Dear Members,

Before sharing government program updates and announcements, we want to take a moment to express our deepest condolences to our neighbours in Nova Scotia, who are grieving the horrific tragedy that occurred over the weekend.

On Friday, April 17, the federal government announced targeted supports for the following:

  • $675 million to give financing support to small and medium-sized businesses that are unable to access the government’s existing COVID-19 support measures, through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies, such as ACOA.
  • $287 million to support rural businesses and communities, by providing them with access to capital through the Community Futures Network (known locally as CBDC).
  • $500 million to establish a COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations.
  • $250 million to assist innovative, early-stage companies that are unable to access existing COVID-19 business support, through the National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program.
  • $20.1 million in support for Futurpreneur Canada to continue to support young entrepreneurs across Canada who are facing challenges due to COVID-19.

On Saturday, April 18, the federal government announced:

  • Up to $306.8 million in funding to help small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses.

In case you missed them, recordings of past Chamber Live webinars are available:

As your Chamber, we will continue to share relevant information and advocate on your behalf to government. As always, please reach out with your questions, comments and feedback.

Sincerely,

Dawn Binns, President 
Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce