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COVID-19 Updates and Resources
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The affect of COVID-19 continues to evolve. Now, more than ever, it’s critical to follow the directives of our health authorities on social and physical distancing measures so that we can flatten the curve. Stay calm, don’t hoard supplies, don’t back-log the health care system unnecessarily AND STAY HOME if at all possible! Another critical reminder is that many local businesses are having to make difficult decisions for their businesses and employees. They need government and community support to get through this difficult time. We will get through it by supporting one another.
The Chamber has created this page with useful links, tools and surveys for businesses.
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A Celebration of Resilience - Business Excellence Awards
It's time to recognize the incredible fortitude of our business community throughout this challenging year. The Chamber is opening nominations for a special edition of the Business Excellence Awards, titled “A Celebration of Resilience”- we encourage you to nominate local businesses, organizations and individuals that have overcome countless obstacles. This year, we are also introducing a new category “Frontline Hero Honour Roll” to recognize the many essential workers across many sectors who have been working tirelessly through the pandemic to ensure our community continues to run smoothly.
Click here for more information.
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Business Leadership & Resilience Training Course
This exclusive online training program, developed in partnership with UVIC’s Gustavson School of Business, will focus on how to adapt business models, re-engage customers, and adjust workplace cultures. The 6-week certificate program will be taught by 2 award winning professors and offered to individuals at a minimal registration fee to ensure cost isn’t a barrier during the pandemic. Price: $35 for Chamber members, $70 for non-members.Choose from 1 of 3 available cohorts:
- Tuesdays, November 3rd to December 8th - 10AM - 11AM (done)
- Tuesdays, January 12th to February 16th - 11AM to 12PM
- Wednesdays, February 24th to March 31st - 11AM to 12PM
Click here to register.
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Government support programs for businesses:
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
- Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
- Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
- Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)
- Black Entrepreneurship Program (BEP)
- Funding through the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NAACA)
- Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility
- Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)
- Support for entrepreneurs impacted by coronavirus (Business Development Bank of Canada)
- Export Development Canada: COVID-19
- Work-Sharing Program: Temporary special measures
- Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
- Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
- Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
- Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
Grants for business:
Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant - Government of BC
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Other reliable links to get information on the current situation, risk to Canadians, travel advisories, etc.:
- City of Surrey
- City of White Rock
- Surrey Schools
- Utility Companies & COVID-19
- Local news through Peace Arch News
- Provincial news: BC GlobalNews
- National news: CBC News and CTV News
- Assistance and information for parents and students through Surrey Schools
- NOTE: The BC government does daily media updates everyday at 3 pm (T-F), which are streamed live by major media.
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BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool click here
Non-medical questions: call 1-888-COVID19 or text 604-630-0300Medical questions: call 8-1-1Fraser Health: Click hereBC Centre for Disease Control: Click hereHealthLink BC: Click hereCurrent COVID-19 cases in Canada: Click here -
For information on how to get in touch with your local elected officials, check out our Political Representatives page here.
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For a list of upcoming town halls, Chamber Chats and webinars from the Chamber, our members and partners, visit the Chamber's Event Calendar.
In case you missed one of our virtual events, they are recorded for your convenience. If you follow this link you will also find useful recorded webinars, online events, and virtual interviews.
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As a member of the Chamber, you are eligible to join the Chambers Plan, Canada's leading group benefit plan for firms with 1-50 employees. If your business is currently enrolled, you have access to Teladoc® telemedicine service, allowing employees to consult with a physician by phone* or video conference, within an hour, from anywhere in Canada or the United States. Should you or your employees have additional questions in relation to your benefits, submitting a claim, please contact the Customer Service Centre at 1-800-665-3365.
For businesses who receive insurance via the Chambers Plan, the team behind the plan is offering the following credits, retroactive to April 1st, to your May billing.
- Dental: 50% premium reduction adjustment
- Extended Health: 10% premium reduction adjustment
For inquiries:- Teladoc: click here
- General inquries or to enroll in the ChambersPlan: click here
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Certificates of Origin (COOs)
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Certificates of Origin are shipping documents detailing information on the type of goods being exported, their destination, and most important, their country or countries of origin. Validation is a key service provided by the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce with a preferred rate given to SSWR Chamber members. All Certificate of Origin clients must provide a notarized letter of waiver to be kept on file for 2 years.
In partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the SSWR Chamber is pleased to offer the services of TradeCert Canada – a simple, secure and timesaving solution to COOs. Through the TradeCert program, the SSWR Chamber is able to process COOs entirely online (with the exception of accepting letters of waiver). Once you have been set up in our system, you can submit COO applications and print out approved COOs all from the comfort of your desk.
For more information on pricing, accepted documents, and other details on how to get started, visit our COO page here.
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Business Resources and Tools
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Crime Prevention Tips for Businesses:
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Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers Tip Sheet for Securing your Business in relation to COVID-19 Closures.
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Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers for Virus Hoaxes, Fraud Prevention & Tips
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Surrey RCMP Business Poster Campaign: deter potential thieves and reinforce proper security measures against theft.
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Resources, Toolkits & Guide
Online Certificate of Origin Processing (essCert)- In partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the SSWR Chamber is pleased to offer the services of TradeCert Canada – a simple, secure and timesaving solution to certificates of origin. Head to our Certificate of Origin page for more information.
Border, Ladner, Gervais LLP:Bromwich & Smith:Calgary Chamber of Commerce:Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB):Canadian Franchise Association:Canadian Payroll Association:Deloitte:Facebook:Fasken:GardaWorld:The Globe and Mail:Gowling WLG:KPMG:Ontario Chamber of Commerce:Professional Meetings & Conventions Assocation:RDC:Small Business BC:Surrey Board of Trade:World Health Organization:Government Resources for Canadians