COVID-19
COVID-19 Updates
Without a doubt, this is a very challenging time for our Downtown businesses and the community. Our staff is working hard to support you during this time of uneasiness and social distancing. Please continue to check back on this page for more information as it becomes available.
Government/Financial Assistance
Business Sustainability Grant Program
Small businesses worldwide will forever be changed by the COVID-19. In response, the Downtown Kitchener BIA is proud to announce the COVID-19 Business Sustainability Grant Program.
Today, consumers are enabled by technology to make decisions, driving change in purchasing behaviours. This Crisis has created a drastic rise in ecommerce shopping. This change is the driver behind large and small retailers developing online platforms to engage with their target audience. This grant was established with the intent to make your business more competitive in today’s economy.
APPLICATIONS OPEN FRIDAY MARCH 22 AT 10:00AM: Business Sustainability Grant 2020
KPMG
COVID-19 Return to the Workplace Guide
April 21, 2020: Important Update on CEWS
COVID-19 Government Initiatives Update
TaxNews Flash Canada - Canada's 75% Wage Subsidy Now Enacted
City of Kitchener
Information and resources for local businesses
Business Development Bank (BDB) of Canada
Support for entrepreneurs impacted by COVID-19
Businesses continuity plan and templates for enrepreneurs
Government of Canada
Employment & Social Development - employment, insurance, work-sharing and labour programs
Resouces for Canadian businesses
Province of Ontario
Essential Workplaces Electricity Relief Economica Response Plan
Business Resources
Waterloo Region Small Business Centre
Every Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (on Zoom) WRSBC will host "Ask an Expert Series". An opportunity to learn marketing tips, eCommerce insights and other topics to help drive success. Experts will take questions over a live Q&A. Free. Registration required.
In addition to the series above, WRSBC is hosting a number of other webinars and free training sessions at the link attached here.
Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce
Upcoming webinars:
Enhance Your Organizations Online Presence (Free), April 16 at 9:30AM. Registration Required.
How to Keep Your Culture and Engagement Alive During Unengaging Circumstance(Free), April 22 at 2PM. Registration required.
Past webinars:
-COVID-19 and Your Business (March 26)
-Employment Law Riss in the COVID-19 Era
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Pandemic preparedness for businesses
International Economic Development Council
Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction
Small business support guide(s) and downloadable documents
Ontario Ministry of Health
Stats and self assessment tool
Public Health Ontario
Cleaning and disinfection for public settings
Help for my Restaurant
Safety & Security
Waterloo Region Police Service
Statement from WRPS - April, 2020:
The Waterloo Regional Police Service continues to provide essential service in the Kitchener Downtown. Increased presence by our Community Engagement Officers, Central CORE Team, Community Resource Officers and Zone Officers is ongoing and we are responding to concerns throughout the downtown. I would encourage business to include messages about closures to be temporary and check your business regularly. It is important to report any activity, property damage or other issues promptly so we can respond.
Please reach out to us via Slack, email or by phone if you have any questions or comments.
Statement from WRPS - March, 2020:
"The Waterloo Regional Police Service continues to offer essential service to the community.
We understand business owners may be feeling anxious at this time of uncertainty. We want to reassure you that it is business as usual for us and officers will remain on patrol throughout Waterloo Region responding to calls for service.
This is a time when our community needs to come together, to help each other, and to watch out for one another. We remind business owners and residents of this community to report any suspicious activity or individuals to police."
Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, watch out for associated scams. Fraudsters want to profit from consumers' fears, uncertainties and misinformation. Fraudsters are exploiting the crisis to facilitate fraud and cyber crime. Here are ways to protect your business.
Keeping Downtown Clean
Due to Public Health concerns, Clean Team 1, 2 and the Downtown Organic Waste Diversion Pilot Program have been placed on a temporary hold. If you have any questions please reach out.
Social Distancing Stickers
As businesses receive the go-ahead to reopen, it is important that they are prepared to service patrons and continue to encourage social distancing.
Our team has developed some fun social distancing stickers to be place on sidewalks throughout the core, and inside businesses.
If you would like some stickers to place throughout your business, please reach out to Curtis Grimba ([email protected]).
Hand Sanitizer
Many businesses have found it increasingly difficult to source sanitizer for their staff during these difficult times.
The BIA has purchased a limited supply of sanitizer to gift main street focused businesses. If your retail, food, or health & wellness business is in need of sanitizer, please reach out to Stefanie Golling ([email protected]).
Online/Social Media Opportunities
Hey Local
HeyLocal is a Canadian marketplace that helps small and medium-sized businesses by allowing consumers to shop consciously and locally on one single online platform with the same ease and convenience as notable retail giants.
Established in May 2020 by Waterloo Region business leaders as a direct response to the challenges faced by small businesses brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, HeyLocal is bringing commerce back to local cities, neighbourhoods, and people.
WR United -- Eat Local
WR United -- Eat Local is an initiative to promote eating locally either by dining at a restaurant, getting take-out from a food purveyor or purchasing from growers and producers in Waterloo Region.
Participation is free. Food establishments must register to take part in the program. Click the link attached for more information.
While You're at Home Video Series
The DTKBIA Team launched a video series highlighting businesses in our core. Click the link below to watch: https://www.youtube.com/user/DowntownKitchenerBIA
Want to participate? Learn more here.
Facebook Small Business Grant Program
Facebook is offering $100M in financial support (cash grants and ad credits) to help small businesses during COVID-19.
Follow the link attached to learn more, and find out if your business is eligible.
Google & Website Optimization
Our community can help support your business online by leaving reviews and providing a star rating. Keeping up with these reviews and relevant information on your accounts is important.
Follow the link attached to learn a few tips on how to keep your online presence relevant.
DTK Social Media Guide
Looking for a few more ways to engage with your audience? Click the link attached to view our social media guide.
Adopt a Business Challenge
Sherpa Marketing is offering two businesses – one each in Kitchener-Waterloo and Winnipeg – the opportunity for $25,000 in free marketing resources in the Adopt a Business Challenge. There are no strings attached – period. Sherpa Marketing is looking for applications from local restaurants, independent businesses, and small business owners to find an organization for whom they can really make an impact.
Follow the link attached to apply.
E-commerce is an excellent way to ensure your business continues to bring in profits during COVID-19. Below are two platforms that can help with your restaurant and online storefront.
Sociavore
Sociavore is an online platform that allows businesses the opportunity to sell digital gift cards, accept curb-side & takeout orders, and also sell merchandise with shipping or pickup options.
Click the link attached for more information.
Shopify
Shopify is offering a 90-day trial for businesses during COVID-19. Build your online platform and storefronts, provide customers with a way to support you now through gift cards, and local pickup & delivery options.
Click the link attached to learn more.
Advocacy
COVID-19 Impact to BIA Communities Survey
Letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Doug Ford from OBIAA
OBIAA is asking businesses to complete the short survey below to better understand the impacts COVID-19 has had on your business community: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8MDPC9G
Community
Region of Waterloo
Open spaces and public washrooms
Government of Canada
Support the local business community!
Click here for a list of open neighbouring businesses.
Looking for our Downtown shopping & dining guide? Click here.