Together we can.
Province of Alberta Public Health Orders
Effective September 20, in-scope businesses, entities and events must either:
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Implement the Restrictions Exemption Program requiring proof of vaccination or negative test result, plus mandatory masking, to continue operating as usual; or
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Comply with all public health restrictions as outlined in Order 42-2021
Business owners and employees: you are not alone.
The Mental Health Help Line is available 24/7 to provide advice and referrals to community supports nearest you. Call 1-877-303-2642. Other resources include:
COVID-19
BUSINESS SURVEY
The Economic Development team seeks to better understand how businesses are responding to COVID-19 and the new public health measures.
Answer a few quick questions to help determine where resources are needed and how the City can help support your business with economic recovery.
Business Grants, Subsidies & Benefits
Critical Worker Benefit
A one-time payment of $1200 to eligible public and private sector workers.
The Government of Alberta recently announced new job categories who are now eligible for the payment including: truck drivers, farmworkers, security guards, cleaners, funeral workers, employees at quick service and dine in restaurants and taxi drivers who can demonstrate they worked at least 300 hours during the eligibility period. Private sector employers must register on behalf of employees by September 17, 2021.
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until October 23, 2021.
This subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.
If you are eligible for the base subsidy, you may also be eligible for lockdown support if your business location is significantly affected by a public health order for a week or more.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
The CEBA program provides interest-free loans of up to $60,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits.
Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 33 percent (up to $20,000).
As of December 4, 2020 approved CEBA applicants can now receive a $60,000 loan. CEBA applicants who have received the $40,000 CEBA loan may apply the CEBA expansion, which provides eligible businesses with an additional $20,000 of financing.
CEBA is available from more than 220 financial institutions across the country. The FAQ section below offers a complete list of financial institutions that currently offer CEBA.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP)
NEW - The wage subsidy has been extended to October 23, 2021. The new Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) was introduced, beginning June 6, 2021. For claim periods 17 to 21, claim either CEWS or CRHP, whichever gives you the higher amount.
Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 33 percent (up to $20,000).
The CRHP and the CEWS support wages you pay through different phases of your economic recovery.
These are complicated programs and all businesses are strongly recommended to contact an accountant for help in understanding how the programs work for them.
Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP)
The Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) will provide financial support to the businesses hardest hit by the pandemic.
Through HASCAP, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) will work with participating Canadian financial institutions to offer government-guaranteed, low-interest loans:
- Loan amounts from $25,000 to $1 million at a 4% interest rate
- Repayment term of up to 10 years and up to a 1 year postponement on principal repayments at the beginning of the loan
- Loans intended to assist with day-to-day operating costs during the COVID-19 crisis and help businesses to invest in their longer-term prosperity
- Available to businesses across the country, in all sectors, that have been hit hard by the pandemic (restaurants, businesses in tourism and hospitality sector, etc)
Other Opportunities and Incentives for Local Businesses
Alberta Jobs Now Program
The Alberta Jobs Now program will provide up to $370 million to help private and non-profit businesses with job supports to get thousands of Albertans back to work.
Employers can apply for funding to offset the cost of hiring and training unemployed or underemployed Albertans in new or vacant positions.
This federal-provincial investment is the largest job training program in Alberta’s history. It will support our province’s recovery, help businesses re-open or grow their workforce, and give Albertans an opportunity to gain the skills they need in today’s job market.
Rapid Test Kits
The Chamber has partnered with the Government of Alberta and the Alberta Chambers of Commerce for a one-of-a-kind partnership to provide complimentary COVID-19 rapid antigen testing kits to small and medium-sized businesses.
This program provides access to rapid test kits for businesses with employees that often enter the workplace. By frequently testing employees, businesses can stop outbreaks before they happen, keeping employees and customers safe.
Temporary Patio Permits
The City of Wetaskiwin City Council approved a Temporary Patio Policy to allow for the operation of temporary patios on public and private land without a development permit at the April 26, 2021 Regular Council meeting.
