Up to date info for the community on Covid-19
May 6th, 2020,

Dear Members, Partners and Community at Large,
 
As we face the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, our thoughts naturally turn to the wellbeing of those most important to us. There is a time to travel and a time to keep close to family and home, and we hope yours remain as safe and secure as possible through this crisis.
 
For our Hotels, Restaurants, Bed & Breakfast, Short Term Rentals, Theatres, Wineries, Retailers and each one of us that belong to the huge tourism industry of NOTL, the safety and security of our residents, guests and staff is always paramount, and never more so than at a time like this.
We believe in the value of tourism, and we look forward to welcoming our guests with open arms when the time is right.
 
Tonight, we are asking you once again to take a survey. “We are hearing that some stakeholders are either being rejected outright by banks and other financial institutions or being required to undergo rigorous and expensive risk assessments. It is imperative that we obtain feedback from stakeholders who are attempting to access these programs immediately so we can provide feedback to government officials”.
Please invest five minutes and take the survey of Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP), this survey is one of the most important that we have asked you to take because it will allow to know which businesses are falling through the cracks and thus make the programs more effective and useful.
 
We are also bringing you the Data available at the CBRN (Canadian Business Resilience Network) from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce; the results of the trans Canadian business survey are there.
 
Be well, stay healthy
 
The Team at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce and Tourism NOTL

BCAP Survey 

As part of our ongoing advocacy efforts on behalf of the travel economy, TIAC is gathering information on how the new Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) is being applied by financial institutions and whether tourism stakeholders are able to access this new support measure.Through the Business Credit Availability Program, Export Development Canada (EDC) is working with financial institutions to guarantee 80% of new operating credit and cash flow term loans of up to $6.25 million to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).This financing support is to be used for operational expenses and is available to both exporting and non-exporting companies.

Through the Business Credit Availability Program, Business Development Canada (BDC) is working with financial institutions to co-lend term loans to SMEs for their operational cash flow requirements. The program offers differing maximum finance amounts based on business revenues. We are hearing that some stakeholders are either being rejected outright by banks and other financial institutions or being required to undergo rigorous and expensive risk assessments. It is imperative that we obtain feedback from stakeholders who are attempting to access these programs immediately so we can provide feedback to government officials.  

We appreciate your time is precious but we also need to be able to provide real-time feedback on how this program is being applied and what the impediments are.
Take the Survey
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New Retail Listing for Curbside Pickup or Delivery
#shoplocal
Visit Our Website
CBRN Data And Research Page Now Available
Good planning requires good data and information. We’ve aggregated Canada’s foremost economic dashboards on COVID-19 indicators to help cross-sectoral decision-makers make informed choices on retooling, reopening and recovery. Additionally, we teamed up with Statistics Canada to create the most comprehensive picture, or dataset, of business impacts and decisions amid the current health crisis through the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions.
Access The Data
Government Announces Support For Agriculture Sector
Today, the Government of Canada announced $252 million to support farmers, food businesses and food processors that provide essential services to Canadians every day by ensuring a safe and reliable food supply. The government also announced that it intends to propose an additional $200 million in borrowing capacity for the sector.
More Information
Upcoming Events

'Catch Niagara's very own ' Shea D Duo ' featuring Peter Shea and Juliet Dunn Thursday, May 7 from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.  
as part of the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre's #NiagaraPerforms series
Watch The Event Here
The TD Niagara Jazz Festival presents the 'In Your Own Backyard' Series
This week some Latin Jazz in celebration of 'Cinco de Mayo' featuring the  Caribbean Club Trio
Friday, May 8 from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
This event will be LIVE-STREAMED from our backyard to yours!

1-844-LIV-JAZZ (548-5299  www.niagarajazzfestival.com  
WATCH THE EVENT HERE on FACEBOOK:   www.facebook.com/jazzniagara/live
WATCH THE EVENT HERE on YOUTUBE:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwc5b9cgExQOz-7w75U-SA

Enjoy this complimentary performance and please feel free to  donate to the TD Niagara Jazz Festival
(Registered Charity: #801077033-RR001)
to help keep music alive in Niagara and beyond!
www.niagarajazzfestival.com/donations
(Official tax receipts issued for all donations of $25 or more)
United Way presents Showcase Niagara

Canadian country star Tim Hicks is set to headline Showcase Niagara. (Supplied/Dustin Rabin) Niagara performers are set to play three live stream concerts to raise money for the United Way Niagara's emergency response efforts. Showcase Niagara's...

Read more
www.niagaranow.com
Canadian Mental Health Week: Niagara Health offers tips to improve your mental wellness during pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented change for everyone. We have all experienced significant changes to our work and personal lives, which has resulted in added stress and worry.
Read More
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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.

Business Community Chat

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/703739669

You can also dial in using your phone.
Canada:  +1 (647) 497-9391

Access Code:  703-739-669

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/703739669



We look forward to chatting with you!
Payroll Continuity Planning: How Prepared Is Your Organization?
The Canadian Payroll Association has made an archived version of this webinar available to businesses at no cost. Learn about the benefits of having a payroll continuity plan in place, along with key considerations and a step-by-step process to build your plan.
Watch The Webinar
Photo by Tony Chisholm