New program helps businesses adapt to changing environment

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New program helps businesses adapt to changing environment

5/15/2020 10:00 AM

City launches free training and mentorship program to support small businesses

The City of Vaughan continues to implement new measures and programs to support local businesses and entrepreneurs during this challenging time. Launching today, the new Digital Boost Vaughan Small Business Resiliency Program provides free training and mentorship to help local businesses adapt to the changing environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Programming will cover topics such as: digital marketing strategies; launching or improving an e-commerce store; developing new product lines or services; developing new revenue models, such as curbside pickup or drop-shipping; and developing financial resiliency. Vaughan businesses interested in registering are asked to register at vaughanbusiness.ca/DigitalBoost to secure their spot by Monday, June 1. Upon registration, a representative from the Economic and Cultural Development department will contact the registrant to help cater the training to specific business needs.

The City has partnered with the province of Ontario, General Assembly and The Hub to provide expert training and instruction to help program participants reach their business goals, as well as mentorship opportunities to bring their new digital marketing strategies to life.

Training will begin June 2 with workshops running through June and July, and mentorship to follow. All training components will be delivered virtually to abide by physical distancing rules. Participants registered in the Digital Boost Vaughan Small Business Resiliency Program will have the opportunity to apply for a $3,500 provincial grant to implement their new business strategies, which will be awarded to companies that have a physical storefront or location in Vaughan, have experienced a 30 per cent decrease in revenue over the previous year and have less than 10 employees, among other criteria.

The program is the latest response from the City of Vaughan as it remains committed to providing relief to entrepreneurs and small-business owners and maintaining the competitiveness of the local economy.

Open for Business

The Open for Business online directory lists local businesses that are open during the current state of emergency.

The voluntary listing includes both essential services and businesses that are open or providing modified operations by phone, online, takeout or delivery in compliance with provincial and municipal regulations. Vaughan businesses interested in being included in the list must apply and can do so through this online form.

#ShopVaughanLocal

On April 9, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua launched the #ShopVaughanLocal campaign. Residents looking to do their part to support the local economy can do so by shopping remotely with local businesses and restaurants with #ShopVaughanLocal. Citizens are encouraged to do any of the following to show their support for small businesses in Vaughan:

Order takeout or delivery from a local restaurant
Buy gift cards for use at a later date
Order from local businesses online
Share your local love using #ShopVaughanLocal on social media
Access government supports for businesses at vaughanbusiness.ca

Vaughan Business Action Plan

On March 17, the City launched the Vaughan Business Action Plan – which includes a series of measures to support businesses, consumers and all citizens. The City’s Economic and Cultural Development department is available to support local businesses and entrepreneurs online or by phone to help access resources from the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. Learn more at vaughanbusiness.ca.

Business licence renewals

A grace period of 90 days has also been established for business licence renewals. Licensees may defer renewal of their existing business licence up to 90 days past the expiry date of their licence. New businesses are still required to be licensed. New licence applications may be submitted by email to bylaw@vaughan.ca, along with scanned copies of required documentation. Payments can be made by cheque and mailed to Vaughan City Hall at 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr., Vaughan, ON, L6A 1T1.

To receive the City’s latest COVID-19 updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.

Those who feel unwell and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19 should contact York Region Public Health or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

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