Vol. 11 Issue 2, November 12, 2020
Hamilton's Labour Market Connection
Your weekly news & updates from WPH!
In this week's edition: Hamilton recognized internationally as FTZ; Digital Mainstreet $2,500 for HamOnt small businesses; Top 10 WorkRestart & Recovery: COVID-19 in Hamilton Report; Who's Hiring in Hamilton?; Hamilton LMI September, 2020
Hamilton Internationally Recognized as a FTZ
Foreign Trade Zone

On Tuesday, the Government of Canada identified the City of Hamilton as a federally designated Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) point in collaboration with the Hamilton Oshawa Port Authority and the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. Hamilton's FTZ aims to help businesses expand to international markets through tax and duty relief programs, tariff exemptions, and more. Invest in Hamilton have put together a great source of information and overview, Incentive Programs, Resources and Brochures.
$2,500 Digital Transformation Grant for #HamOnt Small Businesses

ONLY 3 WEEKS LEFT! Application deadline is November 30th.

Do not miss out on your chance to receive $2,500 in Federal funding to grow your business' digital presence. Now is the time - more than ever- to make sure customers can find your products/services online. It only takes 2.5 hours to complete the Digital Transformation Grant online training program!

The Digital Transformation Grant is open to Hamilton small businesses who meet the eligibility requirements listed here.
The $2,500 grant can be spent on digital tools/services such as:

  • Hiring a consultant/agency/person to execute Digital Marketing initiatives
  • Website development or redevelopment
  • Adding an online store to your website
  • Social media & Google ads
  • Hiring a photographer or videographer
  • POS hardware/software
  • Hardware: Laptop, tablet, iPad, camera equipment etc. (must be deemed necessary)
  • Graphic Design & Productivity Software
  • Software for email marketing & automated emailing system
  • Social media scheduling software

  1. Complete your business profile here.
  2. Finish the online video training about free/easy-to-use digital tools and actionable advice to improve your business (2.5 hours)
  3. Fill out your Digital Transformation Plan explaining how you plan on spending the $2,500 grant
Top 10 Workplace Trends for 2021

There's no question that our work lives have been more disrupted than ever before due to Covid-19 and that its impact has accelerated most of the trends that were already occurring in our work culture. Work and life are blended together now more than anytime in world history because of remote working’s impact, making these trends have bigger implications than in the past.

Restart & Recovery: COVID-19 in Hamilton Report

Last week, WPH released our report on how Hamilton employers were fairing through the lockdowns, closures, and the impact the COVID-19 pandemic was having on their businesses. If you missed it be sure to check out the report below.
Who's Hiring in Hamilton During COVID-19?

New job board provides opportunities for businesses and job seekers
With support from the city’s Economic Development Office we are sharing a new platform for Hamilton businesses and their local employment needs. During these unprecedented times there is a desire for real-time information on job opportunities across many sectors in our city.

Hamilton Labour Force Information:
September 2020

The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Hamilton, Hamilton Economic Development, and the Flamborough and Stoney Creek Chambers of Commerce, are closely monitoring and assessing new developments pertaining to COVID-19, as well as its impacts on Hamilton business.

Workforce Planning Hamilton | 905-521-5777| info@workforceplanninghamilton.ca | www.workforceplanninghamilton.ca