Resources for Business Owners | COVID-19

The following is a shortlist of financial, marketing and informational resources to help business owners navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financial Support for Businesses and Employees

1. Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Relief Plan Information about economic relief programs the government is implementing to support business owners and employees during the COVID-19 outbreak

2. Economic Action Plan for Oakville Developed by the Economic Task Force, the Economic Action Plan for Oakville includes property tax assistance, free municipal parking in commercial districts, the Digital Main Street program and more.

3. Canadian Business Resilience Network Small Business Relief Fund Launched by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, this program will provide small Canadian businesses with $10,000 grants to help their COVID-19 recovery efforts. Applications will open June 1 and close June 12.

4. Electricity Relief for Ontarians The Ontario government is providing electricity relief to families, small businesses and farms during COVID-19

Marketing Support

1. Shopify COVID-19 Response Shopify is offering free 90-day trials, local pickup and delivery options, the ability to sell gift cards, and $200M in small business financing during the COVID-19 outbreak

2. How to Build a “Buy Online, Pickup Curbside” Store This online tutorial provides a step-by-step guide to creating a simple Shopify store with curbside pickup.

3. Google Ads Credits Google Ads is giving $340 million in ad credits to small and medium-sized businesses, which can be used at any point until the end of 2020 across Google Ads platforms.

4. Facebook Small Business Grants Program Facebook is granting $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses. Applications now open

5. Digital Main Street Squad Offers free remote assistance to BIA-member businesses looking to enhance digital presence and sell products online. Click here to set up a virtual appointment.

6. Digital Starter Kit for Small Businesses Digital Main Street has put together a Digital Starter Kit with tips on e-mail marketing, e-commerce, SEO and more.

Reopening Guidelines and Resources BIA members only – contact info@oakvilledowntown.com for access

1. Health and Safety Guidelines A list of general and industry-specific health and safety recommendations for businesses.

2. PPE Supplier Directory A list of local suppliers of PPE, hand sanitizer and other supplies you might need to reopen.

Guidance 

1. Business Resilience Service The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has launched a hotline that businesses can call to get guidance on COVID-19 financial support program options and eligibility. Call 1-866-989-1080 to connect with a business advisor. The service is available 7 days/week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

2. Stop the Spread Business Information Line The latest information on which businesses are permitted to open. If you have questions about whether your business is permitted to open, call toll free at 1-888-444-3659.

Industry-Specific Resources 

1. Retail
   

2. Retail Council of Canada’s Road to Retail Recovery Playbook

3. The Return of Retail Streetfighting (article from Retail Council of Canada)

4. How the Pandemic is Changing Shopping (article from The Washington Post)

5. Restaurants
   

6. COVID-19 Updates and Resources for Foodservice Operators Resources for foodservice operators from Restaurants Canada

7. Free Skip the Dishes Sign Up for Downtown Oakville BIA Members The sign up fee for this delivery service has been waived for Downtown Oakville restaurants as a construction mitigation measure. To sign up, contact jenn.bada@skipthedishes.ca or 416-271-4616

8. McDonald’s Dine-In Reopening Playbook

9. Restaurant Solutions for Today’s Operators (article from Wayfind)

COVID-19 Updates

1. Halton Region Public Health 

2. Government of Ontario

3. Government of Canada

4. World Health Organization