COVID-19 Resources & Important Information

Dear Chamber members;

In recent days we’ve all been consumed with news on the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it’s affecting our health, our families, and our businesses.

During this time, it’s critical that the chamber network understands the economic impacts on BC businesses in the weeks and months ahead, and how government can support their viability. That’s why we’ve partnered with Small Business BC, Community Futures, and The BC Economic Development Association and created a short survey for big and small businesses alike.

All feedback will go to different levels of government to help them shape their response to the crisis. Please take the time to provide your feedback.

Sincerely,

Tammy Verigin-Burk
Executive Director
Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce

Take Survey Here

Other Resources and Important Links

Update

In light of the spread of COVID-19 in many countries and the recent pandemic declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission has compiled the below resources to help businesses navigate the risk.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for Canada, with continued reassessment as new information becomes available.

Government of Canada COVID-19 Information Service
Phone: 1-833-784-4397
Email: [email protected]

Updates are also provided by British Columbia Centre for Disease Control and Interior Health Authority

Resources

Whether it is a public health issue, natural disaster, or other emergencies, it is important to be prepared and ensure you have an up-to-date business continuity and disaster recovery plan.

We’re sharing the below compiled information with you, as it includes guides and tools for business owners and employers, which you may find helpful.

Guides:

Templates and Tools:

FUNDING FOR WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

Funding available to cover your business expenses, so you can focus on getting back to business

Are you a woman business owner who has been impacted by COVID-19? Time is running out to see if you qualify for the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) distributed by Women’s Enterprise Centre, as the application deadline is March 31. 

If you had a healthy business before Covid, and it has been negatively impacted, then this fund can offer some financial relief to cover your bills while you explore new ways to generate revenue.

The RRRF provides:

  • A loan of up to $60k with 0% interest, and no fees and no payments required until December 31, 2022
  • A forgivable grant of up to $20k if you repay before December 31, 2022
  • Free wrap-around support, including free advisory services, training and Peer Mentoring Circles for RRRF clients, so you can feel supported as you work through your recovery plan and have someone to reach out to for questions

Not sure if you qualify? Answer 3 easy screening questions before you apply, to see if you meet the basic eligibility requirements.

*Conditions apply. Visit wec.ca/RRRF for more info.

https://www.womensenterprise.ca/business-loans/regional-relief-and-recovery-fund-for-women-entrepreneurs-bc-rrrf/