COVID-19 Resources for Business • Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce

The Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce (QBCC) is urging our Members, network and community to support local businesses impacted by economic challenges caused by the virus by looking to do business with a local business first. We also encourage everyone to exercise reasonable precautions and planning in light of this pandemic.

While it is important to treat the COVID-19 pandemic with seriousness, it is also important not to compound the real challenges this virus is causing our business community by unduly curtailing and restricting our own activities locally.

Please use the updates and resources below to make sure your business, your employees and your customers stay safe and remember to “Call A Member 1st”. Here is a direct link to the P&DCC Membership Directory.

RECOMMENDED PROTOCOLS

Frequent hand washing and covering your face when coughing or sneezing.
Stay home if you are sick (and create a culture where this is encouraged in your workplace)
Leverage technology and consider remote work for your team where possible.
Social distancing
BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool

RELIABLE SOURCES

Office of the British Columbia Provincial Health Officer – for provincial statements and resources
Health Canada – for Canada specific travel advice, preparedness and Canada’s response
Vancouver Coastal Health
World Health Organization – for FAQs, global travel advice and situation reports

BUSINESS RESOURCES

Canada Emergency Business Account – accepting applications – updated April 16
Canada Emergency Web Subsidy (CEWS)
Financing Options for Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 – Small Business BC
Business Continuity & COVID-19: Key Considerations for Small Businesses in BC – Small Business BC
Business Support “Cheat Sheet” – BC Chamber of Commerce Updated March 27, 2020– BC Chamber of Commerce
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses – Department of Finance Canada – Updated April 20, 2020
Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan COVID-19 Update and FAQs – Johnston Group
Employer Guide to Managing COVID-19 in the Workplace – Video | PowerPoint – KSW Lawyers
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Resources for Canadian Businesses – Government of Canada
Pandemic Preparedness for Business – Canadian Chamber of Commerce
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update – Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
Coronavirus and Small Business: Keeping You and Your Employees Safe – Canadian Federation of Independent Business
Emergency Preparedness – Calgary Chamber
An Employer’s Guide to Managing Coronavirus in the Workplace: Frequently Asked Questions – KSW Lawyers
Useful Advice to Help Entrepreneurs Plan and Respond to the Impacts of Coronavirus – BDC
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update – Destination British Columbia
‘Do Not Visit if You Are Sick’ Poster – Fraser Health
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update – Langley City
Business Continuity & COVID-19 Checklist: Key Considerations for Small Businesses in BC – Small Business BC
Business Resource Hub: Managing Through and Building Resilience During the COVID-19 Outbreak – Facebook for Business
Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Getting Your Workplace Read for COVID-19 – World Health Organization
Guide for Small Businesses – PreparedBC
Emergency Plan for Small Businesses – PreparedBC
Webinar – Coronavirus (COVID-19): Managing the Impact on Global Supply Chains – Export Development Canada
Business Continuity Plan and Templates for Entrepreneurs – BDC

OPERATIONAL/STAFFING SUPPORT

Employment and Social Development Canada: Several measures are available to assist employees who have been laid off or are unable to work due to quarantine. This includes waiving the one week waiting period for EI sickness benefits and priority application processing for related claims.
Uber Eats: The company has created a support package to promote “contactless” delivery from local restaurants, which includes waiving delivery fees and a daily payout option to assist restaurants with cash flow.
Work-Sharing Program: Work-Sharing is a federal government adjustment program designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer. Temporary special measures have extended the maximum duration of work-sharing agreements from 38 weeks to 76 weeks for businesses affected by COVID-19.
Government of Canada Travel Health Notices

FINANCIAL SUPPORT/RELIEF

Export Development Canada (EDC), in partnership with the federal government and Canadian banks, will ensure customers impacted by COVID-19 have access to credit.
CMHC is working to address mortgage payment difficulties.
BC Hydro: The COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program provides customers the option to defer bill payments or arrange for flexible payment plans with no penalty. Customers are encouraged to call BC Hydro’s customer team at 1-800-224-9376 to discuss options. – UPDATED April 1, 2020.
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has resources available include:
- Small Business Loan – Up to $100,000 can be obtained online.
- Working Capital Loan – Get extra funds to bridge cash flow gaps and support everyday operations.
- Purchase Order Financing – Increase your cash flow to fulfill domestic or international orders with very flexible terms.
- BDC’s Advisory Services experts are offering tools and support to review your financial management and operations.
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy