Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission Responds to Business Concerns of COVID-19
The Okanagan business community has proven resilient in the face of fires and floods in recent Local Love Bingo Okanagan years. We are facing a new challenge with the spread of COVID-19. In an effort to keep the public and business community informed on the economy of the region, during this unprecedented time The Regional District of Central Okanagan’s Economic Development Commission has compiled the below resource links. We know that our local businesses and community members are working to stay updated to make informed decisions that are best for their customers, employees, communities and businesses.
We continue to stress the importance of following health information sources directly for the most recent information: Public Health Agency of Canada; British Columbia Centre for Disease Control and Interior Health Authority.
Additionally The Province of British Columbia has established a non-emergency and non-health related hotline, which can be reached by calling 1-888-COVID19 or 1-888-268-4319, and will be staffed from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day with information available in more than 110 languages. 811 remains the hotline for British Columbians to call to reach health professionals.
Our team is available to support all inquiries and we’ll continue to navigate this together.
Federal Government Measures
The Government of Canada has launched a Resource Hub for Canadian Businesses that address four key considerations for businesses during this time: supporting employees, financial implications and business preparedness, business travel and events, and doing business in international markets.
- Service Canada is waiving the one-week waiting period to access EI (Employment Insurance) for workers who have been directed to self-isolate and who will claim EI sickness benefits.
- Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses
- Rolling Updates: Travel Advice and Advisories
Financial
BDC
For small or medium- sized business organization affected by the sudden shifts in the economy and need pressing assistance:
- Small Business Loan
- Working capital loan
- Purchase Order Financing
- Advisory Services experts for tools and support to review your financial management and operations (supply chain, cash flow, contingency plans)
Western Economic Diversification Canada
1-888-338-WEST (9378)
For small or medium- sized business organization affected by the sudden shifts in the economy and need pressing assistance:
- Access to federal funding to help you stay in business
- Advice and pathfinding services to other federal programs and services available
Export Development Canada (EDC)
In partnership with the federal government and Canadian banks, EDC will ensure customers impacted by COVID-19 have access to credit.
Guides
- Checklist: COVID-19 Business Continuity, Key Consideration for Small Businesses in BC (Small Business BC)
- Info Sheet: Getting Your Business Ready for COVID-19 (World Health Organization)
- Resource for BC Business Guide (BC Economic Development Association)
Human Resources:
- COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness for Business (Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
- Human Resources Professional Association
- Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia & Yukon
- Emergency Remote Work Contingency Planning Template
Communications:
- Crisis Communications Plan (Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
General Business Emergency Planning:
- PreparedBC: Guide for Small Business (Government of B.C.)
- PreparedBC: Emergency Plan for Small Businesses (Government of BC)
- Business Continuity & Recovery Plan (Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
Tourism: