In a nod to normalcy, watch for planter boxes and hanging flower baskets installed in Bronte in the coming days. BIA members fund the beautification efforts, that also include banners, Canada flags and anchors, through their levy contributions. New garbage cans and public benches provided by the Town will also be installed in June.
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) Opens May 25
Application documents and updated criteria for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses are now available and the program will open for applications May 25. The CECRA for small businesses provides rent relief for those experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. Read more.
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Reopening Your Business in Halton: Webinar series
The Halton Small Business Centre is offering free webinars to make sure your business is ready to reopen safely. To learn more about this series and other webinars visit the Small Business Centre.
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Beware of COVID-19 Related Scams
The Canadian Anti-fraud Agency is reporting hundreds of scams related to COVID-19 as fraudsters take advantage of fear, uncertainty and misinformation. In particular, be aware of spoofed government, health care or research information and unsolicited calls, emails or text requesting urgent action or payment offering financial relief or government compensation. Learn more.
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Curbside Pickup: Tips for Businesses
While curbside pick up accommodation is meant to help businesses get working again, a reminder it must be done in conjunction with ongoing health & safety guidelines. So, no sidewalk sales or promotions that attract large crowds, and customers cannot enter your store to select or exchange goods. The City of Toronto’s CurbTO program has great tips.
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Phase One Recovery for Ontario Began May 19
The Province of Ontario announced Phase 1 of recovery begins Tuesday, May 19 for retailers, seasonal businesses and health and community service providers with outside entrances – only if businesses are ready and able to follow detailed health & safety guidelines. See the newly released Phase 1 Reopening Framework and list of approved businesses. Note: the provincial Declaration of Emergency remains in affect through June 2. Read more.
Posted in News
81% of Businesses See Decrease in Demand
Nearly 81% of Canadian businesses have experienced a medium to high drop in demand for services or products as a result of COVID-19, according to a survey released April 29 on business conditions from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Statistics Canada. With physical distancing measures, 17.5% say they couldn’t open at all, while 22.2% say they could open for no longer than 3 months. Read the full report.
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Take the Oakville Economic Task Force COVID-19 Business Survey
Participate in a short online survey to share your feedback and help inform the Town of Oakville’s priorities and initiatives in support of Oakville’s long-term economic recovery.
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Ontario Reopening Framework Released
On April 30, the Ontario government released workplace safety guidelines to help businesses adapt to the new environment as part of its plans to re-open businesses. It is part of a three-phased A Framework for Reopening Our Province that outlines the criteria Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health will use to advise the government on the loosening of emergency measures.
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