Support Our Business Partners

 

Tourism Sarnia-Lambton is committed to helping our local business partners in this time of need. We have rounded up a list of resources that any local business or entrepreneur will find helpful in order to assist in their continued operations during the COVID-19 outbreak.

 

  • Work Share Program: CLICK HERE
    • Work-Sharing (WS) is an adjustment program designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer.
    • Work-Sharing is a three-party agreement involving employers, employees and Service Canada. Employees on a Work-Sharing agreement must agree to a reduced schedule of work and to share the available work over a specified period of time.
  • Resources for businesses from Trade Commissioner: CLICK HERE
    • Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy. During this extraordinary time, the Government of Canada is taking strong action to help Canadian businesses as COVID-19 is affecting them, their employees and their families.
    • This link outlines programs and supports with four key considerations for business: (1) Support for employees, (2) Support for businesses, (3) Business Travel and events, (4) Business in international markets.
  • Business Development Bank resources for entrepreneurs: CLICK HERE
    • As announced by the Minister of Finance, BDC puts in place additional measures to provide relief for Canadian entrepreneurs. These new measures aim to alleviate the impact of COVID-19 on business activity and complement services offered by other financial institutions, with whom BDC will continue working.
  • Business Development Bank Continuity Plans: CLICK HERE
    • Creating and maintaining a business continuity plan helps ensure that your business has the resources and information needed to deal with an emergency. BDC has provided a list of templates that businesses can use to plan their business continuity exercise and mitigate the potential effects of an emergency.
  • Export Development Canada: CLICK HERE
    • Under the federal government’s new Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP), Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) can now provide more than $10 billion of additional financing to customers facing economic challenges caused by COVID-19.
    • To help you navigate these challenging times EDC has a suite of financial and insurance solutions. You can also register for a MyEDC account for unlimited access to expert insights and trade information.
  • Service Canada: CLICK HERE
    • Service Canada offers information on and access to numerous employment and social development programs, including: (1) Employment Insurance, (2) Labour Program and federally regulated workplaces, (3) Work-Sharing Program, (4) Canada Student Loans, (5) Passport Services, (6) Social Insurance Numbers.
  • Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: CLICK HERE
    • On March 18, 2020, the Prime Minister announced a new set of economic measures to help stabilize the economy during this challenging period. These measures, delivered as part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, will provide up to $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses. Information on those measures can be found at this here.
    • Outlined here is information on: (1) supporting Canadian businesses through the Canada account, (2) helping businesses keep their workers, (3) flexibility for businesses filing taxes, (4) ensuring businesses have access to credit, (5) supporting financial market liquidity. Additionally, information on the cost and implementation of the Economic Response Plan is shared.
  • What Canada’s Regional Development Agencies are doing to help business during the COVID-19 Pandemic: CLICK HERE
    • Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) are the front line for economic development in Canada and help to address key economic challenges by providing regionally tailored programs, services, knowledge and expertise. RDAs are closely monitoring the COVID-19 global challenge and the potential impact it could have on your business and your workers, as well as the broader economy.
  • How Your Business Can Help Fight The Coronavirus Pandemic: CANADA: CLICK HERE. ONTARIO: CLICK HERE
    • Both the Federal and Provincial Governments are in search of businesses with the capabilities to (1) Manufacture in Canada and/or have ready access to necessary inputs through your supply chain (2) Have equipment or facilities that can be rapidly re-tooled to meet medical needs, including for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks and surgical gowns; sanitizers; wipes; ventilators; and other medical equipment and supplies, and (3) Have skilled workers who are able to respond and who could be available for work in the current circumstances.If you are able to help fight the Coronavirus Pandemic, please visit the links above.
  • Farm Credit Canada COVID-19 Support: CLICK HERE
    • To ensure producers, agribusinesses and food processors can remain focused on business-critical functions, Farm Credit Canada has put customer support programs in place, including enhancement to its capital base that will allow for an additional $5 billion in lending capacity.

  • Ontario’s Action Plan, Responding to COVID-19: CLICK HERE
    • Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 outlines the government’s $17 billion response to ensure our health care system, communities and economy are positioned to weather the challenges ahead.
  • Ontario Ministry of Health: CLICK HERE
    • Learn how the Ministry of Health is helping keep Ontarians safe during the COVID-19 outbreak. Find out how to protect yourself and how to recognize the symptoms.
  • Ontario Closing At-Work Workplaces to Protect Health and Safety: CLICK HERE
    • On March 23, the Provincial Government of Ontario announced all non-essential workplaces would be ordered to close as of 11:59pm on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. Above is a list of all businesses deemed essential.
  • Ontario Launches ‘Stop the Spread Business Information Line’: CLICK HERE
    • The Province of Ontario has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province’s recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.
  • COVID-19 Government Announced Supports: CLICK HERE
    • Included at the link above are all Province of Ontario supports for businesses during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

  • Canada Chamber of Commerce: CLICK HERE
    • The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is developing a microsite with robust tools and resources to assist with business resilience related to COVID-19. Additionally, they offer a Pandemic Preparedness Guide for Business and a database of government programs and resources for businesses.

  • World Health Organization: CLICK HERE
    • The World Health Organization offers an advice and information page for businesses and employees, including detailed publications on topics such as: (1) Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19, (2) FAQ on international mass gatherings, and (3) pandemic readiness.

  • Ontario Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Resource Kit: CLICK HERE
    • The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has developed a COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit for Ontario Businesses. The guidelines and resources contained in this toolkit have been prepared to help businesses plan for and adapt to the disruption caused by COVID-19 and any future influenze pandemics.

    • Access updates on COVID-19 in Lambton County, information on travel recommendations and closures, and relevant links on how to keep your family and our community safe and healthy.

  • Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce Business Survey: CLICK HERE
    • The Sarnia-Lambton Chamber of Commerce has created a brief survey to collect that feedback on the impact that COVID-19 has had on your organization, and we are asking you to please fill that survey out. It can be found by clicking the link above. Information gathered from this survey will be useful in our ability to gauge the needs of the businesses in Sarnia-Lambton. Please note that no business names will be shared as a result of filling out this survey.

Additional Resources

  • Canadian Payroll Association COVID-19 Info Guide: CLICK HERE
  • National Research Council of Canada COVID-19 Response: CLICK HERE