Policy Resolutions and Programs for Small Business

The Chamber Network is a shining example of how to express the needs of the business community to government.  This includes consistent messaging and solutions-based suggestions.  To that end recently, about 300 chambers and boards of trades gathered virtually to debate this year’s slate of resolutions to present to the federal government.

Your Peterborough Chamber of Commerce had two policy resolutions directly related to small business.  These resolutions have become even more relevant because of the COVID-19 pandemic.   

Driving Innovation in Canada received 100% support of voting delegates.  This resolution calls for the following to be implemented:

1. Implement an “innovation box” approach to encourage more business investment in innovation processes in Canada.
2. Consult with senior business leaders/technologists to define what intellectual property would qualify, e.g. patents, copyright, industrial design
3. Ensure that any such regime adopted in Canada delivers the clarity and simplicity that encourages participation in innovation from both SMEs and large companies.
4. Develop a federal program modelled after the “My First Patent Program” to encourage more investment by SMEs across the country
   
   

Assisting Small Businesses in the Fight Against Cybercrime received 96% support of voting delegates, but we are really not sure why anyone would have voted against it.  The resolution is asking for the following recommendations to be implemented:

1. Allow SMEs to write off 100% of their business investments in cybersecurity-related software, equipment and other costs (support services and outsourcing costs) in the year those investments are made.
2. Include cyber-security measure parameters when building out programs that encourage SMEs to improve their virtual presence.
3. Introducing cybersecurity certification programs for SMEs and offering financial incentives for completing them.

Thank you to our Chamber members for your help informing us of the need for these changes.

The past week has also seen a number of updates to government programs:

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy
Providing direct and easy-to-access rent and mortgage interest support to tenants and property owners until June 2021 for qualifying organizations affected by COVID-19. The new rent subsidy would support businesses, charities, and non-profits that have suffered a revenue drop by providing support up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible expenses until December 19, 2020. The government is proposing to allow claims retroactively for the period that began September 27 and ended October 24, 2020.

Lockdown Support
which would provide an additional 25 per cent through the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy for qualifying organizations that are subject to a lockdown and must shut their doors or significantly limit their
activities under a public health order issued under the laws of Canada, a province or territory (including orders made by a municipality or regional health authority under one of those laws). Combined, this would mean that hard-hit businesses subject to a lockdown could receive rent support of up to 90 per cent.

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Extension
Extended until June 2021, to help employers keep employees on the payroll and re-hire their workers. The wage subsidy would remain at the current rate of up to 65 per cent of eligible wages until December 19, 2020.

Selwyn Business Re-Opening Program Phase 2
This program provides grants of up to $2,500 to eligible businesses located within  Selwyn Township to go towards #COVID19 urgent / additional expenses, such as PPE, shields, hand sanitizer stations, etc. Applications can be submitted to Community Futures Peterborough until March 31, 2021.

Digital Main Street
Assists main street businesses with their adoption of technology. Offered locally by Peterborough DBIA & Kawartha Chamber of Commerce.

Student Work Placement Program
Through this program employers hiring students can receive up to $7,500 in wage subsidies. Connect with Si at the Peterborough Chamber to learn more 705-748-9771 x206.

RAP – Program
This program is about providing you with a digital blueprint for your business.  Receive immersive training, mentoring and support to assist with digital modernization – at no cost to you.

COVID-19 Business Resource Portal