Update from the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce- December 1, 2020
What You Need to Know This Week
Telephone Town Hall with Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation on December 7 at 6:30pm. Restaurants, Food Service, Retail, Casinos, Hospitality (Hotels and Ski Lodges) and Personal Services are invited to attend. View the invite and the Participant Information.

Qualifying organizations can apply directly for the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This means qualifying organizations can apply for the subsidy without the need to claim the assistance through their landlords. More info on the CERS below.


Energy Savings for Business Program— Businesses from across Alberta will be eligible to access funding to cover a portion of their project costs for cost-saving and emissions reducing projects when the program launches in January 2021. Examples of projects include: HVAC projects (installation of efficient boilers, hot water tanks, furnaces, pipe insulation), Lighting projects (include replacement of outdated lighting systems, addition of automation, etc.) and more. Learn more



Update to the Small & Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant- Applications for a second payment of the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant for businesses operating in areas where new health measures have been implemented will open soon. *This is a grant, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. Read more
Upcoming Virtual Networking Sessions

It has been a challenging year in many ways, and we know that it helps to hear from other members of the business community about how they have been impacted and how they're managing. We are hosting two virtual networking sessions so that business owners, managers, and nonprofits can connect, share, hopefully solve a problem or two and raise our spirits.


Held via Zoom, please register to receive the meeting link. Attendees are welcome to register for both.
Support from Community Futures Big Country:

More funding is now available through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund to support rural small and medium-sized businesses with operating expenses such as payroll, rent, utilities, insurance, and property tax.
For more details, please visit http://bigcountry.albertacf.com/rrrf-big-country
More info on the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will host a series of interactive question and answer sessions for eligible organizations on CERS. If you are interested in participating, click here to register. Dates and times are indicated in the registration link. Space is limited. 
 
In addition, the CRA has launched CERS webpages, an online CERS calculator and CERS infographics: Take a look at the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy has got you covered and We’re here to help  to assist organizations in preparing their applications. 
Hot Button Issue: Are electricity, natural gas or insurance costs barriers for your business?

For a second year, costs related to electricity, natural gas and commercial insurance were cited among the top five barriers for business in the ACC's municipal red tape survey. We're following up with insight community members for your assistance to better understand the scope of these issues.

Please take 2 minutes to share how these costs impact your business. 

(You'll have to sign up for Alberta Perspectives first)

Your insights will assist the Chamber network to advocate effectively for Alberta’s job creators and communities. The survey will close December 4th at 6:00pm and results will be posted in the community hub next week.
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Webinars & Resources

Missed our webinar with the Utilities Consumer Advocate? You can view the recordings (there are two parts) and resources here.

Recording from the Leduc Chamber of Commerce: The Future of Oil
Corporate Members
Please reach out to us via email (chamberinfo@drumhellerchamber.com) or telephone (403-823-8100) to share with us any issues your organization may be facing, and what support you need.

Thank you. Please stay safe and healthy.

Your Drumheller & District Chamber of Commerce Team
Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce | 403-823-8100
drumhellerchamber.com chamberinfo@drumhellerchamber.com