Announcements & Programs
KW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: ASK THE EXPERT
If you need help accessing the government’s COVID-19 support programs, please Ask the Expert. The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, along with Chamber Check which is powered by Axonfiy, have professionals offering free advice and guidance surrounding issues they may be having trying to steer their way through Federal and Provincial support programs to all business operators. Theses sessions happen every Tuesday and Thursday from 2-3 p.m. Visit www.chambercheck.ca
CRA HOME OFICE EXPENSES Q&A SESSIONS
With many employees working from home, this has raised legitimate questions about how eligible employees can claim supplies and work-space-in-the-home expenses. On Dec 15, 2020 the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) made an announcement of changes to simplify the home office expense deduction as a follow up the Fall Economic Statement 2020: Supporting Canadians and Fighting COVID-19.

The CRA is offering two new Q&A sessions designed to provide an opportunity for employers and employer-focused organizations to have their questions answered about these changes.
YOUTH SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM
Rise's Youth Small Business Program is a 12 week program designed to help youth aged 16 to 29 launch or grow a small business. This FREE 12-week, virtual in-class program is a great opportunity to learn essential business and financial skills while developing the confidence to run a successful business. Youth that complete the program will receive a $500 start up grant. Youth that are interested can apply here.
COVID-RELIEF COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Attention business owners! We would like to hear your feedback about the new COVID-Relief Community Improvement Plan (CIP) that will provide eligible businesses with a grant of up to $1,500! For more information and to fill out our survey, click here.
DIGITAL SERVICE SQUAD
Our Digital Service Squad has been actively helping small businesses in the Community enhance their digital presence and equip themselves with the digital tools required to be more accessible to customers. If you think you may be able to benefit from one of the FREE services below, please book a consultation.

Digital Assessment; Google My Business; Social Media; E-commerce; Websites; Content Management
Webinars & Workshops
Jan 13 | 10:00 - 11:30 am | Social Media for Beginners
This seminar will help beginners gain valuable information about what social media platform is for you, how to plan you content effectively and some helpful tips and tricks on how to connect with your audience. Presented by the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre

There is a great deal to consider when you’re building a new website or redesigning an existing one. This beginner workshop covers everything you need to know, from choosing and registering a domain name, to building the website itself, to making sure it’s secure. Presented by Digital Main Street

Jan 13 | 2:00 - 3:30 pm | Business Financials – Future Proof
From checking the viability of your new business model to calculating your break-even point, join for a session on financial management. In this interactive online Q&A session, we'll cover the financials you need to know as a business owner and how to calculate your break-even point. You'll get a unique opportunity to get simple and direct answers from experts about your most pressing financial questions. Presented by Digital Main Street

Jan 14 | 10:00 - 11:30 am | Startup Business Basics
Starting a new business venture? Learn the necessary steps to start your business! This webinar will include: the various forms of business ownership; government regulations; the importance of a business plan; forecasting cash flow; identifying your target market and client profile; and when and why to register for HST. Presented by the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre
Articles of the Week
SMBs need to ride the crest of the trends into 2021 & beyond. While some business-customer relationships will revert to how they once were, some trends pushed into play by the pandemic may stick around. Here are some guidelines—subject to change, of course.

As the new year arrives and we all hope for a better 2021, for small-business owners, now is the perfect time to look forward and start planning for a successful year. Here are nine New Year's resolutions that any small business could and should be thinking about.
Resources & Tools
Trying to stay organized? Check out these essential tools for business