BusinessTO News is a weekly newsletter that primarily focuses on available resources and supports to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Toronto businesses. Learn about the current health situation, changes to City services, resources to support reopening and economic support at toronto.ca/covid19.
Announcements
DoorDash to provide over $1 million in grants to help Canadian restaurants
Employer application period for 2021 Canada Summer Jobs program is being extended
The Ministry of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, announced that the employer application period for the 2021 Canada Summer Jobs program is being extended until February 3 to allow more employers to apply for funding to hire young people. Not-for-profit organizations and private and public sector employers who have not already applied for funding are encouraged to do so today. The program strives to give young Canadians between the ages of 15 and 30 paid work opportunities.
Ontario extends off-peak electricity rates to provide relief for small businesses
The Ontario government is extending electricity rate relief for families, small businesses and farms. The government will continue to hold electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour until February 9. This lower rate is available 24 hours per day, seven days a week for Time-Of-Use and tiered customers. Businesses can apply for Energy and Property Tax Rebates through the COVID-19 Business Support Grants, if required to shut down or significantly restrict services due to provincial health measures.
Notice for businesses with employee health centres
As per Public Health Ontario guidelines, workplaces that have employee health centres need to follow infection prevention and control guidelines for primary care centres, not those for workplaces.
Special notice for businesses with night shifts
If you have employees that work a night shift, please remind staff to follow all infection prevention and control guidelines issued by Toronto Public Health. Night shifts have been identified as an issue by the City’s workplace outbreak investigations team.
Business Community News
StartUpHERE’s top virtual events for entrepreneurs in February
From celebrating Black History Month to addressing the climate crisis and understanding mental health needs, StartUpHERE’s list of upcoming events can help bring your business to the next level through networking, industry insights, professional advice and funding opportunities.
Webinars and Online Events
Guidelines for Mandatory Mask Usage in Enclosed Public Places (Free) Watch On Demand
Ontario Small Business Support Grant Webinar (Free) Watch on Demand
Scarborough Business Association Events (Free)
Cyber Breakfast: Speaker MPP Doly Begum | February 3, 9:15 to 10 a.m. – Register
Cyber Breakfast: Speaker Mayor John Tory | February 10, 9:15 to 10 a.m. – Register
After 5 Virtual Networking Magic | February 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m. – Register
How to Successfully Apply for Government Funding(Free)
Wednesday, February 10, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Register
Ask the Expert: Legal Advice for Business(Free)
Friday, February 5, 9 a.m. to noon – Register
General Small Business Tax Literacy Seminar (Free)
Friday, February 26, 9:30 a.m. to noon – Register
B Corp 101 Workshop: Learning to Measure What Matters (Free)
Tuesday, February 16, 10 a.m. to noon – Register
Ask the Expert: Marketing & Sales (Free)
Friday, February 19, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Register
BusinessTO Support Centre: One-on-one virtual support to help businesses complete government assistance applications, navigate reopening guidelines and more
CurbTO: Provides temporary curbside parking pick-up zones for main street businesses
Digital Main Street: Provides support for businesses interested in adopting technologies to help their businesses
DonateTO: Make a difference in your community by donating or partnering with the City of Toronto
