Together we can.
Province of Alberta Public Health Orders
In-scope organizations must follow one of these two options:
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Implement the Restrictions Exemption Program requiring proof of vaccination, negative test results or medical exemption for patrons 12 and over, plus mandatory masking, to continue operating as usual, or
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Comply with all restrictions as outlined in public health orders.
The Restrictions Exemption Program permits in-scope businesses, entities and organizers to operate without most public health restrictions as outlined in Order 52-2021. Masks are still mandatory indoors.
Operators that are out-of-scope or choose not to fully implement the program must comply with all public health restrictions outlined in Order 44-2021, modified by Order 53-2021.
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:
INTAKE OPEN
REP IMPLEMENTATION GRANT
The Province is offering a one-time payment of $2,000 to Alberta small and medium-sized businesses that are eligible for and choose to implement the Restrictions Exemption Program.
Alberta businesses eligible for the REP Implementation Grant can use the funding as they see fit.
Business Grants, Subsidies & Benefits
REP Implementation Grant
A one-time payment of $2000 to offset REP implementation costs.
Small and medium-sized businesses, cooperatives and non-profits implementing the REP can now apply for a one-time grant to help offset the costs. Businesses can use the $2,000 grant as they see fit.
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.
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.
Safety Training
Employees of Alberta-based businesses and organizations who are implementing the REP, can access 45-minute online safety training at no cost. This training will help businesses and organizations assess and manage challenging situations that may arise during their daily operations.
Employers must enroll on behalf of their employees.
