Together we can.

Business Impact Surveys

Help us understand the extent of the impact on your business that the COVID-19 pandemic response has caused.

Regional Business Check-In During COVID-19 Pandemic (hosted by the Leduc and Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce)
Provincial Business Impact Survey (hosted by EDA)

Outreach to Local Businesses

During the month of April, the City of Wetaskiwin’s Economic Development Department, in partnership with the Leduc and Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce, conducted a Business Outreach program.

Through the process, we reached out to 551 businesses who were either a Chamber of Commerce member or have an active business license with the City of Wetaskiwin. Our team had direct communication with 332 businesses. The program was designed as a check-in with the local business community to better understand their needs during COVID-19 and to share resources that may be helpful.

Encourage Businesses to Reach out for Additional Support or Direction

If our team was unable to communicate with your business during the business outreach program, and you require immediate assistance, please reach out to either the City of Wetaskiwin or the Leduc and Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce using the information below.

City of Wetaskiwin Economic Development
(p) 780-335-7410
(e) ecdev@wetaskiwin.ca

educ and Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce
(p) 780-986-5454
(e) info@leduc-chamber.com

For those who are starting or continuing with a job search, these are some regional resources you can use:

Leduc and Wetaskiwin Chamber of Commerce Job Board

Indeed Wetaskiwin

Monster Wetaskiwin

Directions for Wellness (In-person for those without access to Internet)

Glassdoor Wetaskiwin

Central Alberta Economic Partnership

• Mastermind Facilitated Peer Mentoring Group: 12/12/2020

Leduc Wetaskiwin Regional Chamber of Commerce

• See calendar for numerous member-hosted events.

The Business Link

• Explore Small Business Events in the Area

Travel Alberta Workshops and Webinars

• Using Google Analytics to Enhance Marketing Effectiveness: 12/3/2020
• Reimagining Tourism for a Post-COVID-19 World: 12/10/2020

Travel Alberta

• Connections Live: The Alberta (Re)Bound Strategy
• Team Alberta Messaging to Restart Tourism in Alberta
• Alberta Tourism Town Hall
• Funding Programs for Tourism Businesses

• The health and safety of yourself, your staff, customers and partners are number one priority; review the section below: Resources for Businesses Affected by COVID-19
• Familiarize yourself with Human Resources policies and processes, including absenteeism, communications, sick leave, employee travel, social distancing, and workplace disinfecting; be clear and consistent with your employees; review Alberta Employment Standards
• Provide resources for those who have or will be laid off, explore the following sections: COVID-19: Financial Relief for Albertans (under Important News); COVID-19 Financial Relief Programs for Businesses, and; Resources for Businesses Affected by COVID-19
• Adhere to Cleaning and disinfection recommendations for COVID-19 (under Important News)
• Abide by physical distancing, gathering restrictions, and all provincial public health orders
• Abide by Alberta Biz Connect guidance for businesses and sectors (see below)
• Implement flexible working arrangements if possible; utilize virtual office environments like GoTo Meetings, Skype for Businesses, Google Hangouts, or Zoom
• Review your supply chain;  have a Plan B in case of disruptions of service in your primary vendor(s)
• Work with customers and vendors to defer business instead of cancelling
• Explore options for online sales of products and gift cards
• Should your business need close for any reason, implement measures to reduce the risk of any criminal activity

• Keep storefront and sales area lights on
• Keep exterior lights on
• Turn off/unplug all equipment
• Store flammables and combustibles in secure location
• Keep cash register open and empty; do not leave cash on premises
• Secure other valuables if unable to take them off premises (equipment and stock)
• Secure and lock all doors and windows
• Activate security system and security surveillance equipment

• Prioritize your communications; be factual
• Build a communications plan to vendors, suppliers, customers, staff
• Be sure to communicate topics like: open vs. closed, hours of operation, special offers, items available online (products, gift cards), curbside pickup, takeout
• Be sure to ask your customers to share online if they've purchased a gift card or have supported your business in a specific way
• Be sure to use all communications tools like your website, social media, newsletter, email, flyers, posters, etc.

• Learn about federal and provincial funding opportunities in the section below: COVID-19 Financial Relief Programs for Businesses
• Learn about other government funding opportunities in the section below: COVID-19 Financial Support Measures for Various Sectors
• Explore options to defer your capital costs
• If you're a mortgage holder, reach out to your bank to understand if they're offering any deferred payment programs
• If you rent space, speak with your landlord for support
• Review your insurance policies and speak with your insurance provider for support
• Monitor and preserve your cashflow carefully

As a small business owner, you may be facing immediate challenges in light of the actions taken by our government to further prevent the spread of COVID-19 as we continue to move forward with our relaunch strategy in Alberta. Business Link has gathered current information and resources available to you as you work through the implications this has on you and your business.

Business Link will continue to update this page with new information and additional resources as they become available.

Learn about the resources available for businesses affected by COVID-19

Business Link is supported by the Government of Canada and the Alberta Government.

• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
• Extending the work-sharing program

• Alberta Credit Unions offer relief solution
• Business Credit Availability Program for loan guarantee for SMEs
• Business Credit Availability Program for co-lending for SMEs
• Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
• Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP)
• Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
• Co-Lending Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
• Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund
• Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)

• Agriculture and agri-food
• Aquaculture and fisheries
• Culture, heritage and sport
• Energy
• Transportation
• Infrastructure

• Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
• Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
• Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)

• Relief measures for Indigenous businesses
• Supporting business through the pandemic and into recovery

• Answer a few questions to get a personalized list of support