December 17, 2020
Together We Can
BUSINESS RESOURCES
Stettler Board of Trade to launch new Chamber Market and other shop local initiatives

Canada Shop Local funds to benefit small and medium businesses
We are pleased to announce that the Stettler Board of Trade has been approved as a recipient of the federal Shop Local Grant funding in the amount of $64,780. The funding will be utilized to assist our local businesses following the COVID-19 pandemic and help rebuild our economy in a time of need.

Across the province, businesses have been struggling with ever-changing needs due to the decreasing oil and gas reliance and the COVID-19 pandemic. Small and medium sized businesses are the backbone of our community, and they have shown tremendous strength and the ability to diversify under unknown conditions. To further assist with the regrowth of local business, the Government of Canada has released funds to local Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade to encourage consumers to continue to shop local.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, community chambers have truly been a lifeline for businesses,” says Ken Kobly, Alberta Chambers of Commerce President and CEO. “As we transition to reopening and recovery, we still have a long road ahead to rebuild our economy. This federal funding will help chambers do what we do best: support local job creators.”

With the approval of the Shop Local projects, the Stettler Regional Board of Trade will implement programs from education to ecommerce, offering additional opportunities of promotion and business success. In partnership with the Alberta Chamber of Commerce, the new Chamber Market initiative will allow consumers the opportunity to shop local when and where they choose while still supporting local business. Contrarily, assisting with growth for those who choose to take part, businesses are afforded the opportunity to increase their customer potential outside the Stettler area resulting in a prospective increase of consumer sales.

“Many businesses locally are operating with skeletal staff and managers and owners are increasing their workloads just to make it through another day. Our goal is to assist them by not only promoting their local businesses, but to inform them of ways they can confidently promote themselves with ease and improve their business practices.”- Matt, Dorsett, Stettler Board of Trade President

“These initiatives will create stronger communities, support the local workforce, and allow businesses to be competitive in an ever-changing market. It’s a win-win and we are excited for the opportunity.” – Donna Morris, Project Manager “We are greatly appreciative of the funding provided by the federal government and their continued support of our local community.”

The Canada Shop Local funding will assist with programs running through to the end of 2021. For more information, contact Donna Morris, Project Manager.
What source do you rely on to get local information?
Almost Time for the Parade!
The phones have been ringing steady with people looking to participate in the parade or find the perfect spot to watch it. We are so excited to once again be hosting the parade and it seems both participants and spectators share in our enthusiasm.

For the map of the new route and registration packackes click the link:
With the lifting of restrictions, many businesses and organizations are trying to navigate the new normal. While case numbers have decreased, the reality is that COVID-19 is still circulating. We understand this is a worry for many and that is why we are happy to have partnered with the Alberta Chambers of Commerce to be able to provide free rapid testing kits. If you would like information on the program please contact Donna by calling 403-742-3181 or email through link below:
Think Local, Shop Stettler Christmas in July
We are mid way through the promotion and have been out to refill cards at participating businesses. We were happy to see many were in need of more cards which shows that there is a lot of participation in the promotion. A reminder to all participating businesses that you will each get to draw a finalist from your entries. We ask that this be done with photos, video, and social media to further promote your business as a partner in the promotion. Finalist names will be shared to the Stettler Board of Trade no later than 12:00pm and a winner will be chosen at random from the submitted finalists no later than 4:00pm same day.
 For more details visit www.shopstettler.ca or
email Donna Morris dmorris@stettlerboardoftrade.com
Jobs and Growth Fund in Western Canada
The Jobs and Growth Fund provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth. The Fund, delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), provides $700 million nationally over 3 years, which includes up to $70 million dedicated to businesses created after January 2020 that meet eligibility criteria.

In the West, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is investing $217 million to help job creators and the organizations that support them to future-proof their businesses, build resiliency and prepare for growth by transitioning to a green economy, fostering an inclusive recovery, enhancing competitiveness and creating jobs in every corner of the country.
Find out more by visiting the link below:
Learning and Development Opportunities
Emergency Preparedness Program: Protect Your Business from the Unexpected
Date: Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Disasters can strike a business at any time. They can be acute, like a fire, or chronic, like the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure that the effects of any disaster on your business are mitigated it is very helpful to have a continuity plan.
Attend this session to hear about how impactful disasters can be, and to hear about how our program and tools can help you be prepared.
Presented By Business Link. Register for free today!
Community
Business to Business
By having a Town of Stettler Business License you are already a member of the
Stettler Board of Trade!
 You are eligible to utilize benefits available through the Alberta Chambers of Commerce as well as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. 

Visit the link below to find out what benefits are available!
Businesses can submit their sales and specials (lunch specials, happy hours specials, product or services specials, etc) will go on our website, app, special media and go on our screens for the day of publish.
 It is easy, free advertising.