CHAMBER CHAT - Week of May 17
We're on the edge of the May "24" weekend and while we were so HOPING Friday would be a benchmark date that would set us free again, alas, we are still stuck at home. Just two more weeks, they say...

fingers crossed, this time they mean it...

with vaccines rolling out as they should have been weeks ago and numbers finally coming down, we might just meet that axis where vaccination and infection finally intersect and the spread will be contained.

A couple of quick things, we have placed our first order of Rapid Antigen test kits and hope to have them by next Wednesday. We've ordered enough that we should be able to support all those who expressed an interest and if you weren't sure before, but want in now - just go to our website at bellevillechamber.ca/rapidtests. Follow the instructions provided and place your order.

Please note - these tests do NOT replace the current screening survey and if an employee answers "yes" to any of those questions, they should go to the regular testing centre.

BCC Annual General Meeting
Friday, May 28
"tis the season for AGMs! It has been a challenging year, but we are looking forward to reporting on some of our successes and welcoming 42 new members (a key feature of our AGM).
We have also added a number of lunch options if you'd like to
support one of our restaurant members (you have to eat anyway!)
though if you just want to attend for the important stuff,
no purchase is required.

Also just launched this week (softly) is our new M2M digital card!
Check out the details and download yours today!
DIGITAL M2M CARDS NOW AVAILABLE
It is even easier to SAVE just by being a Chamber member.
Digital cards can be downloaded right to your phone.
DID YOU KNOW that M2M offers can be utilized by everyone in your business.
All employees can take advantage of savings like these...
Want to know more about these programs?
Call Lisa at 613-922-4597 or email [email protected]
18+ can now register for their COVID-19 Vaccine.
With millions of doses scheduled to arrive, Ontario extended booking eligibility to all individuals aged 18 and over.
BE PATIENT! Check daily!
New appointments are being added regularly.
Your membership connects you to almost 450 businesses.
Find what you need from people you can trust.
Tourism and Travel Grant Now Open
$10,000 to $20,000 to support eligible
small tourism and travel businesses
This grant will support eligible small tourism and travel businesses that did not receive the Ontario Small Business Support Grant (OSBSG), such as travel agents, hotels, motels, resorts, and bed and breakfasts.

To qualify, businesses must have fewer than 100 employees and demonstrate they have experienced a minimum 20 per cent revenue decline between 2019 and 2020.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS
**Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are directly affected by COVID-19 and are not entitled to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. The CRB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).  If you are eligible for the CRB, you can receive $1,000 ($900 after taxes withheld) for a 2-week period. SEE DETAILS

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19. The CRSB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). SEE DETAILS

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) -  
Extended to September 2021. Period 9 to 14 currently open, - SEE DETAILS

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
Applications have been extended until June 30, 2021-   CEBA DETAILS

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
Extended to September 2021. Periods from September 27 2020 to April 10 2021 currently open  SEE DETAILS


Click on the link below to see ALL the programs
in one place and scroll down to the section titled 'Support for Businesses'
Ontario to provide employees with three paid sick days
REASONS that employees can use this include
  • Getting tested for COVID-19
  • Staying home waiting for results from your test
  • Getting vaccinated and experiencing side effects.
  • Having been advised to self-isolate
CLICK HERE for information on financial supports available through the province.
How do changes in the economy affect Canadian food and beverage manufacturers?
This report from BDC explores their economic insights on the demand for food and beverage products and their expectations this industry will see strong growth throughout 2021 and well into 2025. This could mean interesting growth opportunities.
Trenval and the Small Business Centre are offering a variety of webinars to help your business move forward.
CLICK HERE to check out their calendar.
Find the safety supplies you need for your business.
Check out these local businesses who are working to get you the supplies you need to keep your business open and your employees working safely.

Find everything from masks and gloves to disinfectant wipes and sprays, to
body temperature detection devices.
#bellevillesignwars
THE LOG CABIN IS CURRENTLY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC.
If you need assistance, please call us.
613-962-4597 and leave a message OR call
Jill at 613-847-4090
Lisa at 613-922-4597
Belleville Chamber of Commerce | www.bellevillechamber.ca