June 2nd, 2020
COVID-19
BUSINESS SUPPORTS AND RESOURCES
The City of Spruce Grove cares about you and your business. The City's Economic & Business Development Department continues to keep you informed about ongoing developments of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the City of Spruce Grove is operating a little differently, we remain committed to providing our businesses and residents the best service possible .
We make every effort to continuously update the COVID-19 Resource Page on our Economic & Business Development website to ensure that each resource is kept current. To support businesses and employees through this difficult time, we continue to provide access to information on important resources, making it as easy as possible for you to secure the help you need.
BUSINESS SUPPORTS AND RESOURCES

As of May 14th, Stage One from Alberta's Relaunch Strategy has been launched. The launch of the first stage has allowed certain businesses to reopen and operate to serve customers, while continuing to practice proper hygiene, sanitation and infection prevention as per Alberta Health Service's requirements.

➡ Outdoor/Sidewalk Patio Information and Criteria for Restaurants in Spruce Grove - The City of Spruce Grove developed criteria in regards to outdoor/sidewalk patios on public property (including parking spaces), as well as criteria for outdoor/sidewalk patios on private property in order for cafes and restaurants to safely re-open at a 50% seating capacity where physical distancing and hygiene protocols are being followed.

➡ Feds Expanding COVID-19 Loan Eligibility, Procuring more PPE as Reopening Underway - The Government of Canada has made changes to the $40,000 small business loan program. Businesses with less than $20,000 in payroll are now eligible to qualify. As a result, more small businesses will have access to the help that they need in order to reopen and purchase personal protection equipment (PPE), such as face shields, sanitary equipment, etc. The loan amount remains at $40,000, and if this amount is paid back by the end of 2022, the government will forgive $10,000.

➡ Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) - Funding Requests over $40,000 - The Government of Canada wants to ensure that small businesses are able to have access to the capital that they need in order to see them through the current challenges as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition, the Western Economic Diversification Canada will provide eligible businesses with interest-free repayable funding of up to $1,000,000 under the RRRF.

➡ COVID-19: CECRA for Small Businesses - The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation supports small businesses by providing relief to those experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. It offers unsecured and forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners to help reduce the rent owed by their impacted small business tenants, while meeting operating expenses on commercial properties. The business application portal has been open since May 26th, 2020 at 8:00 AM EST.
ALBERTA BIZ CONNECT
The Government of Alberta developed Alberta Biz Connect to help businesses learn about operational protocols as they begin to reopen during Stage One of Alberta's Relaunch Strategy, while keeping staff and customers safe.

The resource includes a red tape reduction submission form to help share ideas on modernizing regulations and reducing red tape, especially for businesses, as they respond to COVID-19.
SPRUCE GROVE'S TEMPORARY BUSINESS SIGNAGE CRITERIA
The City of Spruce Grove will allow select temporary signage on City boulevards and business premises until August 30th, 2020. Business owners will be required to notify the City's Planning and Development department in advance, while outlining how long the temporary sign will be displayed for.
SPRUCE GROVE'S SUPPORT LOCAL CAMPAIGN
The City of Spruce Grove has officially launched our Support Local campaign . As a community, it is important that we continue to shop locally and support the businesses surrounding us during these challenging, yet recovering times. Look for these messages on the Highway 16A digital billboards.
CHAMBER OPEN FOR BUSINESS DIRECTORY
The Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce has partnered with GetintheLoop to showcase businesses within the region that continue to operate and serve their customers.

To learn more about this program, please contact the Greater Parkland Chamber at [email protected] or contact Myles Ethier from GetintheLoop at [email protected] .
We will continue to frequently update our Economic & Business Development website at InvestSpruceGrove.ca as more information becomes available. If you have any questions, please e-mail a team member at [email protected] .

Thank you for your engagement.
Together, we all play an important role in keeping our business community healthy and safe.

From our team to yours,
Dave , Karla , Jamie-Lynn , & Anika
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