Up to date info for the community on Covid-19
The Niagara Economic Rapid Response Team have launched the next COVID-19 Business Impact Survey

This survey will help us assess the economic impact of COVID-19 on Niagara businesses, as well as help us understand what measures are necessary for economic recovery planning and activities going forward.
 
We would greatly appreciate it if you could circulate it to your members. I am also happy to share the results with you once completed. We know that tourism has been disproportionately hard hit by COVID-19 and the results from this survey will help advocate for resource and support for tourism businesses. 
Take The Survey
GNCC Shop Local Page
The Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce has put together a fantastic page to help "Shop Local" in the Niagara Region. Please check it out and help support our local businesses. Also if you would like to list your business please click the link below.
Shop Local Page
Click to Add Your Business
 With states reopening in different phases and with differing requirements, it can be difficult to find updated guidance and ideas on how to navigate various rules and requirements. Designed to provide recommendations on steps to mitigate exposure to COVID-19, ServSafe presents the upcoming webinar:

Reopening Guidance for the Restaurant Industry
June 3, 2020, 12:00PM CST or June 5, 2020, 9:30AM CST
  
Join speakers Larry Lynch and Dr. Ben Chapman for an open dialogue on restaurant reopenings including direction on implementation and best practices for reopening your operation.

Register Now
Get Free Financial And Tax Advice To Help Your Business Recover
 
The Business Resilience Service (BRS) allows you to connect with experienced business advisors from across Canada for guidance on which government relief programs will be most appropriate to support your small- to medium-sized business, not-for-profit or charity on how to respond and reshape amid uncertainty caused by the pandemic. All you need to do is call 1.866.989.1080. Lines are open seven days a week – including on Saturdays and Sundays – from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. Take a few minutes and make the call this weekend.
More Information
Facebook Canada Launches Grant Program And New Supports, Totalling Nearly $3.5 Million For Small Businesses

Small businesses are the pillars of our communities and, right now, they need everyone’s support. Today, Facebook Canada launched a program with nearly $3.5 million in support for small- and medium-sized businesses in the Ottawa-Gatineau, Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal regions. From grants and virtual training to enhanced resources and new product features, this is Facebook Canada's way of giving a hand to those who give our communities so much. The deadline to apply for the grants is Tuesday, June 2. 
Learn More
Read The Statement
Webinar | Planning For Recovery: How To Restart Your Business In The Wake Of COVID-19
Join us June 2 at 12:00 p.m. ET for a live webinar with the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).

BDC’s Chief Economist Pierre Cléroux will give an economic update and speak about the main business trends that will reshape the way we do business and BDC’s Advisory Services Executive Vice President Peter Lawler will discuss what business owners should be doing now as they ramp up operations, along with providing an overview of the financial support programs and resources available.
Register Now
Diane and Joy share their organ transplant story

Both Diane Peirce (right) and Joy McGarrey, pictured with her husband Christopher and son James, are recovering at home, feeling well and enjoying the good weather while they recuperate. (Photos supplied) Last fall, Diane Peirce was suffering...

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Niagara Health preparing to resume scheduled surgical and outpatient services
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  • The Ministry of Finance is seeking public input on the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy program from Canadian employers 
  • TIAC encourages all industry businesses to take the time to fill out the consultation form, and emphasize the industry’s ongoing need for wage support while businesses try to reopen their doors with fewer financial resources this year
Resources for Businesses 

  • MPI has created a coronavirus resource page that pulls together meetings and events info and also links to several other resources helpful to the Business Events portion of our sector
  • The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has begun releasing Global Safety Protocols for reopening with the ‘new normal’ in mind.
  • Go2HR has compiled a comprehensive list of resources for all types of sector businesses related to COVID-19.
  • For operators looking for information on how to prepare to safely reopen their operations in the coming weeks, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has a series of bilingual guidelines available to businesses regarding COVID-19.
  • Google for SMEs has also launched a page dedicated to supporting businesses during COVID-19 including practical steps and free digital skills training.
  • Our partners at Tourism HR Canada have opened their Emerit courses and created a resource hub for sector businesses

Looking Ahead – COVID-19 Recovery

  • Ontario

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Business Community Chat
Next week please join us at 10 am Tuesday for a conference call style chat with fellow members of our Niagara-on-the-lake business community.
This will give you an opportunity to speak with others and share your stories and experiences during this challenging time.

Click below to register for the chat.
Please do so by 9 am on Tuesday morning .

We look forward to chatting with you!
Register
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All of our past newsletters are now on our website for you to enjoy!
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The TD Niagara Jazz Festival presents the 
'LIVEStream.LOVE.JAZZ.Series'
 
This week on Saturday, May 30 from 7:00-8:00 pm:
 
LIVEStream.LOVE.JAZZ.Series #21 with The Vaudevillian
 
Attend this performance on YouTube Live:
LIVEStream.LOVE.JAZZ.Series #21 with The Vaudevillian

Attend this performance on Facebook Live:
https://www.facebook.com/jazzniagara/videos/565925840732042/


New PPE Matchmaking Portal Connects Producers With Businesses In Need

As our economy begins to reopen, many businesses will need to access personal protective equipment (PPE) to help keep their customers and staff safe from COVID-19. Sourcing masks, hand sanitizers and gowns is often challenging, especially for businesses that are new to purchasing this type of equipment, especially with unprecedented global demand for PPE. 

  • RRP Canada is free to use and provides a matchmaking service to ‘connect the dots’ between manufacturers and businesses in need of PPE. PPE products on the Rapid Response Platform include hand sanitizer, surgical masks, N95 masks, surface sanitizer, face shields and gowns.
More Information
Photo by Tony Chisholm