From the Desk of the CEO...
We are happy to announce the return of our Rapid Testing Kits program! We received our first of three shipments in response to demand early this week and will be rolling out appointments over the next two weeks to meet the demands on the program. Thank you to our partners with the Paris and District Chamber of Commerce for some resources to help prepare for an orderly distribution. Please watch for your pre-scheduled appointment or more information as the program resumes and our capacity and systems are adjusted. Please note that we are following an agreement with the province to distribute to all businesses who meet the program's criteria and are doing our best to allocate limited resources to the demands from all small businesses in Brantford-Brant to allow for safe operations within a testing program.

Also note the several events and activities also underway and in progress, and please take some time this month to explore ChamberTV (Thursdays on RogersTV) featuring two of our newest members and their small businesses and social enterprises, and Chamber Chat (Fridays on Facebook and Instagram) to keep up to date with the business community and Chamber Board activities respectfully.

Please enjoy a loving Valentine's Day weekend!

Dave
Staff are excited to announce the long-awaited return of our rapid test kit supply!

Although we are still waiting on a large portion of our order to arrive, we have cautiously begun to reschedule businesses with existing appointments, beginning on January 12th. If you have not yet heard from us, please continue to monitor your email as an update will come to you as soon as we have it.

If you are on the waitlist, we will be contacting you once all existing appointments have been fulfilled.

We appreciate your patience and are looking forward to serving our community once again!

If you have any questions, please direct them to olivia@brcc.ca.
2022 Economic Report
Last week, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce released its sixth annual Ontario Economic Report (OER), providing the latest data on Ontario's economy and business confidence, highlighting the unprecedented year that was 2021 and the unpredictability of the year ahead.

This report touches on issues such as:

  • Business Confidence
  • Business Conditions
  • Labour Shortages
  • Policy Priorities
  • Remote Work
  • Technology
  • Employee Health & Wellbeing
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Ontario's Economic Indicators
YNCU x The Chamber of Commerce
Brantford-Brant
Would you consider yourself a personal finance expert? If not, that’s okay — that’s where we come in! 

It can be difficult to navigate what tools, services and advice can effectively grow your wealth and with terms flying around like, GIC, TFSA, APR and FSA. It’s no wonder we’re all a little overwhelmed from time to time.

Let us clear up all of your personal wealth questions.

Join us as we partner with the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant for a free Instagram Live event, where we’ll walk through some of the top tips to build your personal wealth and take control of your finances.
 Building Your Personal Wealth in 2022
When: Thursday, February 17th @ 12:00 pm (EST)
Where: Instagram Live, hosted by @chamber.brantford.brant
At the moment, our traditional live gala event will be reserved for our 2022 Finalists and their families, as well as our sponsors. Please join us for the LIVE STREAM of this event via Facebook and YouTube. If and when we get the go-ahead that we can include more guests, we’ll let our members know. 
Free webinars for you and your workplace.

Mental Health Matters in the Workplace - Wednesday, February 9
Employers can help to support employees’ mental health and reduce burnout in the workplace.

Mental Health Strategies in the Workplace - Tuesday, March 22
Learn more about mental health accommodations and positive approaches to support positive mental health in the workplace.
Business After Hours: Holistic Healing Arts
April 2022 Business After Hours – Tuesday, April 12th, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Hosted by Holistic Healing Arts. Come out and help them celebrate their 30th Anniversary. 
Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
in Brantford-Brant
February is Black History Month. The Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant would like to use this time to highlight all of the amazing black-owned businesses in our community.

If you know of any local black-owned businesses that should be highlighted in a social media campaign, please pass them along to olivia@brcc.ca.

As always, we thank you for supporting our local businesses.
More Provincial and Federal COVID-19 Provide
Supports for Local Business
Upcoming Chamber Events
14th Annual MP/MPP Breakfast - February 25th, 2022
Join us to hear from MP Larry Brock and MPP Will Bouma who will speak on issues of concern to the business community of Brantford-Brant. Register here.

Annual General Meeting and Presidents' Event - March 29th, 2022
Come help us celebrate past president Ken McNaughton. Register here.

Standby for additional details regarding Covid-19 protocols.
Additional COVID-19 Resources
Recovery Activation Program helping local businesses go digital. Click here to learn more and apply
PD27 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy Self-identification Form for Employers. Click here
Government of Canada Covid-19 Alert App: click here to download
Support for your business from the Government of Canada. Click here to find out which supports best fit your business
Support for Individuals from the Government of Canada. Click here to find out which supports best fit your business
Business Resilience Service phoneline: call 1-866-989-1080 to connect with a business advisor from the accounting profession. The service is available 7 days/week from 8 am – 8 pm ET
Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA); This $55 billion program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits. Click here to apply
Develop your Workplace Safety Plan with tools from the Government of Ontario here.
For the most up-to-date provincial & federal programs, take a look at our website.
Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant
519.753.2617