The province announced today that applications are now being accepted for the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant. The program is for businesses that were ordered to close on Dec. 22 by the Provincial Health Officer. Gyms, fitness studios and event venues along with bars and lounges that don't serve meals are not allowed to operate under current restrictions. The available grants range from $1,000 to $10,000 and can be used for rent, wages, insurance, maintenance and utilities.

Chamber members continue to show leadership as we build resilience in our economy and community.

One of the best things each of us can do is make sure we register for our booster shots.

Greater Victoria has one of the highest rates of fully vaccinated people, thanks in a small part to efforts such as our #ChamberChangemaker campaign.

Show your leadership by rolling up your sleeve and sharing your commitment to getting a booster shot. Make sure to tag The Chamber and we will help you spread the word!

Chamber CEO Bruce Williams received his booster shot over the holidays.

It's clear that housing supply will be key to address affordability issues that are making it difficult for people to start families and grow their careers. Employers in Greater Victoria and across Canada have been calling for solutions to address a skills shortage keeping many organizations from realizing their potential.

On that note, The Chamber applauds recent news that Chard Development is working with BC Housing on a project that will add more than 400 units of affordable housing to the City of Victoria.

The proposal to redevelop the site of the former White Spot and Capital City Centre Hotel on Douglas Street is a great example of innovation led by business. If approved, the project will help people who work in the city afford to live there. It will also include day care — vital for helping parents stay in the workforce — and 90 units of supportive housing to help people overcome challenges that put them at risk of homelessness. Other amenities include a 9,000 square foot plaza, retail and office space and a grocery store.

Find details on how to nominate a deserving local business here.

Last Friday, BC's Provincial Health Officer ordered all employers to have COVID-19 safety plans. Unless you're a new business, you can re-enact the plan you had before the requirement was scaled back in July 2021 to a communicable disease prevention plan.

If you need to create a new plan, WorkSafeBC offers a six-step process to help you develop one.

Who doesn't love a good chart, especially when they remind us that there's a lot to be optimistic about despite our current uncertainty. Stephen Tapp, chief economist with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, put together his insights on Canada's labour force. Data shows that employment recovery exceeded expectations in 2021, though the Omicron wave will undoubtedly drag down the numbers for the next reporting period. "Even before these restrictions, many small businesses were

struggling with rising input costs, labour difficulties and supply chain disruptions," Tapp says.

Once you're done perusing Tapp's charts, you might want to check out Maclean's Chart Week 2022. The national magazine offers a handful of charts showing how Canada's economy is faring in a number of areas.

The pandemic grounded flights across the world and now planes are gradually returning to service. Victoria International Airport is one of only two airports in Canada to not have any financial debt.

In this Chamber Chat, we speak with Victoria Airport Authority CEO Geoff Dickson about how the airport has functioned throughout the pandemic.

Positive Google reviews for your business are a great way to attract new customers and set yourself apart from the competition.

Whether you’re looking to gain more reviews or if looking to use an online review as a testimonial in your Business Awards nomination package, ensuring your reviews reflect your business properly is an integral part of your digital footprint.

Unfortunately, it is very common for businesses that have a Google My Business page to experience an inappropriate review. Depending on the content of the review, you may be able to get it removed.

Check out the following tips from James Gatsi, Chamber Board Member and CEO of CL Web Developers:

If the review is not removed after three days, you can contact Google directly about the issue via their help form.

The first thing you should do is check Google's Prohibited and Restricted Content Policies and see if the content falls under any listed classification. Often businesses experience "Fake" or "Off-topic" reviews, and those reviews would be considered prohibited. By doing the research first to align the review to one of Google's existing policies, before reporting/flagging the review as inappropriate, you've improved the probability of Google removing the content.

Remember your best defense is a good offense. Don't hesitate to ask your good customers to add positive reviews after they've experienced Outstanding Customer Service courtesy of you and your team.

Members can post Coupons and Discounts free of charge here.