:30am – Session 2
Feb 25th- 9:30am – 11:30am – Session 2- Q&A
March 18th –9:30am - 11:30am – Session 3
April 1st –9:30am - 11:30am – Session 3- Q&A
April 15th –9:30am - 11:30am – Session 4th
*All attendees need to register prior to the close date of January 28th
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Access Prosperity and the Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network (CARIN) have developed a cohort-based incubator. This incubator will focus on three industries, an oil pivot, agriculture, and manufacturing. The aim of this incubator is to help early-stage entrepreneurs build and develop their startups through customer discovery, training on emerging technology, as well as support from industry experts, industry-specific programming, and access to coaching.
This incubator will include 50 hours of training over twelve weeks and is free to motivated entrepreneurs.
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Become an ATB Marketplace Vendor Today! |
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"Find and sell to local buyers. Grow your business. Give yourself and the economy a boost.
The ATB Marketplace is open to all Albertan business owners looking to sell products and services online. The platform is a great fit if you want to:
Sell your merchandise in an online store.
Get more eyes on your product.
Leverage ATB’s network to increase your brand awareness.
Contribute to a community of like-minded entrepreneurs."
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