COVID-19 RESOURCES
UPDATED June 3, 2020
Phase I COVID-19 Emergency Economic Response Plan
Although the COVID-19 pandemic is still an evolving situation, Shuswap Economic Development, Shuswap Tourism, Salmon Arm Economic Development Society, Community Futures Shuswap and the Tsuts'weye Women’s Entrepreneur and Innovation Network have been working with numerous partner organizations to gather and review available data in order to develop the Phase I COVID-19 Emergency Economic Response Planfor the Shuswap Region. The goal of the Phase I Plan is to mobilize immediate support programs in response to the impacts of COVID-19, to assist businesses and organizations throughout the Shuswap communities.
Shuswap Economic Development, Shuswap Tourism, Salmon Arm Economic Development Society, Community Futures Shuswap and the Tsuts'weye Women’s Entrepreneur and Innovation Network have come together to develop a Phase I response to the economic impacts currently facing Shuswap businesses and organizations. The plan is designed to respond directly to the needs expressed by the local business community and stakeholder organizations.
It will help mobilize resources and offer supports to assist businesses with their immediate needs as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve. This builds upon existing collaborative efforts and will supplement and support the response work being done by economic development and community support organizations across the region.
An Emergency Support Hub has been set up as a one-stop place for businesses seeking support to make contact. From the Hub, businesses will be able to access services in six key areas: resource sharing & emergency support line, workforce support, community marketing, mentorship & training, digital transition and financing & emergency cash flow.
Businesses seeking assistance are encouraged to contact the Emergency Support Hub by phone: 250-833-5928.
NEWS RELEASE - Launch of Shuswap Emergency Response Plan
Business Restart Toolkit
After weeks of planning, British Columbia has entered the second phase of the slow reopening of the economy amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Under Phase 2, many businesses that were ordered to close are being allowed to reopen, but only if they abide by new health and safety regulations.
Some businesses, like the retail industry, which were never ordered to close completely in BC, are now expected to follow a new set of guidelines, if they wish to reopen or stay open.
We recognize that implementing these new requirements can add stress to an already stressful situation, and we're here to help.
In an effort to support local businesses in their reopening, Salmon Arm Economic Development Society has created the following Business Restart Toolkit, which includes Resources & Templates, Marketing Materials & Signage, as well as a list of Suppliers of Personal Protective Equipement (PPE) and Safety Supplies. Find it here!
#SHOPSHUSWAP
We are navigating unprecedented times, and it is now more important than ever for us to come together as a community and support one another - We are encouraging businesses throughout our region who remain open to use the hashtag #shopshuswap so we and our local residents can more easily track who is still able to offer service.
IF YOU ARE A BUSINESS THAT IS ABLE TO REMAIN OPEN - PLEASE GET IN TOUCH VIA EMAIL OR OUR SOCIAL CHANNELS TO ENSURE YOU ARE INCLUDED ON OUR LIST.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE BUSINESS LIST
SHUSWAP ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COVID-19 RESOURCES
Shuswap Economic Development and Shuswap Tourism are actively working with relevant local, regional and provincial stakeholders and organizations to streamline support and information sharing efforts at this time, and to support an economic recovery plan moving forward. We will continue to update this page as new information and resources become available.
We have started an outreach campaign by phone and are doing our best to connect with as many businesses as possible throughout our region to ensure information and resources are shared, support with accessing support programs is provided, and immediate supply and other needs are being addressed with relevant government agencies.
If we have not connected with you yet and you have questions or require assistance, please contact us to set up a time for a virtual meeting.
Important General Tips:
- Individuals are encouraged to establish and/or update their CRA Online Account. This registration is required for some of the online applications for some of the programs listed below. This will likely be the most streamlined approach to applying for programs. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/e-services/e-services- individuals/account-individuals.html
- Business owners are also encouraged to ensure they are set up to be able to issue web-based ROE’s: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/ei/ei-list/ei-roe/register-roe.html
- Businesses that are remaining open are encouraged to update their hours on their social media pages, Google listing, etc.
Small Business BC has established a comprehensive COVID-19 information and resource hub that includes a regularly updated database of provincial, federal, and other COVID-19 programs and supports. They have also now established a phone and e-mail -based COVID-19 support service to assist businesses with accessing varous supports.
The BC Economic Development Association is also regularly updating a list of COVID-19 business resources and supports that can be found here.
The BC Tourism Resiliency Network is a long-term resiliency program providing BC tourism businesses with meaningful, one-on-one support to navigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, adapt and work towards eventual recovery. Find more details here.