Ways You Can Support Our Businesses:
PICKUP, ORDER IN OR USE A DRIVE THRU
Many Regina restaurants are facing significant challenges having had to close the restaurant, but you can help! Please consider picking up an order, getting a meal delivered or use a drive thru. Every order helps, you can make a difference!
BUY GIFT CERTIFICATES
Purchase gift cards or certificates from Regina area businesses. Your investment could make a major difference. Most Regina businesses that interact with the public have this option and would be happy to help in any way possible. Again, we need you!
SCHEDULE A SERVICE FOR LATER
Have a service that you would normally do this time of year or month or week? How about calling the business and scheduling it for some time later? During these difficult economic times knowing there is business down the road could mean the difference between shutting down the business and staying open.
SUPPORT REGINA BUSINESSES ONLINE
Most businesses have an online presence, and some have e-commerce capabilities. We encourage you to conduct businesses with people within our community. Some businesses will offer delivery, and some will offer pickup. Rather than using an international online site please consider a local option.
SKIP THE REFUND
Most of us have had events or some type of activity cancelled due to the virus. In some cases, you may want to consider not requesting a refund and instead accepting a rain check or forgoing the refund. Not everyone can do this but if you can it will be appreciated.
KEEP PAYING MONTHLY MEMBERSHIP FEES
Many service businesses are being extremely hard hit but you can help. Keep paying your gym membership, for your music lessons, art lessons and the list goes on. If you can afford to do so it will be appreciated.
THANK A BUSINESS
Many, many businesses give back to our community and have for years. Please take a little bit of time and show some love for some of your favourite businesses. You can do so by supporting them with some online tags or through their website.
TIP LIKE YOU'RE A BIG SHOOTER
Tips are the lifeline for many who work in the service industry. Now more than ever tips will be greatly appreciated. If you can afford to tip, Tip Like a Big Shooter.
SUPPORT A BUSINESS BY PHONE
Yes, it is old school technology, but it works amazingly well in some cases. Call a business that you have been doing business with or would like to do business with and ask them how they can better serve you during these difficult times.
FOR MORE WAYS TO SUPPORT LOCAL, PLEASE VISIT:
SHOP LOCAL SASKATCHEWAN FACEBOOK PAGE
I SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS REGINA FACEBOOK GROUP
FOOD TAKE-OUT AND DELIVERY IN SASKATCHEWAN FACEBOOK GROUP
SHOP LOCAL - REGINA DOWNTOWN
SHOPREGINA.COM
COVID-19 Support Resource List:
WD'S REGIONAL RELIEF AND RECOVERY FUND
REGINA CHAMBER RESPONDS TO RENT RELIEF PROGRAM
GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN SMALL BUSINESS EMERGENCY PAYMENT
CANADIAN BUSINESS RESILIENCE NETWORK
GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN COVID-19 SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES AND WORKERS
SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS AND EMPLOYEES
City of Regina
The City of Regina is providing residents added flexibility to defer payments in the coming months in an effort to ease the financial strain felt by many during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency.
Council has approved the immediate implementation of the Utility Payment Deferral Program, which will enable residents and businesses to defer payments toward their water utility account for up to six months with no late payment charges or interest charges applied.
The City is suspending all payment collection activity on overdue utility and property tax accounts, and no water service will be shut off for residents with outstanding account balances or who are unable to pay. Residents are also encouraged to contact the City to discuss a customized payment plan that will provide the financial flexibility they need.
As an added measure to ease financial concerns for residents, the City is proposing to postpone the deadline to pay 2020 property taxes. Tax notices will be issued on schedule in May but property owners will have until October 1 before penalties are applied.
Residents may also sign up for Budget Billing and the Tax Installment Payment Program Service (TIPPS) online at Regina.ca. Both services enable residents to pay for their utility bills and property taxes in smaller installments deducted monthly from their financial institution.
Canada Revenue Agency
The tax filing deadline has been extended to June 1, and all taxpayers are allowed to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after today and before September 2020.
Federal Government
Allowing Canadians with urgent travel needs to obtain Passport Services, if they:
- Have a serious illness, or must tend to the serious illness or death of another individual they have had a relationship with;
- Suffer from economic hardships due to loss of job or business (the cost of an airline, bus or train ticket does not constitute economic hardship); or
- Must travel for humanitarian grounds, supported by the requesting organization.
Federal Government
If you have lost income because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will provide you with temporary income support. The CERB will provide you with $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.
Federal Government
An Emergency Care Benefit of up to $900 bi-weekly for up to 15 weeks to provide income support to workers who must stay home and do not have access to paid sick leave. This measure could provide up to $10 billion to Canadians, and includes:
- Workers, including the self-employed, who are sick, quarantined, or who have been directed to self-isolate but do not qualify for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits.
- Workers, including the self-employed, who are taking care of a family member who is sick with COVID-19, such as an elderly parent or other dependents who are sick, but do not qualify for EI sickness benefits.
- EI-eligible and non EI-eligible working parents who must stay home without pay because of children who are sick or who need additional care because of school closures.
Federal Government
A proposed increase to the maximum annual Child Care Benefit (CCB) payment amounts, only for the 2019-20 benefit year, by $300 per child.
Federal Government
A proposed one-time special payment for low-and modest-income families, who may require additional help with their finances, through the Goods and Services Tax (GSTC) credit. This will double the maximum annual GSTC payment amounts for the 2019-20 benefit year. Single individuals will receive close to $400, and almost $600 for couples benefiting from this measure.
Federal Government
A plan to pause the repayment of Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans until September 30, 2020, with no accrual interest.
REGISTERED RETIREMENT INCOME FUNDS
Federal Government
A reduction to the required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds by 25% for 2020. This will provide flexibility to seniors that are concerned that they may be required to liquidate their RRIF assets to meet minimum withdrawal requirements.
BUSINESS CREDIT AVAILABILITY PROGRAM
Export Development Canada and Business Development Bank of Canada
The Business Credit Availability Program will provide $10 billion of additional funding to Canadian businesses facing economic challenges brought on by COVID-19. This program helps Canadian businesses in all sectors and regions gain access to credit through EDC, BDC and private sector lenders. The short-term credit available to farmers and the agri-food sector will also be increased through Farm Credit Canada.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BANK OF CANADA (BDC) RELIEF MEASURES
Business Development Bank of Canada
Effective March 18, 2020, new BDC Relief Measures for qualified businesses include:
- Working capital loans of up to $2 million with flexible terms and payment postponements for up to 6 months for qualifying businesses;
- Postponement of payments for up to 6 months, free of charge, for existing BDC clients with total
BDC loan commitment of $1 million or less;
- Reduced rates on new eligible loans;
- Additional details regarding Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) measures, including industry specific support, to be announced in the coming days.
Federal Government
Extension to the maximum duration of Work-Sharing agreements from 38 weeks to 76 weeks. The Work Sharing Program is an income support program for employees eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who work a temporarily reduced work week while their employer recovers.
CALLING ALL SUPPLIERS – HELP CANADA COMBAT COVID-19
Federal Government
The Government of Canada is asking suppliers that have products and services that can support Canada’s response to COVID-19 to consider completing a COVID-19 Products and Services submission form.
Federal Government
All businesses are able to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any Income Tax amounts that become owing on or after today and before September 2020. This relief would apply to tax balances due, as well as installments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act. No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period. This measure will result in businesses having more money available during this period.
FACEBOOK SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS PROGRAM
The Small Business Grants Program is offering $100 million in cash grants and advertising credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries.
PST REBATE ON NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION
Provincial Government
The PST Rebate on New Home Construction will provide up to 42% of the PST paid on a new house contract up to $350,000 (excluding land) for new homes purchased after March 31, 2020, and before April 1, 2023. This not only helps the construction industry, Saskatchewan’s home builders and associated trades that are important job creators, it helps families afford a newly built home.
OIL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PROGRAM
Provincial Government
The Oil Infrastructure Investment Program, a SaskFirst new growth tax incentive administered by the Ministry of Energy and Resources, will support new and expanded pipelines, as well as new pipeline terminals, to flow oil to markets.
GUIDES FOR BUSINESS
LABOUR PROGRAM AND FEDERALLY REGULATED WORKPLACES
Federal Government
An online guide for workplaces wanting more information on how to handle the virus in the workplace.
BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN TEMPLATES
Business Development Bank of Canada
Creating and maintaining a business continuity plan helps ensure that businesses have the resources and information needed to deal with an emergency. BDC has developed Business Continuity Plan Templates for businesses to plan for business continuity and mitigate the potential effects of an emergency.
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Preparedness, not panic, is the best way to mitigate the risks posed by a COVID-19 pandemic to the Canadian economy and our citizens. The Pandemic Preparedness Guide includes links to the some of the most relevant and credible information, best practice tools and resources.
STAY INFORMED
Saskatchewan Health - Updates on the COVID-19 risk in Saskatchewan
The Public Health Agency of Canada - Updates and travel advice
The World Health Organization - Information and guidance on the current outbreak
1-833-784-4397 - Coronavirus Toll Free Phone line
Need more information? Contact Kali McDonald - kmcdonald@reginachamber.com
ON FACEBOOK
We would like to welcome Compugen to our membership! Compugen started out as a small operation in Toronto to now being one of Canada's largest IT service providers.
HEY REGINA/AREA BUSINESS OWNERS! Prequalify for a Regina & District Chamber of Commerce Membership and you could WIN a $100 Gift Card to Nicky's Cafe!
You read that right, request a Free No-Obligation Quote for a Regina Chamber Membership and you could WIN a $100 Gift Card to Nicky's Cafe in Regina! Just for getting a quote!
This is part of our #TogetherWeStandSK campaign to promote and support local Regina businesses.
Hurry, the draw ends on August 17th!
To prequalify for this offer, send us a Facebook message with your phone number and email.
In these difficult times, it’s harder than ever to reach your customers, get support, save money, help your employees and have a voice as a small business owner.
👉 That’s where the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce can help. 👈
When you’re a member you get a WIDE RANGE OF BENEFITS:
✅ Advocacy Services - We Lobby the Government on your behalf AND you'll be part of our #TogetherWeStandSK campaign promoting local business
✅ Great Networking Opportunities - get connected with government, businesses and community
✅ Hear From the Experts - Webinars and events from Canada’s leading experts in all things business
✅ SAVE BIG - benefits & savings programs for your employees
✅ Advertising Opportunities - reach 1000’s of local businesses with our tailored B2B advertising
And to top it off, our membership plans are A LOT more affordable than you think!
Simply send us a Facebook message with your phone number and email and we’ll see how we can help grow your business today.
- Your Regina & District Chamber of Commerce Team
EVENTS CALENDAR
Contact Us
Regina & District Chamber of Commerce
2145 Albert St.
Regina, SK
S4P 2V1
Phone: (306) 757-4658
Fax: (306) 757-4668
info@reginachamber.com
