Regional Business Liaison Position Aims to Help Businesses Connect with Pandemic Recovery Resources

In partnership with Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT), the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is pleased to introduce Mandy Rousseau, Regional Business Liaison for the SLRD.

Mandy will be helping to assist businesses and non-proifts to navigate the supports available during COVID-19, and the pandemic recovery period. As the Regional Business Liaison representing the SLRD, she will work with businesses one-on-one, and in cooperation with various economic development organizations, to evaluate and access available supports from Federal, Provincial or other sources.

The Regional Business Liaison is a one-year term position from June 2021 - June 2022, funded by a provincial grant administered by NDIT.

Business Resources

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Canadian employers who have seen a drop in revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover a portion of employee wages. This subsidy will enable you to re-hire workers, help prevent further job losses, and ease your business back into normal operations.
 

Tourism Relief Fund
The Tourism Relief Fund, administered by Canada’s regional development agencies and Innovation Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), supports tourism businesses and organizations adapt their operations to meet public health requirements while investing in products and services to facilitate their future growth. With a budget of $500 million over two years (ending March 31, 2023), including $50 million specifically dedicated to Indigenous tourism initiatives, and $15 million for national initiatives, this fund will position Canada to be a destination of choice when domestic and international travel is once again safe by:

• empowering tourism operators to create new or enhance existing tourism experiences and products to attract more local and domestic visitors
• helping the sector reposition itself to welcome international visitors by offering the best Canadian tourism experiences we have to offer the world
   

Jobs and Growth Fund (business)
The Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) is a $700-million federal program to support regional job creation and position local economies for long-term growth. This includes up to $70 million dedicated to businesses created after January 2020 that meet the eligibility criteria.

The fund will help job creators and the organizations that support them future-proof their businesses, build resiliency and prepare for growth by:

• supporting the transition to a green economy
• fostering an inclusive recovery
• enhancing Canada's competitiveness through digital adoption to improve productivity and manufacturing processes
• strengthening capacity in sectors critical to Canada's recovery and growth

Eligible businesses could receive interest-free, repayable contributions for up to 50% of authorized costs.
 

Provincial support for BC businesses: StrongerBC Plan
Find out more about the Government of British Columbia's range of support measures and assistance available to businesses as part of the StrongerBC Plan.

Support for Non-Profits

Jobs and Growth Fund (non-profit)
The Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) is a $700-million federal program to support regional job creation and position local economies for long-term growth. This includes up to $70 million dedicated to businesses created after January 2020 that meet the eligibility criteria.

The fund will help job creators and the organizations that support them future-proof their businesses, build resiliency and prepare for growth by:

• supporting the transition to a green economy
• fostering an inclusive recovery
• enhancing Canada's competitiveness through digital adoption to improve productivity and manufacturing processes
• strengthening capacity in sectors critical to Canada's recovery and growth

Eligible not-for-profit organizations could receive non-repayable contributions for up to 90% of authorized costs.
 

Additional Resources

• Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan - Support for Businesses
• Government of Canada - Business Benefits Finder
• EDC - COVID-19 business relief
• Community Futures Sun Country (serving Electoral Areas A & B, and the District of Lillooet)
• Community Futures Howe Sound (serving Electoral Areas C & D, the District of Squamish, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and the Village of Pemberton)
• One Pemberton
• Whistler Chamber of Commerce
• Squamish Chamber of Commerce

Need assistance or have further questions? Contact Mandy Rousseau, Regional Business Liaison, via email MRousseau@slrd.bc.ca or phone (604) 894-6371 x 261.