COVID-19
Guidance and Resources for BusinessHere’s What Your Chamber is Doing
- We’re continuing to assemble and streamline business-related information and resources as they become available. Get the latest information on the resources, programs and relief strategies being put into place by the federal, provincial and municipal governments below.
- We’re gathering information about the unique needs of our region’s businesses. In April 2020 we launched the first in a series of surveys which will collect essential data for ongoing advocacy efforts and the development of recovery programs tailored to Thunder Bay’s needs.
- We’re in ongoing discussions with our Federal, Provincial and municipal governments to explore measures which will reduce business risk and stimulate business recovery.
- We’ve got masks for our Members. Thanks to a generous donation from Nuclear Waste Management Organization, we’re able to supply small quantities of masks to businesses in need. Learn more.
- We’re keeping you connected. Follow us on Facebook for updates on business resources and upbeat news about what Members are doing to help sustain our community during this difficult time.
Visit the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 pages for more information.
Latest Updates from the Chamber:
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More Chamber Updates
- Province-wide Emergency & Stay At Home Order Effective Thursday, April 8 April 7, 2021
- TBDHU Information on Vaccination of Essential Workers April 7, 2021
- Small Business Support Grant Doubled – Payments Will Be Automatic April 5, 2021
- Province-wide Shutdown begins April 3 April 1, 2021
- Grey-Lockdown Rule Change: Outdoor Fitness and Personal Care Services Permitted March 26, 2021
- Media Release: Ontario Vaccination Support Council Portal: Seeking Volunteers from the Thunder Bay Business Community March 26, 2021
- Ontario Budget Offers More Support for Businesses March 25, 2021
Resources for Business
Federal Supports
- Innovation Canada’s Interactive Business Benefits Finder
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
- Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy
- Canada Emergency Business Account
- Access to Capital
- Regional Relief & Recovery Fund (FedNor)
- Canada Recovery Benefit / Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
- Canada Small Business Financing Program
Visit the Canadian Business Resilience Network for other Federal resources.
Provincial Supports
- *NEW* Ontario Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Network
- NOHFC Northern Ontario Recovery Program
- Ontario Small Business Support Grant
- ShopHERE / Digital Main Street supports
- Property Tax & Energy Cost Rebates
- PPE Support Grant
- Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit
- COVID-19 Colour-Coded Framework
Municipal Supports
- deferral of the May 6th interim tax levy installment to July 8th
- waiving the water penalty for water bills due April 14, May 15 & June 15
- extending payment terms for accounts receivable invoices from 30 days to 90 days
- waiving business-related permit and license fees for 3 months and reducing sign permit fees by 25%.
- waiving all municipal fees, waiving certain zoning restrictions and expediting process for outdoor patios
- reducing interest penalty to 0.5% for tax payment defaults
- rent relief for commercial tenants in City owned buildings
Upcoming COVID19 Events for Business
No events scheduled.
ICYMI:
Recent LIVE Recordings
The pandemic and the impact on working arrangements – Ontario Chamber of Commerce, March 18, 2021
Government support programs and tax planning strategies – Canadian Chamber of Commerce w Grant Thornton LLP, March 9, 2021
What the U.S. Election Outcome Means for Canadian Business – w. Derek H. Burney, OC – Nov 24
Containment Measures
Visit the Canadian Business Resilience Network for info to contain the spread of COVID-19 and prevent a second wave.
- Thunder Bay District Health Unit: COVID-19 and Workplaces
- Thunder Bay District Health Unit: Mandatory Mask Directive
- Ministry of Labour: Using Masks in the Workplace
Useful Info from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services:
- Post Pandemic Resumption Checklist – Businesses Operating Through the Pandemic
- Post Pandemic Resumption Checklist – Businesses Returning to the Workplace after Working Remotely
- Post Pandemic Resumption Checklist – Businesses Returning after Shutdown of Operations
Business Continuity
Visit the Canadian Business Resilience Network for tips to empower your workforce and continue business operations.
Recovery
Visit the Canadian Business Resilience Network and position your business to help drive economic recovery when the crisis passes.
Business Resilience Service Advisors
Toolkits
Restaurants Canada: Reopening Best Practices
Retail Council of Canada: Retail Recovery Playbook
Recovery Readiness: A Guide to Reopening Your Business
Additional Resources
The Recovery Activation Program (RAP) is an immersive online workshop program that connects businesses with industry experts for guidance, mentorship and practical advice about process modernization and end-to-end digital transformation.
It is completely free for businesses and supports firms of any size across Ontario.
Local businesses are essential to our economy and communities. These businesses need our help, now more than ever. So, join and participate in the movement, buy local, and spread the word. Learn more about Canada United.
Chamber Members receive preferential pricing with discounts ranging from 25%-45% on Purolator Express and Purolator Ground suite of courier services. Learn more/ sign up.