Business resources and webinars related to COVID-19
Throughout this COVID-19 epidemic many of our tourism assets have been providing webpages and on-line seminars to help small businesses get through this time.
I have linked several resources that may be useful to you:
Grants and other funding:
February 2022 updated list of current support programs:
https://occ.ca/wp-content/uploads/COVID-19-GOVERNMENT-SUPPORTS.pdf
The following link which provides access to the following Ontario Government programs, which may be applicable to aspects of your operation:
- Ontario Small Business Support Grant
- Main Street Relief Grant for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Property Tax Rebate Grant
- Energy Cost Rebate Grant
https://www.app.grants.gov.on.ca/msrf/#/home
Southwestern Ontario Tourism has several funding programs:
COVID adaption Fund is available – up to $20,000 funding at 80% sharing.
Safe Opening program – for COVID related PPE expenses.
Screening tools:
COVID screening tool download for employees and for customers:
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/download-covid-19-screenings#worker-and-employee-screening
Covid Safety checklist for workplaces:
Ontario has a checklist for each workplace:
https://slchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/mltsd-covid-safety-checklist-workplaces-en-2021-01-19.pdf
Guide for Mental health through a winter of COVID:
The Mental Health Commission of Canada has this guide:
https://slchamber.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/winter_mini_guide_eng_07-dec-20.pdf
OCW, WGAO and WMAO
The wine industry in Ontario has now released a report on best practices for keeping customers safe while in wine country touring or sampling. List of recommendations is attached in the following link.
https://mailchi.mp/6a3271df6166/safe-and-welcome-in-wine-country-guidelines-for-winery-hospitality?e=78197bc56e&mc_cid=6b74a56458&mc_eid=9630a574a3
TSL
Tourism Sarnia Lambton website has business resources, links to all levels of government help and a support local campaign:
SWOTC
Southwest Ontario Tourism has been holding great seminars into talking with your customers during COVID and what to do to keep them active. Plus they have links to government resources also:
https://www.swotc.ca/restart-recovery-forum
https://www.swotc.ca/resources-covid-19
Sarnia Chamber
The Sarnia Chamber of Commerce has many links to help small businesses get through this:
https://slchamber.ca/about/
SLBDC
The Sarnia Lambton Business Development Corporation has additional resources including a new business load program:
https://slbdc.com/covid-19-business-resources/
SLEP
Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership has links to various COVID resources at all levels of government also:
https://www.sarnialambton.on.ca/