Good Afternoon All,
Here is the information and updates that I have for you today (Friday):
1. Canadian Emergency Business Loan Program:
- Banks opened their portal for this loan yesterday
- The eligibility parameters have not changed - payroll minimum is still set at $50k
- If you are eligible for this loan and apply for it apparently you will receive the money within a few days.
- We are still urging our MP to push to amend the eligibility requirements so that the most number of small businesses possible can have access to it. So far no changes but we will keep at it.
2. Passing the Wage Subsidy Program:
- The House of Commons will sit tomorrow (Saturday) starting at 12:15pm to discuss and hopefully pass this program. The Senate will convene at 4pm again to hopefully pass this program.
- Once passed the government can then roll this program out. There has been a tremendous amount of pressure from businesses across the country to get this program passed and up and running as quickly as possible.
3. MPP Peter Tabuns' letter to the Premier:
- Attached please find Peter's letter to the Premier sent yesterday urging him to act on a rent relief program for small businesses. This letter is based on the plan that Peter and his party created earlier in the week and which I have circulated to you previously.
4. Rent Relief Proposal from TABIA (Toronto Association of BIAs):
- Last night TABIA sent all BIAs the attached proposal for a rent relief plan. TABIA has also sent it to the Prime Minister and all MPs.
- We also sent it to our MP Julie Dabrusin and to our MPP Peter Tabuns last night urging them to put it in front of their colleagues in Ottawa. Given that the House is sitting tomorrow this is a very short turn around time and I'm not sure that this plan will be considered tomorrow when the House convenes but it can be pushed during the upcoming days.
5. Let's Eat Together Canada - Take-out Wednesdays:
- The restaurant industry is launching Take-Out Wednesdays starting this coming Wednesday, April 15.
- Below is a link providing details of this program.
- For our BIA restaurants currently doing take-out and delivery please let me know if you will be participating and we can roll out promotions on our BIA social media platforms.
6. Don't Turn Out The Lights on Small Business campaign:
- Thank you to those of you who posted the new graphics and call to action on your social media yesterday. If I can ask everyone who hasn't posted yet to please do so. Your voices are needed! The full graphic and text package was in my email from yesterday (Thursday, April 9).
Here's the link for Take-Out Weds:
"Takeout Day" launches across Canada to support restaurant ...
Thanks,
Susan