Daily COVID-19 Update: June 1, 2020
Featured Video:
2020 Property Tax Presentation PDF
Supports for Business
Now Accepting Applications: CBRN Small Business Relief Fund
Applications are now open for the Canadian Business Resilience Network Small Business Relief Fund! The Candian Chamber of Commerce is offering grants to Canadian small businesses that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to help them recover and support their resilience. These grants are made possible through the generosity of Salesforce and will be offered as a one-time payment of $10,000 to 62 businesses across the country. Applications are being accepted until Friday, June 12, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Learn more and apply here
Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Food, Farming, and Forestry Challenge
Government is funding Emissions Reduction Alberta’s Food, Farming, and Forestry Challenge through the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) Fund. Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) is calling for proposals for the challenge, which will accelerate innovation in support of long-term competitiveness and stimulate growth in the critically important agriculture, agri-food and forestry sectors. A total of $40 million will come from the TIER Fund—a key part of Alberta’s climate response, funded by industry—¬to support the challenge.
The application deadline is Aug. 27, at 5 p.m. MT. Visit eralberta.ca for more information and eligibility criteria, or to sign up for an informational webinar to be held on June 29.
Rent Relief for Eligible Tenants in National Parks, Historic Sites, and Marine Conservation Areas
On May 25, the Canadian Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program opened for applications to provide rent relief to small businesses that had been forced to close or had lost a significant portion of their revenue due to COVID-19. Businesses that are renters in Parks Canada places are not eligible for the CECRA program because they, or in some cases their landlord, are on federal lands renting from a federal agency.
Parks Canada will be contacting all holders of commercial leases and licences of occupation in national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas to provide details on this additional relief being provided by the government. Information will also be made available soon on the Parks Canada website. More information
Targeted Support for the Tourism Industry
The government announced $3.45 million to bolster recovery efforts for Western Canada’s tourism areas. This funding is the result of the close collaboration between WD and tourism organizations and businesses across Western Canada to identify gaps and key areas needing additional support. The funds will support keystone assets and regionally-based tourism associations that provide services to small- and medium-sized enterprises.
The Worker's Compensation Board is going paperless
Employers can access the EFT Payments Report in myWCB. Workers can access payment information through the myWCBapp or myWCB.
Supports for Individuals
Expanded Testing for COVID-19
Testing is now available to all Albertans, whether they have COVID-19 symptoms or not. Expanded testing will provide data to further understand the impacts of moving to the next stage of Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy and help the government understand where there might be undetected positive cases and prevent further spread of the virus. More testing information is available online.
Rent Dispute Resolution Now Available for Mobile Home Sites
Effective June 1, the government’s Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) will accept applications from mobile home site tenants and landlords for urgent issues related to site possession and termination of tenancy. Under the Mobile Home Sites Tenancies Amendment Act, mobile home site tenants and landlords can access the RTDRS – a faster, less formal and less expensive alternative to the court system that helps resolve tenancy disputes for Albertans renting residential properties. More information
Community Supports and Resources
Accelerated Funding to Municipalities
The federal government announced that funding delivered through the federal Gas Tax Fund will be accelerated this year to help communities as quickly as possible while respecting public health guidelines.
This means that $2.2 billion in annual federal infrastructure funding for communities will be delivered in one payment in June. Early delivery of the full funding for 2020-21 will help communities quickly move forward with infrastructure projects.
Expanded mental health supports for Albertans
A $21.6-million investment is expanding online resources and virtual supports for Albertans who are seeking help for mental health and addiction challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This funding is the first portion of the $53-million COVID-19 mental health action plan announced in April, aimed at helping Albertans access the resources they require, when and where they need them. Funding will enhance mental health and addiction supports, both online and in the community, through international, national and local organizations. More information
Funding For the Social and Economic Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
The government has announced financial support of up to $6.4 million over three years for up to 16 organizations across Canada through the disability component of the Social Development Partnerships Program (SDPP-D). This funding will support partnerships between disability stakeholders and the federally regulated private sector and help to develop best practice tools and resources in the areas of accessible workplaces, accessible service design and delivery, and communication.
Outdoor sports guidance available
While many sports activities remain prohibited during stage one of relaunch, some are being allowed with appropriate safety measures. Information has been posted online to offer guidance on which sports are permitted, along with ways to limit risks. Local restrictions may also be in place in addition to provincial public health orders.
Advocacy
Commentary: Collapse In Sentiment Across The OECD As 95% Of Surveyed Businesses Report Weak Business Climate
This year’s survey came as a stark wake-up call to the deep economic pain being felt across the globe due to COVID-19. The headline number that stood out was the precipitous decline in perceptions of the current business climate. Whereas in 2019 only 16% of the Business at OECD global network felt a weak business climate, this number was 95% in 2020. Concerning too is the squeeze being felt on both the demand side (i.e. consumers and businesses asking for goods and services) and the supply side (i.e. businesses’ ability to produce and supply those goods and services). Read more.
Commentary: An Entrepreneur’s Perspective, With Susanna Cluff-Clyburne And David Downey
Susanna Cluff-Clyburne, our Senior Director of Parliamentary Affairs, is joined by David Downey, CEO of ArcoInfo Canada, to discuss the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on small business, how his business is working to overcome it and the effectiveness of the government’s response to date. Watch Now
Senate National Finance Committee To Meet Tuesday
On Tuesday, June 2, the Senate National Finance Committee will meet virtually and hear from several panels, including experts from many business groups, as the committee studies the government’s financial response to COVID-19. Experts include the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the Quebec Employers Council, the National Airlines Council of Canada, the Canadian Trucking Alliance, the Northern Air Transport Association, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, the Fisheries Council of Canada, the Union des producteurs agricoles, the Canadian Credit Union Association, and the Canadian Bankers Association. Watch on June 2
Featured Webinars
Being Human Services presents Personality Dimensions Sales and Customer Service
Personality Dimensions® Sales and Customer Service can help any organization design effective sales and marketing campaigns, and customer service programs that recognize and accommodate the diverse preferences and communication styles of customers and advertisements that better target their customers. Register for Free.
Arlene Dickinson: Reinvention On the Elevate Main Stage
In this episode of Elevate Live, Arlene Dickinson, Former Dragon on CBC’s hit show Dragon’s Den & President and CEO of Venture Communications, will distill a lifetime of experience to reveal her blueprint for locating your sense of purpose, realistically evaluating your strengths, and assessing opportunities outside your comfort zone. Whether you have a big career dream to achieve, or you need to rebuild after a personal setback, applying business principles to your personal life will help you figure out how to achieve your goals. By following the process she’s always used to transform underperforming companies, Arlene will share practical tips to help you chart a bold new path and plan for your reinvention. Register now.
Build Your Online Presence, With Facebook
Join us on Wednesday, June 3 at 1:00 p.m. ET to learn how to build your business's online presence with a Facebook Business Page and find out about the free Facebook tools to jumpstart your business online. We'll cover everything from building your Facebook business page to communicating with your customers and managing and measuring your page. Register now.
Cybersecurity, With Field Effect
Join us and Field Effect on Thursday June 4 at 11:30 a.m. ET to learn what precautions you need to take to protect you and your organization from an increase in cyber threats during this unprecedented time. Register now.
Resiliency - Challenges Across Generations
A panel of distinguished family businesses will share the history of their enterprises, the challenges faced, and the will to endure. This panel is hosted in conjunction with the Family Business Alliance, an international association of university-affiliated family business centers. June 4 1:30-3:00 PM MST. Register now.
2020 Digital LGBT+ Business Summit
In spite of ongoing uncertainty and the immediate impact of the current economic reality, LGBT+ business leaders are forging ahead – breaking new ground, innovating, expanding businesses and strengthening our communities. This year, through the power of connection, Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce will be bringing together diverse business owners, corporate leaders, professionals, young entrepreneurs, government and academia for a free five-day live digital experience starting June 8. Register now.
Webinar | Getting Creative With Your Mobile Phone, With Facebook
Join us on June 9 at 11:00 p.m. MST to learn how to plan and create content using your mobile phone. We'll share tools, tips and creative apps that can help you create high quality content for your customers and followers. Register now
New Resources
Business Families Foundation Free Online Offerings
During these unprecedented times, the Business Families Foundation has offered a selection of online content free to family enterprises and their advisors. View the resources here.
Complimentary COVID-19 safety certification for construction
As provinces across Canada move to reopen the economy, infection control has become a priority for all businesses. But for those in construction, this can be especially challenging – with multiple contractors, trades and sub-trades often working on site at the same time, a well-designed infection control protocol becomes even more critical for the health and safety of your workers.
To help you better understand COVID-19 and worksite infection control best practices, the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has partnered with Northbridge Insurance and VOHS Consulting Group, experts in occupational health and safety, to provide risk management training designed for the construction industry. Register now.
Canada Post’s Think Small Support Program
Through Canada Post’s Think Small support program, SMEs can now benefit from a quick, easy and cost-effective way to promote their business to the local community through two offers in direct mailing.
Shared Mailing is an option that allows businesses to group together and promote their business in a booklet that includes advertisements from other small businesses. This offer can reach up to 30,000 addresses in the business area,
The second option is Solo Mailing. This program makes the business stand out with a standalone postcard through Canada Post Neighbourhood Mail™. This offer can reach up to 6,000 addresses in a targeted area with the full cost of postage covered by Canada Post – valued at up to $1,000.
Both of these programs are available until August 31, 2020.
Win up to $25,000 - Applications now open for the Canadian Export Challenge (CXC)
Get your pitches ready! This year, CXC is accepting applications through online video submissions. Entrepreneurs will be pitching to win $5,000 (scale-up category), $2,500 (startup category), and a chance to win up to $25,000 and up to an additional $100,000 in in-kind scaling support at the Finale in October. Apply Now.
Google for Startups Accelerator Canada
The Google for Startups Accelerator Canada is going virtual! Committed to supporting startups across the country, Google has transformed their program so that they can offer the best of Google's products, people and technology through a virtual experience. Their first cohort will run from September 8 through to November 27, and applications are open until June 30. Learn more.
New offer from ebay
Register as a new Canadian business seller between May 31st, 2020 and August 22nd, 2020 and receive an all-in-one online business solution to get more out of the eBay marketplace and millions of buyers. All new businesses who join the eBay seller community through this offer will receive:
- A free Basic eBay Store for 90 days. Learn more about stores.
- No selling fees through August 31 (up to 500 sales)
- $35 coupon for eBay Branded Shipping supplies
- Powerful selling tools and insights
- Access to eBay's 180+ million buyers
Go Global with the Magnet Export Business Portal
Startup Canada is proud to partner with the Magnet Export Business Portal to help entrepreneurs navigate and identify relevant business growth and funding programs, export expertise, events, trade missions and government resources on a single platform.
Entrepreneurs can build their profile on Startup Canada’s Portal to receive curated opportunities from providers like the Government of Ontario, Global Affairs Canada, EDC and BDC. Best of all, it’s free for entrepreneurs to create an account! It only takes two minutes to sign up – activate your account today!
#YXH2Gether
Share your stories and resources with us and on the YXH Business Support Group and connect with us for any questions you have.
Recognize your heroes by using the hashtag #YXHheroes.
Honour your everyday heroes through the Alberta Northern Lights Volunteer Awards program. Nominations can be submitted online.
“You don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward. Just take the next step.” Anonymous
For more resources visit our COVID-19 page
On Demand Webinars
Alberta Bits & Pieces Webinar. Watch Now.
Canadian Business Resilience Network Video Content
13 Ways COVID-19 and Your Business Part 1: Watch Now.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) Explained: Watch Now.
Conflict Escalation & What to Do About It. Watch Now.
Crowdfunding through COVID-19. Watch Now.
Destination Canada: The Visitor Economy: Watch Now.
BDC Economic Pulse (April 20): Watch Now.
How to cope with the impacts of COVID-19 on your business. Watch Now.
How to Navigate Government Programs with KPMG. Watch Now.
The Importance of Human Resources & Being Strategic When Your Business is Being Temporarily Impacted. Watch Now.
Keeping Your Company and Employees Secure When Working Remotely. Watch Now.
Leading During a Crisis and Switching to Remote Work. Watch Now.
Maintaining Sales in the face of COVID-19. Watch Now.
Relaunching Your Business. Watch now.
Rent Relief in a World of the Coronavirus: Watch Now.
Shopify E-Commerce Tools. Watch Now.
Social Media in Crisis. Watch Now.
Strategies for How Businesses Can Persevere And Recover From COVID-19. Watch Now.
Understanding, Accessing and Optimizing the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Watch Now.
What To Feel When Stressors Collide, With Canada Life. Watch Now.
Working From Home During COVID-19. Watch Now.
Webinar Series
AMHSA, CSSE, Howatt HR, AUMA Mental Health Webinar Series. Click here.
APEX Alberta Webinars: Watch the recorded series
BDC Webinar Series. Click here.
BusinessLink: View upcoming events.
Buyandsell.gc.ca: Learn how to find bid opportunities. Register now.
Calgary Chamber of Commerce. Watch Now.
CPA Small Business Webinar Series. Click here.
CPHR Alberta: HR Pandemic Essentials. Click here.
Conference Board of Canada Webinar Series: Mental Health and COVID-19. Click here.
Constant Contact Webinar Series: View the line up of sessions and register.
D2L Webinar Series: Digital Transformation for Associations. Watch Now.
Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) Wednesday weekly: Business & Economic Recovery During the COVID-19 Crisis
Free Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)® IDS™ sessions. Register here.
International Economic Development Council Webinar series. Watch now.
Retail Council of Canada
StartUp Canada Women Entrepreneur Webinar Series: Click here.
Travel Alberta Webinar Series. Watch Now.
Upcoming Webinars
June 2: Planning For Recovery: How To Restart Your Business In The Wake Of COVID-19. Register here.
June 3: APEX Alberta: Personality Dimensions – Sales and Customer Service. Register here.
June 3: Build Your Online Presence, With Facebook. Register here.
June 3: BBB Financial Options for Small Businesses. Register here.
June 3: Destination Canada – COVID-19 Research Webinar. Join here at 1:00.
June 3: The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Maintaining Sales During COVID-19. Register now.
June 4: Essential Business Service Cyber Security Webinar with Field Effect. Register here.
June 4: Travel Alberta - How to Use Your Story to Connect Deeply with Your Partners. Register here.
June 4: Cash Flow Management in Times of Uncertainty Webinar. Register here.
June 8: Social media marketing essentials for small business. Register now.
June 9: Getting Creative With Your Mobile Phone, With Facebook. Register now.
June 9: Getting started with email marketing to grow your small business. Register now.
June 10: Post-COVID Employee Benefits. Register here.
June 10: Bow Valley College - Intermediate Facebook marketing. Register now.
June 15: Getting found online - tools/tactics to help your website show up higher in search engines. Register now.
June 15: How to adapt your business to thrive in the new normal. Register now.
June 16: Google Ads – what you need to know to start driving traffic to your website. Register now.
June 17: APEX Alberta: Everything DiSC Productive Conflict. Register here.
June 24: How to Build an Effective Advertising Strategy. Register now.
Don’t forget Joe Social Media – Free Social Media training from May 1 – June 30 (times vary). Register here. Use promocode: Resilience
Check out more events on our Pandemic Training Calendar