BUSINESS RESOURCES
The effects of this global pandemic are being felt by everyone in our community. In downtown Stratford our small businesses – of which there are more than 300 – have been forced to shut their doors completely, lay off employees, pivot their business models, begin contactless deliveries, move their products online, and lean on their local community.
We at the Stratford City Centre Business Improvement Area (BIA) have focused our time on providing relevant information to our business owners, learning best practices from our governing body (OBIAA) and engaging our community to keep our small businesses and their offerings top of mind. Below we offer links to information we hope are helpful to our members and the citizens of Stratford.
Stratford Economic Recovery
Where to get PPE for your business
FEDERAL ORGANIZATIONS
THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan - Support for Businesses
Avoiding layoffs and rehiring employees; Access to credit; Creating new jobs and opportunities for Youth;
Deferred payments; Support for the self-employed; Supporting financial stability
Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CEMRA)
Understanding ROE (Record of Employment Forms)
Work-Sharing Program
Food Safety during the Pandemic
Risk-Informed Decision Making for Mass Gatherings during Pandemic
Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada during Covid-19 Pandemic
Employment and Social Development Canada
Covid-19 Outbreak Update
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BANK OF CANADA
Business Continuity Plan and Templates for Entrepreneurs
Support for entrepreneurs impacted by the coronavirus COVID-19
How to cope with the impacts of COVID-19 on your business
CANADIAN FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS
Small Business Help Centre
INSTITUTE FOR CATASTROPHIC REDUCTIONS
Small business support guide(s) and helpful downloadable documents
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
Getting Workplace Ready
RETAIL COUNCIL OF CANADA
Planning Checklist for Retailers
Other resources
FOR HOSPITALITY SECTOR
Canada’s Regional Development Agencies: Covid-19
Food and Beverage Ontario: Covid-19 Updates and Resources
Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA): Hospitality COVID-19 Resource Centre
ORHMA Pandemic Relief Recommendations Provincial Government
Navigating Coronavirus: COVID-19 Resources for Foodservice Operators
PROVINCIAL ORGANIZATIONS
GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO
May 1 - Certain Businesses Allowed to Reopen Under Strict Safety Guidelines
COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool
Support for Businesses
Ontario Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 – People and Jobs
Job Protection for Workers during the COVID-19 Situation
Minister of Labour, Training, and Skills Development – Employment Standards
Support for People and Businesses to Increase Cash Flow
Ontario List of Essential Workplaces + Frequently Asked Questions
Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659
Ontario Together – Call for help - businesses that can assist Ontario during the COVID-19 emergency
TOURISM INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF ONTARIO (TIAO)
Industry Calls, Surveys, Advocacy – Supports for the tourism sector in Ontario
ONTARIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit
Frequently Asked Questions
ONTARIO MINISTRY OF HEALTH
Guidance for Food Premises
Guidance for Community Pharmacies
Health Alert – Signage for your Business
PUBLIC HEALTH ONTARIO
Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings
Physical Distancing
When and How to Wear a Mask
How to Wash your Hands
HELP FOR MY RESTAURANT
Phase-1 COVID-19 Survival Kit
ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Policy Statement on the Covid-19 Pandemic
REGIONAL/MUNICIPAL RESOURCES
GOVERNMENT UPDATES
April 27: City of Stratford ramps up Support Efforts after Festival Announcement
April 13: A Message from Perth-Wellington MP John Nater
April 3: A Message from Stratford Mayor Dan Mathieson
April 2: City of Stratford Announces COVID-19 Economic Support and Recovery Task Force
March 30: A Message from Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece
March 27: A Message from Perth-Wellington MP John Nater
March 23: A Message from Stratford Mayor Dan Mathieson
March 19: A Message from Stratford Mayor Dan Mathieson
March 17: A Message from Stratford Mayor Dan Mathieson
STRATFORD CITY CENTRE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA (BIA)
UP TO DATE LIST OF DOWNTON BUSINESSES THAT ARE OPERATING
See who is offering takeaway, curbside pick-up, delivery; hours/days of operation
ASK AN EXPERT Series during Covid-19
Every Wednesday from 2-3pm the Stratford City Centre BIA in partnership with Stratford-Perth Centre for Business hosts an "Ask An Expert” Zoom call. An opportunity to learn from HR specialists, financial experts and business/marketing gurus to help pivot your business. Experts will take questions over a live Q&A. Free. Registration required. Please see Facebook for SCC BIA or Stratford-Perth Centre for Business or email members@stratfordcitycentre.ca.
Stratford SEEN in QuaranTIMES Co-video Series
The SCC BIA has launched a video series highlighting our downtown businesses and their specialties. These videos can be found on our website and social media channels. Interested in participating? Contact members@stratfordcitycentre.ca.
STRATFORD-PERTH CENTRE FOR BUSINESS
Free business support. Consultations with local business specialists at stratfordperthbusiness.ca. See also the Stratford Perth Centre for Business Facebook Page for Daily Tips from Small Business Specialist Holly Mortimer. Free access to Entrepreneur Academy’s business courses to help support the business community during this difficult time. Courses include Instagram for Small Business, Basic Accounting for Small Business, Squarespace, Shopify, Facebook.
INVEST STRATFORD
Free business support. investStratford, the City of Stratford’s Economic Development Corporation is open and available to support Stratford’s small, medium and large businesses and industries during this time of unprecedented change. The team is available by phone/email to assist. info@investstratford.com
PERTH COUNTY ONTARIO
Links to many business resources
PERTH COMMUNITY FUTURES
Offers programs and financing options to support business cash flow and operations. Visit perthcfdc.ca/finance-your-business.
STRATFORD & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Offers a #COVID19 Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit to support Ontario businesses
Additional Resources from the Chamber
HURON PERTH PUBLIC HEALTH
Covid-19 updates
Information for workplaces and employers
HURON PERTH HEALTHCARE ALLIANCE
Assessment Services available in Huron-Perth
STRATFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
Offers online business resources
SOCIAL MEDIA/ONLINE RESOURCES
Facebook for Non-Profit Resources
Strategies to connect with supporters during Covid-19
E-COMMERCE
E-commerce is an excellent way to ensure your business continues to bring in profits during COVID-19. Below are three platforms that can help with your restaurant and online marketplace.
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.
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.
Fansaves is helping local businesses across Canada by offering gift certificates to help the public support them during Covid-19.