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Advocacy Insights

Thought-provoking articles on business advocacy and its impact on Southeast Alberta’s economic landscape.

Business advocacy is more than just representing interests—it’s about shaping policies that propel our entire region forward. Informed, collaborative advocacy is a pillar of a thriving business ecosystem.

Weekly Update: March 19 – 25, 2021

Supports for Business Extension of Canada Emergency Business Account to Help Small Businesses The federal government announced that the deadline for new Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) applications has been extended from March 31 to June 30, 2021. This deadline extension applies to any new applications for CEBA loans of $60,000 or to new applications…

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Weekly Update: February 19 – 25, 2021

Supports for Business Innovation Employment Grant The Innovation Employment Grant opened in January, but is delivered through the corporate tax system and does not follow a formal application process. Eligible corporations will be able to claim the grant when they file their annual corporate tax returns. See How to apply and Additional program details for more information. Temporary Changes…

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Weekly Update: February 12 – 18, 2021

Supports for Business Additional COVID-19 Support for Alberta Small Business Businesses that can demonstrate a revenue reduction of 60 per cent or more will be eligible to receive 15 percent of their monthly revenue, up to a maximum of $10,000 under the Enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit. This benefit is intended to provide additional support in…

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Advocacy in Action

We had the benefit of being part of a number of meetings and presentations during the week of February 8-12 to continue to move our collective objectives forward. This included a presentation on Alberta’s Public Trust in Agriculture, a presentation and Q & A with Restaurants Canada, a meeting and Q & A with Premier…

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What we learned at the Business Town Hall with the Government of Alberta

A province-wide telephone town hall was held on February 3rd hosted by Premier Kenney, Dr. Deena Hinshaw – Chief Medical Officer of Health, Martin Long – Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism and Doug Schweitzer – Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation. This call was specifically held to answer questions from the business community…

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Weekly Update: January 29 – February 4, 2021

Supports for Business Alberta begins Step 1 of plan to ease restrictions Step 1 of Alberta’s four-step framework to ease restrictions is underway as pressure eases on the health system and hospitalizations remain below 600. School-related and limited indoor and outdoor children’s sport and performance activities, one-on-one indoor personal fitness with a trainer, and dine-in…

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Weekly update January 22-28, 2021

Supports for Business Provincial Health Measures Will Ease on Feb. 8 Additional health measures will be eased for restaurants, indoor fitness and some children’s activities, effective Feb. 8. Step 1 of Alberta’s four-step framework to ease restrictions is based on a COVID-19 hospitalization benchmark of 600, including intensive care patients. This benchmark was reached on…

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Weekly Update: December 11-17, 2020

Supports for Business The portal for the expanded Small & Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant is now open Businesses can now start applying for the second round of funding through SME Relaunch grant. This is a grant, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back but it is taxable. The application portal…

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Weekly Update: December 4-10, 2020

Information and Resources for Business New online marketplace launches: ShopYXH.ca APEX Alberta, Community Futures Entre-Corp, Invest Medicine Hat and the Medicine Hat and District Chamber of Commerce are taking the local shopping experience online with a multi-vendor marketplace called Shop YXH, which launched on December 7th, just in time for Christmas. With or without an…

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