IN THE NEWS
Government Extends Loan Forgiveness Repayment Deadline for the Canada Emergency Business Account

The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) program has provided interest-free, partially forgivable loans to nearly 900,000 small businesses and not-for-profit organizations to help them navigate the pandemic and remain resilient. However, the Omicron variant has delayed the recovery for businesses in many parts of the country.

It was announced on January 12, that the repayment deadline for CEBA loans to qualify for partial loan forgiveness is being extended from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2023, for all eligible borrowers in good standing.
Canada Summer Jobs 2022: Application for employers open

This year, CSJ 2022 is targeting the creation of up to 100,000 full-time summer job opportunities for young people. This represents a 40% increase from pre-pandemic targets. Not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers, and private sector employers with 50 or fewer full-time employees can apply for funding now until January 25, 2022, to hire young Canadians next summer. Full-time job placements will take place during the summer of 2022. 
Government Supports Guide
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has put together an excellent overview on the current supports available to businesses at both the provincial and federal levels. It also covers some programs aimed at individuals. 

Supports available include:

Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant
Small businesses that are subject to closure under the modified Step Two of Roadmap to Reopen may be eligible to receive a one-time grant of $10,000.

Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program
Organizations impacted by lockdown measures and closures can receive a portion of their property tax and energy costs in the form of rebate payments during the period of being subjected to lockdown measures.

Wage and Hiring Supports
Employers may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of employee wages. In each applicable claim period, employers can claim one of the following- whichever gives the highest amount:
  • Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program
  • Hardest-Hit Businesses Recovery Program
  • Canada Recovery Hiring Program 

Electricity Rate-Relief
As of January 18, 2022, electricity prices will be set to the current off-peak rate of 8.2 cents per kilowatt-hour for 24 hours a day. This will be applied automatically to residential, small businesses, and farms who are paying regulated rates set by the Ontario Energy Board and get a bill from a utility.

For a complete list of the supports available, including supports for individuals and sector specific supports, click the link below.

Join the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) on Thursday, February 3 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am for the release of our sixth annual Ontario Economic Report (OER).

The OER is the OCC’s flagship report, offering a unique perspective on the experiences of businesses across Ontario. The report is driven by data from our annual Business Confidence Survey and economic forecasts for the year ahead. The report will provide insights into the unprecedented challenges many businesses continue to confront as they navigate the pandemic, reopening, and early stages of recovery.

The event will feature an overview of key findings from the report, and a fireside chat between Mark Poweska, President and CEO of Hydro One and Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the OCC. Register on the link below.
Ontario Launches Program to Support Advanced Manufacturers Across Province
The $40 Million investment in the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competitiveness (AMIC) program will help companies get the tools, technology and talent they need to grow, compete and innovate in an increasingly competitive global market.
The first round of applications will be open until February 10, 2022.


Accelerate Business Recovery: A Virtual Hub (the Hub)

Designed to support businesses as they emerge from the pandemic, in a flexible online format, the Hub will provide:
  • High quality skill development videos curated by York University in the areas of Digital Marketing, Strategic Planning and Financial Planning;
  • Short instructional videos created by local business leaders providing success tips in a variety of subject areas;
  • One-on-one Coaching and instruction available from experts in your industry. If you need a specialized consultant in the areas of Digital Marketing, Financial Planning and/or Strategic Planning consultants, we can provide access to the experts, all free of charge;
  • Mental Health Support is available if you've been struggling through the pandemic and could use some help, our Mental Health expert is waiting to help you, all free of charge.
  • An opportunity to enroll in the Foundations Certificate in Business Management, a $2,000 York University /Schulich School of Business course, absolutely free of charge to York Region businesses who have had a significant loss in revenue or who have had to close their doors during the pandemic. A significant number of seats will be reserved for Women and BIPOC business owners. 
The Hub is open to all York Region businesses free of charge, so be sure to share this initiative with your colleagues and other business owners in the Region.
Don’t delay, if you’re interested in learning new skills and getting answers to your business questions, check out the Hub today!
Send a message to our in-house Business Consultant if you're in need of support.


Please be advised that this program is currently on hold until our shipment of rapid screening kits arrives. Due to a shortage, this has impacted our delivery by a few weeks and we are not expecting to receive our new supply until the end of January/early February.
Government Updates

Please click on the links below to read updates from the municipal, provincial and federal governments

Update from Mayor Mrakas, Town of Aurora, read here

Update from Christine Elliott, MPP Newmarket-Aurora, read here

Update from Michael Parsa, MPP Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill, read here

Update from Leah Taylor Roy, MP Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill, read here

Update from Tony Van Bynen, MP Newmarket-Aurora, read here