The New Year is the perfect occasion to appreciate all the good things that the past has given us and to look forward to all the new experiences that have yet to come.

In the past year, we have all seen beautiful moments despite the challenges of 2020, and they wouldn’t have been the same without all the special people in our lives.

Cheers to the successes we have enjoyed, and the failures we have learnt from. Cheers to those who helped make 2020 what it was, and for those who will make 2021 even better.

Every end marks a new beginning. Keep your spirits and determination unshaken, and you shall always walk the road of glory. With courage, faith and great effort, you shall achieve everything you desire.

We wish you a Happy New Year from the board and staff at the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce.
Support for Business
To assist small and mid-sized businesses survival during this ongoing health crisis, the province is expanding and increasing the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch GrantThe government is lowering the revenue loss threshold to 30% (from the original 50%), and all eligible businesses in the province will also be able to apply for a second grant payment. 
 
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) was changed in November to extend the subsidy to June 2021 with details for claim periods beginning after December 19, 2020 still to be confirmed.
 
The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) was more recently announced and applications are now open. This is an improved program to the previous Canada Emergency Rent Assistance program. 
 
The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) is available through financial institutions and provides interest-free loans of up to $60,000, increased from the previous $40,000. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 33 percent (up to $20,000) to help small businesses and not-for-profits with their operating costs.
 
There are also programs to support employees impacted directly by Covid-19 including Employment Insurance, the Canada Recovery Benefit, Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit, and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit.
 
Businesses can now start applying for the second round of funding through SME Relaunch grant. This is a grant, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back but it is taxable. 
 
Canada Summer Jobs 2021 The annual call for applications for the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program will launch on December 21, 2020, and will remain open until January 29, 2021. Applicants will be able to seek funding to hire youth between April 26, 2021 and February 26, 2022. 
 
Employees who worked from home more than 50% of the time over a period of a least four consecutive weeks in 2020 due to COVID-19 will now be eligible to claim the home office expenses deduction for 2020. To learn more about the tax reform we need, visit www.ThinkGrowth.ca.
 
Energy Savings for Business Program is a program that will help accelerate the uptake of commercially available energy efficiency technologies, leading to operational efficiencies and cost reductions for small and medium-sized industrial and commercial facilities. 
 
When this program launches, companies can receive a grant of up to 20% toward qualifying research and development expenditures.
Your Q & A Connection with MNP
Join us for a virtual opportunity to connect with accounting professionals on how to navigate government subsidies pertaining to COVID-19.

During this event, MNP LLP representatives will review information on the revised government subsidies for businesses, including the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS), Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), and other provincial and federal programs. Topics covered during this event include eligibility requirements, how subsidies are calculated, and the application process, periods, dates and deadlines.

Please submit your advanced questions in the "comments" section when registering to attend this FREE event for members.  In addition to submitting your advanced questions, there will be a brief opportunity for attendees to ask live questions upon the conclusion of MNP LLP's formal presentation.
Support for Individuals
Rapid testing will be expanded across the province to reach Albertans in homeless shelters, long-term care facilities, and remote rural communities, started Dec. 18. Read more.
 
People will receive their Climate Action Incentive when they file their 2020 personal income tax returns. A family of four will receive $981 in Alberta. Families in rural and small communities receive an extra 10 per cent. Full details on payment amounts for individuals and families in 2021 are specified in the backgrounder related to the news release.
Community Links
FREE Counseling Sessions
We know these can be challenging times in our community, but you are not alone!

During this time of uncertainty, Community Links is offering FREE COUNSELLING SESSIONS.

Call-in Counselling services available from:
Monday, January 4, 2021 to Friday, January 8, 2021

Please call them at 403-945-3900 or 1-866-945-3905 between 10:00 am - 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.

If you need to talk to someone, they are here for you!
Community Resources
As part of the City of Airdrie's COVID-19 response, they have compiled a summary of key social programs and services that are currently being offered.
Things That Are Open
Things that are Open is available to you as a free marketing platform supported by the City of Airdrie.
Let the public know that you’re open for business, you’re adapting, and that your business is following COVID-19 guidelines by adding your business or updating your listing. Showcase how your business is serving patrons through this challenging time – via pickup, delivery, online shopping, e-cards or in-person. Sign up for free here. If your business is already on the list, be sure to update your listing.
Online Webinars

Revamping Your Website

Thursday, January 14, 2021

Click here for more information & to register.
Business Insurance 101 - Supporting Businesses during the Pandemic

Friday, January 15, 2021

Click here for more information & to register.
Reimagining the Customer Experience(during and after COVID - 19)

Thursday, January 21, 20221

Click here for more information & to register.
Meet Our New Members!

Calgary Pizza Unlimited
Calgary Pizza Unlimited Inc.
(403) 945-1131
HazPro Restoration
(403) 617-1645
Massage Addict Airdrie
(587) 254-8822
Rose Gold Body Piercing Ltd 
(587) 775-3858
New Member Spotlight
VINCOVI is a local company that’s passionate about helping communities and businesses solve technology problems. They provide their clients with the expertise and reliability of enterprise IT with exceptional and personal service – for an affordable price. They are a Managed IT Service provider that brings an enterprise technology experience to the rural and local market. One way of describing them is a trusted extension of your business managing and taking care of your business technology needs. They specialize in desktop/application support, infrastructure design/management, cloud integration, and IT project delivery. They pride themselves in delivering services that enhance your business, and increase productivity. From technical to strategic, they will work with you to fill the gaps and make your technology effective.
Airdrie their our home and they take pride in supporting and working with local business and the community. Their values focus on relationships, service and producing a win/win outcome. They offer monthly packages for proactive technology health as well as pay as you go support services. VINCOVI also has a free IT assessment package available to all businesses to identify risk and opportunity areas in your technology function.
Give them a call or visit www.vincovi.com to learn more about them. 
Airdrie Chamber of Commerce
102, 150 Edwards Way NW
Airdrie, AB T4B 4B9
403. 948.4412