Western Chamber E-News
St. Patrick's Day Greetings
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Dear Members,
Wishing you all a pot of gold, and all the joy your heart can hold!
They say "difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations". Spring is just around the corner and that means our beautiful Island summer is too!
Let us be grateful for the beautiful Island we live on and the people in our business communities that continue to work throughout this pandemic. Many businesses have endured rough times and others have thrived. Take the time you need to look after yourself and be mindful of those that continue to experience hardship.
Some of the Provincial Budget 2021-2022 Highlights include:
- Reduction of the small business tax to 1%(PEI now has the lowest rate and most competitive rate in Atlantic Canada)
- Increase of the Basic Personal Amount to $11,250 (putting more money in the pockets of our low-income workers)
- Tourism Activation Fund non-repayable grant to assist with reopening costs
- Introduction of $25 per day childcare program in supporting Island families and reducing the financial barriers for parents looking to access the workforce or training.
- A $1 million micro-loan program to provide Islanders who identify as BIPOC, indigenous, women, and 2SLBGTQIA+ individuals and youth with financing to start a new business venture or support an existing one.
- New Small Business Assistance Grant will help small business owners and entrepreneurs access professional services and advice in finance, marketing, quality control, and production efficiencies to support their success. Applicants will receive a 50% reimbursement of up to $4,000 to provide such services.
- Making permanent the Web Presence Assistance program, which provides small businesses and not-for-profits up to $1,000 to develop and launch a traditional website and up to $2,500 to build and launch an e-commerce site.
- New Innovation Fund to help businesses refine and commercialize innovative products and services and a new Strategic Improvement Fund to help businesses access professional expertise that will help them with operational efficiencies, quality assurance, and capacity building.
To view the 2021-22 provincial operating budget, click here.
The West Prince Chamber of Commerce is encouraged by the investments our government has made for the Provincial Budget 2021-22. We look forward to continued feedback from our members and the business community to work towards filling the gaps and skills many employers face.
Best Regards,
Tammy Rix
West Prince Chamber of Commerce
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PEOPLES'S CHOICE VOTING NOW OPEN |
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We're excited to announce that the 2021 Business Excellence Awards will be taking place on April 23, 2021, and announced virtually.
As part of the prestigious awards, the Chamber will be awarding the People's Choice for Community Impact Award, sponsored by MRSB Group. This award recognizes a for-profit business that has earned an engaged and loyal following and support from the community.
The public is invited to vote for whom they feel is most deserving of this award through an online voting poll that is now open. VOTE NOW! The deadline to vote is Sunday, March 21st. Thank you for taking the time!
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This year we are pleased to have nine (9) Categories for our Business Excellence Awards. Listed below are the categories and the nominees for each.
It won't be an easy task to decide the winners from such an outstanding field of businesses. We look forward to finding out the top two (2) nominees from each category, which will both receive a business profile produced by the West Prince Chamber of Commerce.
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The Jobs for Youth Program, delivered by the Employment Development Agency, offers wage support for employers to create employment opportunities for PEI students.
Non-profit organizations, municipalities, private businesses and some public sector organizations are eligible to apply for funding.
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New Member Bringing B2B Benefits |
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Goliath Security
Goliath Security uses smart technology to make your home or business the safest and most secure in your neighbourhood.
Chamber members enjoy a discount of two months FREE on the monitoring agreement, and 10% discount off the purchase of Security cameras. Contact Mary McRae at 902-726-2410 for a FREE quote today!
Membership fees must be paid and up-to-date in order to use the B2B Program.
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Meet some of our New Members |
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Love Local wants to hear from you!
Consumers who complete the survey will be entered into a draw for a chance to win Canada's Food Island Gift Cards valued at $200!
The survey will be available to complete until March 19th..
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CEWS Deadline March 25th! |
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March 25 deadline approaching for CEWS
claim period 7
Chamber member Grant Thornton wanted to ensure that you are aware of the upcoming application deadline for the CEWS claim period 7 is on March 25, 2021.
After this date, businesses will no longer be able to apply for the CEWS claim period 7 (August 30 - September 26, 2020). With the deadline fast approaching, you will want to make sure you have submitted your claim if you qualify for this period. Grant Thornton can help with your claim.
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Exporting in the Modern Era! |
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Live training event Thursday, March 18, 8:30-10:00 am!
Sales and business development have changed. As exporters of products or services, many of the strategies used to develop new business have been altered as a result of the pandemic. To stay relevant, we must find new ways to adapt. How has your sales process shifted in the last 9 months? Are you concerned you may be falling behind? Innovation PEI, Global Trade Services invites you to join the Sandler team for an interactive 90-minute virtual training workshop on exporting in the modern era. Please register here!
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West Prince Chamber of Commerce
Tammy Rix, CEO
902-726-JOIN (5646)
Tammy@WestPrinceChamber.com
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