Household Gatherings Limited; Masks Now Expected in Indoor Public Spaces |
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A new public health order from Dr. Bonnie Henry now limits gatherings in private households to members of a household plus their 'safe six'. This is a province-wide order that applies to all homes for all occasions.
The Provincial Health Officer also indicated that non-medical masks are now an expectation in all indoor public spaces, as cases continue to rise in the province. As part of this, businesses are asked to review their COVID-19 safety plans with this in mind. For more information on how to build or update your Workplace Safety Plan visit WorkSafeBC.
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Business Development Program for Resilience & Recovery Starts Next Week |
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Does your business need assistance mitigating the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic? We've launched a new program in partnership with the BC Chamber aimed at giving you access to a world class professional business development program and the first cohort begins NEXT WEEK!
The Building Resilience Program will have weekly seminars for 6 weeks through the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business, and will be offered in three cohorts until the end of March 2021. This program will provide you insights into how to adapt your business model, re-engage customers, and adjust workplace cultures to help position you for long-term success. Space is limited. 50% off for Chamber Members!
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New Grant Program Available to Assist in Small & Medium Size Business Recovery |
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The Province of British Columbia is offering a new Small and Medium Size Business Recovery Grant program for businesses that employ between 2 and 149 BC residents and that have experienced declines in revenue since March 10, 2020. Grants of $10,000 to $30,000 are available and an additional $10,000 will be available to eligible tourism-related businesses that have been hit especially hard by COVID-19. We encourage all small and medium size businesses facing COVID-19 challenges to review this opportunity.
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BC Wine Institute Releases Impact of COVID-19 on the Province's Wine Industry |
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A recent industry-wide survey conducted by the BC Wine Institute (BCWI) in collaboration with the BC Grapegrowers’ Association and Leger Marketing, found 83 per cent of wineries and grapegrowers have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. According to key findings from the survey results, one in 10 BC wineries and grapegrowers noted that they are at risk of closing due to COVID-19, with 58 per cent seeing a loss in revenue and 55 per cent having reduced access to customers.
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Exciting Funding News for Small Businesses Announced, Grants Available Soon |
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This week applications became available again for grants under the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund. Created and launched by RBC, Canada United is a national movement to support local businesses in communities across the country.
The $5,000 grant can be used towards purchases that are eligible for reimbursement under the program, such as:
- Purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Renovation of space to adhere to re-opening guidelines
- Enhancement of website / developing e-commerce capabilities
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SW Event Technology Shifts Gears in Light of COVID-19 & Looks to the Future |
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COVID-19 has shifted the way we do business in almost every sense. It has forced businesses to close, pivot, or look at operations from a new perspective. Last week we spoke with Cal McCarthy, President of SW Event Technology here in Kelowna about how their business has shifted during COVID-19, and about new protocols, as well as opportunities that are on the horizon looking forward.
In recent weeks, we partnered with SW Event Technology for our provincial election all candidates forums, and we can't thank Cal and his team enough for their service, dedication, and attention to detail during this time.
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YLW Celebrates Swoop’s Inaugural Flight to Toronto |
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On Sunday, October 25, 2020, Kelowna International Airport (YLW) celebrated the arrival of ultra-low-cost carrier Swoop and its inaugural non-stop flight between YLW and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
This fall and winter Swoop will provide non-stop service from YLW to YYZ four times per week. Flights depart from Kelowna on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays operating with modern Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Service with Swoop is scheduled to operate from October 25, 2020 to April 24, 2021.
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CEBA Now Open to Businesses using Personal Banking Accounts |
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This week, the Federal Government announced that the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) will be available to businesses that have been operating out of a non-business banking account.
To be eligible, businesses must have been operating as a business as of March 1, 2020, must successfully open a business account at a Canadian financial institution that is participating in CEBA, and meet the other existing CEBA eligibility criteria. The deadline to apply for CEBA is December 31, 2020.
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Government of Canada & Alberta Test Pilot Project for International Travel |
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Last week, the Government of Alberta, in partnership with the Government of Canada, announced the launch of a pilot project to deploy an updated COVID-19 testing regimen to reduce the need for a 14-day quarantine period for arriving international travelers. The deployment of rapid testing and an ability to safely resume travel remains a key aspect in economic recovery. The pilot project will begin on November 2 at the Calgary International Airport and the Coutts land border crossing.
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KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org |
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