New program helps businesses adapt to changing environment
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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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