UPDATES & BUSINESS RESOURCES
the latest from your Chamber
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Membership Renewal invoices have been emailed along with a message from the Chamber Board and Staff. Thank you to all who have renewed to date.
Also available in 2021 are new options for payment. If you would like to take advantage of any of the options indicated in the message or if you have any questions about membership please don’t hesitate to respond to this email or call Mark or Jacquie at the office at 250-245-2112. We sincerely thank you for your past support and look forward to working with you to improve the business climate in Ladysmith through economic and business development programs.
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Message from MLA Doug Routley
Important Information on the B.C. Recovery Grant
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I am writing to you today to share some important changes to the B.C. Recovery Grant Program which was originally launched in October. As you may be aware this program provides non-repayable grants to small and medium sized businesses in B.C. who have lost revenue due to the current COVID pandemic. There is a total of $345 million in funding available and the funds are distributed on a first come first serve basis. As of this week approximately 30% of the funding has already be distributed.
I want to ensure that businesses in our community are taking advantage of this program...READ MORE
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Cowichan Circular Economy
Virtual Lunch n' Learn
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As an island community, we import most of our goods and export most of our waste. A circular economy is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. It offers opportunities to strengthen our local, island-based economy. A circular economy is one where:
- We share more than we own, freeing income and sparing resources
- New ideas come to life and inspire other regions
- Products are made and repaired locally
- Economic equality is the new norm
- One’s waste is another’s resource
During the Lunch n’ Learn we will cover the following:
- Circular economy overview
- Examples of local and global businesses operating within the circular economy
- Identify local opportunities to increase economic opportunity and resilience while having a positive impact on the environment
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LEARN THE INS AND OUTS OF FEDERAL FUNDING |
The Nanaimo Chamber invites Ladysmith Chamber Members to join them to learn the ins and outs of Federal funding
As we've moved through the pandemic, various federal funding programs have been developed to assist businesses and individuals.
In this webinar, CRA Liaison Officer, Matthew Hohnsbehn, walks us through various government programs highlighting their benefits and impacts. He'll be joined by MNP Senior Manager, Cara Light, who will provide a perspective from the private sector. Our moderator, Dan Kucherka, CA and Chamber Board Treasurer, will facilitate a question and answer period.
Ensure you're taking full advantage of the programs available, while taking steps to avoid placing yourself or your business in a tax liability position as a result of participating in these benefits programs.
Date and Time
Tuesday Jan 26, 2021
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM PST
Location
Online via Zoom
Fees/Admission
$20 Members (extended to Ladysmith Chamber Members)
$30 Non-Members
EMAIL or call the Ladysmith Chamber at 250-245-2112 to reserve a spot.
Note: Registrants will receive an email with a link to join this webinar prior to January 26th.
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Chamber Member Invitation from Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Business Restart Series: Hon. Perrin Beatty, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
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On January 20th, 2021, President-Elect Joe Biden will be inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States.
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has extended an invitation to Ladysmith Chamber Members to join them that afternoon as Chamber CEO Bruce Williams discusses how the Biden presidency could impact Canada-US relations, and BC in particular, with Canadian Chamber President and CEO Perrin Beatty. Mr. Beatty held several senior Cabinet positions in the Government of Canada including Minister of Revenue, Solicitor General, Minister of National Defence and Secretary of State for External Affairs. Click here for more details.
Business Restart Series - Member Rate $10.00
Business Restart Series - Non-Member $25.00
Wednesday, January 20, 2021 12:00 Noon - 1:00 PM PST
The Non Member rate of $10 has been extended to Ladysmith Chamber Members register as a non-member and then apply the promo code. "Ladysmith"
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Q & A on the Indian Act with Bob Joseph |
Bob Joseph is a member of the Gwawa’enuxw Nation, Gayaxala (Thunderbird) clan, and the founder and president of Indigenous Corporate Training Inc., which offers training on Indigenous relations to government and corporate clients. Based on a viral article, 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act is the essential guide to understanding the legal document and its repercussions on generations of Indigenous Peoples, written by a leading cultural sensitivity trainer.
Space for this event is limited so be sure to register soon. A zoom link will be sent to those registered prior to the event.
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BC Chamber Mindreader
Here's What You Told Us: COVID Impact Survey
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Thank you for participating in the most recent edition of our COVID-19 Impact Survey. This summary report provides the key findings from the fifth survey taken by 615 business leaders from December 3rd to 18th, 2020.
Here's what you told us:
- 73% reported using at least one form of government support program (up from 65% in July).
- 72% of businesses reported decreased sales volumes,
- 35% have laid off employees in the past month, and
- increased operating costs reported by 51% (higher proportion than previous surveys), likely due to costs associated with new restrictions.
Many BC businesses are still feeling a strain because of the pandemic, and further government supports will be needed going into 2021 to help get business on the road to recovery.
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Want to reinvigorate workplace culture and boost your productivity? |
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The BC Chamber has partnered with UVIC’s Gustavson School of Business to offer an online training program that will help businesses mitigate the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic by teaching them how to adapt their business models, re-engage customers, and adjust workplace cultures.
The Building Resilience to Thrive program will feature weekly seminars delivered by award-winning professors Dr. Mark Colgate and Prof. Brian Leacock offered on the following dates:
- COHORT THREE: February 24th to March 31st (11am PST/12pm MST)
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Applications are open for Survive & Recover |
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The program builds strength and resiliency through adversity and prepares organizations for uncertainty in the changing landscape of COVID-19. The 2-month program combines group coaching, individualized support, peer support, financial tools, scenario thinking tools, resources, and timely webinars to develop financial strategies to best prepare for a COVID-19 road to recovery. Survive & Recover helps organizations navigate the day-to-day realities through these changing times and provides support to begin preparing for a recovery phase.
Charities, not for profits and social enterprises are key players in the health and vigor of our communities. From food and shelter; health and wellness; tourism and public services they play a significant role in our communities’ livability and vitality.
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Canada Summer Jobs 2021 – Call for Applications
Program is open until January 29, 2021.
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The annual call for applications for the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program is open until January 29, 2021.
To support employers through a period of economic recovery, they will fund up to 120,000 jobs for youth through CSJ 2021 - an increase of 40,000 jobs compared to last year. In addition, temporary flexibilities will be offered for CSJ 2021 to respond to the needs of employers and youth.
Applicants will be able to seek funding to hire youth between April 26, 2021 and February 26, 2022. While employers are encouraged to offer quality jobs on a full-time basis (35 hours per week), part-time jobs (minimum of 12 hours per week) will also be eligible for funding. This flexibility was introduced to enable hiring of youth outside of the summer period.
Approved employers from the not-for profit sector will still be eligible for a wage subsidy reimbursement of up to 100% of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage. Approved public and private sector employers will be eligible to receive a wage subsidy reimbursement of up to 75% of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage.
For more information:
Call: 1-800-935-5555 (ATS: 1-800-926-9105)
If you are interested in attending an info session, please register here:
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Looking for a way to improve customer experience while adhering to social distancing & capacity protocols? |
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There are only 20 spaces available and will be assigned on first come first serve basis.
If you want to sign up or just have some questions please contact:
Thank you for your ongoing patronage and support of the Chamber
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Keep your Business information current in the Ladysmith-Open for Business Online Directory |
The Directory highlights local businesses that are open, have adjusted hours and any practices they are implementing to keep themselves and their customers safe.
Local Businesses can update their hours & services by clicking on the button below.
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We sincerely hope that you, your families, your employees, coworkers and all around you are safe and healthy in these extraordinary times. The Ladysmith Chamber has worked hard to monitor the many announcements related to federal, provincial and local responses to the Covid-19 pandemic and make information pertinent to business readily available to you on our website, newsletters and Facebook posts. We have also tried our best to monitor how your businesses have adjusted to the current crisis to make this information available to the public through our Facebook page. (If you have not already Liked and Followed our Page, you may need to do so in order to tag us.)
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The Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce is proud to work closely with the BC Chamber and local area Chambers
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33 Roberts Street, PO Box 598 Ladysmith,
BC V9G 1A4 Canada
250-245-2112
Hours: Monday - Friday 10am-4pm
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