July 8, 2020
Notice: The BCEDA COVID19 Bulletin will now be emailed weekly on Wednesdays.
Resources for Businesses
Live Resources for BC Businesses Document
Funds announced for B.C. Indigenous entrepreneurs pursuing food, agriculture
A new stream of support has been added to the B.C. Indigenous Agriculture Development program to help entrepreneurs who are interested in developing farming-and-food-related businesses.
Announced Tuesday (June 30) by the provincial and federal government, the new stream will provide Indigenous entrepreneurs with up to $8,000 in specialized planning and coaching services to develop and plan.
Chief of the Williams Lake First Nation Willie Sellars said in a news release they fully support the province’s agricultural sector, food security and First Nations’ entrepreneurial spirit, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read More: Canada unveils $50M boost to help agriculture sector with 14-day COVID-19 quarantine.
“This new program is both beneficial and supportive for my community members and to all Indigenous agricultural entrepreneurs in B.C.”
Agricultural Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said the federal government recognizes the importance of Indigenous entrepreneurs who are growing businesses of this kind in their communities.
“By providing tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the sector, we are investing in a more-resilient food system that will keep high-quality, local food on tables in communities throughout B.C.”
Read More: Engaging youth key to sustainable future in agriculture, says B.C. teacher
Launched in 2018, the B.C. Indigenous Agriculture Development program is part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
Applications for funding are being accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Up to $19,000 in support to Indigenous governments, communities and organizations for feasibility assessments of food and agriculture development options is also available through the program.
Resources for Economic Developers & Local Leaders
The COVID-19 fiscal snapshot: By the numbers
Financial Post, OTTAWA — Canada’s federal government presented an economic and fiscal “snapshot” today. Here are some of the numbers:
- Estimated federal deficit for 2020-21: $343.2 billion
- Direct federal aid to individuals and businesses as a result of COVID-19: $212 billion
- Number of Canadians who were laid off or had their hours cut as a result of COVID-19 between February and April: 5.5 million
- Number of Canadians who applied for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit: 8.16 million
- Amount government paid out in Canada Emergency Response Benefit as of June 28: $53.53 billion
- Number of students who applied for Canada Emergency Student Benefit: 601,356
- Amount government paid out in Canada Emergency Student Benefit as of July 2: $1.42 billion
- Number of Canadians whose jobs were supported by the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy: 3 million
- Expected unemployment rate by the end of 2020: 9.8 per cent
- Expected unemployment rate in 2021: 7.8 per cent
- 29: Number of times the government uses the word “unprecedented” in its fiscal snapshot documents
Business Facade Improvement Program
We've temporarily adapted our Business Facade Improvement program, a grant program we've offered since 2013, to support businesses as they adapt their space to ensure safe operations during the #COVID19 pandemic.
The Business Façade Improvement program provides annual grant funding for local governments in Northern Development’s service region. Annual funding of up to $20,000 is available to each local government to enhance economic development by encouraging private sector investment in businesses façade improvements and initiatives. Local governments applying to the program are required to develop and submit their business façade improvement plan/guidelines, which will give direction to local business owners on the eligibility criteria to obtain the business façade improvement grant.
What BC Communities Are Doing
‘Travelling to Tofino during COVID-19’ travel tips
Gilford Island First Nation buys Pierre’s Marina Lodge
Columbia Valley says "We Missed You" with #ValleyStrong Video
Cranbrook Tourism launches CBK Backyard Bucket List
City of Richmond COVID-19 Economic Response & Recovery Report
Tourism Chilliwack Hits the Road with Innovative Recovery Campaign
Comox Valley Economic Recovery Task Force planning and engagement underway
Innovation Centre prepares to welcome & inspire local Vernon tech community
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