Ontario’s Safe Employers Receiving up to
$1.5 Billion Rebate

Ontario's safe employers are receiving a rebate of up to $1.5 billion as Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) surplus funds are returned for the first time. This rebate will give 300,000 businesses back approximately 30 per cent of their annual premium payments, helping create new jobs and allowing for bigger paycheques for workers. This builds on the government’s $2.4 billion that has already been given back to employers through premium reductions, while maintaining benefits for injured workers.

The surplus distribution will only be provided to safe employers, who will receive their rebates starting in April. For a business with 80 to 125 employees, this could mean receiving $28,000 to reinvest in their business and workers.

"As the indispensable partner of business and on behalf of our 60,000 members, today’s announcement is welcome news for Ontario employers who have created safe workplaces. Premiums come out of the pockets of business owners and today’s news means that this surplus can be redirected to workers, new technologies and infrastructure." - Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce
Ottawa Restaurant Fund
Applications Closing Soon

Please consider supporting the Ottawa Restaurant Fund! Downtown restaurants have been directly impacted by the prolonged demonstration Ottawa. These businesses are an important part of our community, our culture, and our economy. Downtown Ottawa restaurants impacted by the ongoing demonstrations can apply for support through the
Ottawa Restaurant Fund.

Deadline to apply February 21, 2022 at 8:00 PM
National Capital Region Virtual Business Crews

Looking for a new way to expand your network? Join our new Business Crews and meet smart matches in our region weekly for four weeks! This initiative is designed to support your business goals, build your network and create lasting relationships with professionals. Based on past Business Crews programs, 3 out of 4 participants reported concluding a business deal with second, third and even fourth-degree connections of those they had met in their crew.

Limited spots. Deadline to register is March 3, 2022.
Networking facilitated by proud OBOT member sponsor Rhapsody Strategies
FUN! FAST! FOCUSED!

Grow your business and build your brand by connecting with fellow business leaders with our new member only networking opportunity. Make 5 new connections every month by investing just 30 minutes. Effective, facilitated conversations that will enhance your professional network and strengthen your business community.

"The agenda and platform are a fun and easy way to make new connections and follow-up with existing network connections. It was 30 minutes well spent.”
 
“The interface and format was great. A meet some interesting folks. I look forward to attending more.”
  
“Great people. Amazing virtual event platform. Perfect for networking!”

Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Kassondra Walters at Kassondra.Walters@ottawabot.ca for more information on how you can promote your business and support your Ottawa Board of Trade.
Applications for Ontario Small Business Relief Grant Open

Eligible small businesses that were required to close under the modified
 Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen can now apply for the Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant (OSBRG). The OSBRG User Application Guide provides additional information about applying for the grant. The Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade emailed eligible businesses that qualified for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant in 2021, and were subject to closure again on January 5, 2022, as they have been pre-screened and do not need to apply for the OSBRG.
The application portal will be open from February 9 to March 11.

CLICK HERE for more provincial and federal government programs that are being offered to support businesses and employees impacted by COVID-19.
February 24, 2022 at 7:30 am
Virtual Event | Virtual Networking

Join Mayor Jim Watson, the Ottawa Board of Trade, the Ottawa Business Journal and Ottawa's top business and community leaders for this month's Mayor's Breakfast. Start your morning with virtual networking, followed by a lively conversation with the Dr. Adam Kassam from the Ontario Medical Association. 
Our mission is to cultivate a thriving world class
business community.

And we need you! We recently hosted the President & CEO of the Ontario Chamber, Rocco Rossi, as our keynote at our AGM (please watch it!) He inspired us to launch "The Power of One" campaign. He shares a story of why policy matters to each and every one of us. We are approaching a time of immense opportunity to influence important change and your Board of Trade is at the ready. However, the voice of business is only as strong as its membership. So this is the ask!

Please invite one business in your network to be a member today. Invite them to have a say in the future of Ottawa. Send them this membership investment link. In return, we would like to thank you by offering you a 10% referral rebate. That's it. So simple. We want to grow our membership so that we can increase our impact and make Ottawa the best capital city in the world.
OBOT Members Can Save 3.5¢ per Litre on Esso and Mobil Fuel

With the Esso and Mobil Business Fleet Card Program, your businesses can enjoy a 3.5¢ per litre discount on every fuel purchase at Esso and Mobil stations. It’s accepted at over 2,000 Esso and Mobil stations. Which means this exceptional fuel discount is usually available within, well, shouting distance.
Expand Your Profile - Membership Has Its Benefits

Does your business have an exciting announcement coming up? Maybe you're hosting a grand opening or launching a new product. Share the good news with your Ottawa Board of Trade business community and beyond. We want to hear from you! Member News Releases will appear in both internally through your Member Information Centre (MIC) and publicly in OBOT's Member Directory. Not sure where to start? Check out our How-To Guide located in your Member Resources. Simply login to your OBoT account to get started!
Promote Your Business| Build Your Brand | Support Your Community
Special Thanks to our Community Partners!