SMALL BUSINESS
REINVENT + REBUILD
Announcements
New Government Program Initiatives

Recently, the Federal Government announced their plans to introduce legislation to provide additional support to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19. Below is a summary of the additional support announced:

  • Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) - The new CERS provides simple and easy-to-access rent and mortgage support until June 2021. The rent subsidy would be provided directly to tenants, while also providing support to property owners by supporting businesses, charities, and non-profits that have suffered a revenue drop with a percentage of their expenses being subsidized, on a sliding scale, up to a maximum of 65% of eligible expenses until Dec 19, 2020. Organizations would be able to make claims retroactively for the period that began Sept 27 and ends Oct 24, 2020.
  • Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) - An extension of the CEWS until June 2021, including possible changes to the rates and top-up calculation.
  • Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA) - An extension of the CEBA until Dec 31, 2020.

For a full list of Government COVID-19 Support Initiatives for small businesses, please visit our website.
OUR DIGITAL SERVICE SQUAD IS A FREE RESOURCE TO HELP YOU!
Our Digital Service Squad has been actively helping small businesses in the Community enhance their digital presence and equip themselves with the digital tools required to be more accessible to customers. If you think you may be able to benefit from one of the FREE services below, please book a consultation.
  • Digital Assessment
  • Google My Business
  • Social Media
  • E-commerce
  • Websites
  • Content Management
What if I need more support than the Digital Service Squad can offer?
If you think the scope of your project is a bit big for our Digital Service Squad, then DMS Transformation Teams might be your way to go! The Transformation Teams are built with 5:1 support with students specializing in digital marketing, copywriting, UX/UI design, graphic design and web design. The Teams work in a 2-6 week sprint, depending on the scope of work. And the best part: it's free of charge too! If you are wanting to learn more, please contact [email protected].
Webinars & Workshops
Oct 20 | 10:00 – 12:00pm | Branding 101
Your brand is more than your logo. Learn what it takes to build a strong brand from the inside out, from focusing your customer to finding your unique voice. This is a hands-on workshop. Please be ready for in-class activities and share-out. We’ll be applying theory to your own business. Presented by Invest Ottawa

Oct 20 | 10:00 – 12:00 pm | Creating Compelling Digital Marketing Content
In this webinar attendees will learn what every small business owner must do to create compelling content for their digital marketing strategy that first attracts and then inspires their audience to action. Presented by Mississauga Ec Dev Small Business Centre

Small businesses are some of the most resilient Trailblazers. Those that innovate with new technologies are changing the game and disrupting their industries. Join Michele Romanow, and a panel of Canadian business leaders as they share how they are adapting to change and getting back on the path to growth. Presented by Salesforce

Oct 21 | 10:00 - 11:30 am | Social Media for Beginners
This seminar will help beginners gain valuable information about what social media platform is for you, how to plan you content effectively and some helpful tips and tricks on how to connect with your audience. Presented by the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre

This year we saw the retail industry change overnight with stores across Canada shutting down and reopening under very different circumstances. With the holiday season coming up, Digital Main Street wants to help small businesses prepare for what will be a very different holiday season for retail businesses. Join David Nagy, Founder of eCommerce Canada and Darryl Julott, Managing Lead at Digital Main Street in conversation on what small businesses should expect from the upcoming holiday season. Presented by Digital Main Street

The Digital Transformation Grant provides business with: a digital assessment of their current online presence; guidance; advisory support. Through a partnership with FedDev Ontario and the Province of Ontario, qualifying businesses have the opportunity to apply for a $2,500. In this session you will learn: What is the Digital Transformation Grant Program? What is the application process? Who is eligible? What is the Digital Service Squad and who can access them? Presented by the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre.
Resources & Tools
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Essential Tools for Business
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New measures will help businesses reopen safer, rehire faster and recover from COVID-19. Businesses will be able to apply for the grant later this year. For additional reading regarding Ontario's Main Street Recovery Grant, click here.