Important COVID-19 Resources

Canada United encourages action from everyday Canadians and Corporate Canada and kickstarts the recovery of local economies and small businesses. Each action has helped to build The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund which is managed by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the national Chamber network in support of other chambers and partners. The Fund is awarding grants to small Canadian businesses to help with their recovery efforts as a result of COVID-19.
 
About the Grant: Successful applicants will receive a relief grant of up to $5,000. If awarded, a relief grant can be used to reimburse for any of the following expenses:
  • Purchasing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, face shields, and latex gloves.
  • Renovating physical space to adhere to local, Provincial or Federal reopening guidelines.
  • Developing or improving e-commerce capabilities for your business.

When: Applications for the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund are now being accepted and will be awarded based on eligibility.
 
Eligibility Criteria:  To apply for a grant you must meet the minimum eligibility criteria, including but not limited to:
·         Own and operate a small to medium size business registered or incorporated in Canada
·         No more than 75 employees
·         Have minimum annual sales of $200,000 and not more than $3,000,000
·         Hold commercial generality liability insurance in the minimum amount of $1 million

Full eligibility criteria and grant application details will be available at occ.ca/canada-united-small-business-relief-fund.

The application deadline for CEBA has been extended to October 31, 2020. Eligibility criteria will soon be expanded to include businesses that operate through a personal bank account. In addition, Export Development Canada has opened a call centre to help answer business owners’ questions about their application or eligibility for the program. More information

The BCAP program has been extended to June 2021 and provides access to capital for businesses through loans that are administered by Export Development Canada and the Business Development Bank of Canada. These loans are repayable in full after five years.

CRA Increases Amounts For Meal Claims And Benefits
The Canada Revenue Agency, with immediate effect and retroactive to January 1, 2020, has increased the amount employers can use to determine whether an overtime meal or allowance or the meal portion of a travel allowance is taxable from $17 to $23. More information.

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund support for Western Canadian businesses tops $154 million
More than 2,400 businesses in Western Canada have received over $154 million in RRRF funding, protecting almost 11,000 jobs in communities across the West. More information.
Cast Your Vote
for our Airdrie Business Awards Finalists
Congratulations to our 2020 Airdrie Business Awards Finalists!

In addition, a big thank you to everyone that nominated a deserving business during the nomination process (over 120 businesses were nominated for the 2020 Airdrie Business Awards) as well as all the nominees that submitted their application; it is an honor to be nominated.

The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce invites our community to recognize, celebrate and support business success in Airdrie by voting for the finalists of your choice in all 7 award categories. Your opinion matters; click the "Cast Your Vote" button below. Voting is open from September 8, 2020 - October 9, 2020.

The Chamber is looking forward to celebrating local business at the awards gala on Friday, October 23, 2020 at Bert Church Theatre! Please note, due to COVID-19 only finalists, their guest(s) and sponsors will be invited to attend the event." Tickets will be available for purchase on October 1st, 2020. Winners will be announced to our community following the event.
Nose Creek Picnic In the Park
The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce invites you to an afternoon of inspiration and networking at a safe distance for our first ever Nose Creek Picnic in the Park!

As we enter the seventh month of the global pandemic, COVID-19 continues to challenge individuals and businesses in unprecedented ways. This is a chapter that none of us has chosen, yet one we must all journey through. Join Margaret Palmer as she tackles topics such as resiliency, vision, values and purpose in a high-energy, engaging and thought provoking presentation designed to re-ignite passion, inspire action, and help businesses move forward with grit and grace. 
Shop Local Marketing Campaign
The Airdrie Chamber is excited to partner with the City of Airdrie in championing The 'Put Your $ Where Your Heart Is' campaign that is meant to encourage the support for our local shops, restaurants and services.

Watch for a social media and online marketing platform EatStayPlayAirdrie' that will roll out into the Fall. In October the focus will shift to an online contest for local shoppers with weekly prizes leading up to a grand prize draw on 'Shop Small Saturday' November 28, 2020. One local Airdrie business will also be drawn to win a $10,000 marketing package.
Online Training
CRA Consultation: Work-Space-In-The-Home Expenses

Friday, September 11, 2020 at 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM MDT

Click here for more information & to register.
Digital Marketing & Transformation for Business Series - Fall 2020

Various time/dates available.

Click here for more information & to register.
Virtual Briefing on the B20 and G20

Monday, September 14, 2020 at 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM MDT

Click here for more information & to register.
Succession Planning
Succession planning - it’s always a good time to think about the future of your business or non-profit organization. Community Futures has put together a variety of resources for you - single and masterclass workshops (exit planning, selling your business) as well as a special series focused on passing a business to a family member. We even have resources to help sell your business if you are ready.
 
Upcoming:
 
Exit Planning (16 week masterclass) – Starts Sept 17
Selling Your Business (16 week masterclass) – Starts Oct 22
Family Business Transition – In Depth Series (8 classes) – Starts Sept 17
Single Workshops (2 hours)
  • Sept 16, 2020: Not-For-Profit Succession Planning Workshop
  • Oct 21, 2020: Business Transition and Succession Planning Workshop
  • Nov 18, 2020: Business Transition and Succession Planning Workshop
 
Is Your Business Struggling?
Workplace Guidelines

Workplace guidance and supports to help businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-19 begin to reopen and resume operations safely.
Need Budgeting, Marketing or General Guidance?

The Right for Business Support Program pilot will run May 21 until the end of November 2020. This program is intended to provide Airdrie businesses with access to critical advisors and business service professionals to help them remain resilient through the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Member Spotlight Video
Check out Carmen A. Vetian Professional Corporation
AC Member Spotlight Video!
Airdrie Chamber of Commerce
102, 150 Edwards Way NW
Airdrie, AB T4B 4B9
403. 948.4412