In this unprecedented time, collaboration amongst municipalities is paramount. Mayors of the region’s 13 municipalities within the geographical boundaries of Leeds Grenville have formed the Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Economic Recovery Alliance to minimize the adverse effect COVID-19 has had on business and redefine the needs to support economic recovery, sustainability and growth. Economic Task Teams will be working through the recovery phases on the following regional recovery priorities:
Support for Business Re-openings
Small Business Support and Transformation Local Business Marketing and Promotion Tourism
Agriculture
Manufacturing / Transportation and Logistics / Warehousing
Workforce
New Economy Needs, Trends and Opportunities
Support for Business Re-openings:
The Task Team focusing on Support for Business Re-openings has now developed signage templates that can be used in your store front to help build consumer awareness of what you’re doing to protect them.
The Re-opening Checklist Sign is a fillable Adobe form that you can check off the boxes, add the number of customers and your phone number. This signage was developed along with the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit to comply with provincial guidelines. In addition a sign for Hours of Operation has also been developed for your use as well. It can be found at: https://files.constantcontact.com/786b46a2401/99de948e-d791-47c1-92d5-3eb52ea80e93.pdf
Additional health and safety information along with the local PPE supplier list is available on the Counties dedicated COVID-19 webpage: https://invest.leedsgrenville.com/en/contacts-news-events/covid-19.aspx.
Small Business Support and Transformation:
The Task Team will be coming together to focus on support for Small Business in their recovery from this crisis and their transformation into the new economy.
The Ontario government, in partnership with the federal government, has invested $57-million to help businesses create and enhance their online presence. The Digital Main Street platform has three new programs to support business digital transformation – shopHERE powered by Google, Digital Main Street Grant and Future-Proofing Main Street.
Regional Relief and Recovery Funding (RRRF) Still Available!
If you were thinking of applying for the RRRF, don’t wait and apply today – remaining funds now available are limited! This program provides up to a $40,000 conditionally repayable loan (interest free, 25% forgiveness available provided 75% of original loan amount is paid by December 31, 2022).
Visit 1000 Islands CDC and Grenville CFDC for more information.