Covid-19 has had a major impact on the Canadian economy at large, especially for a lot of small and local businesses who are finding it increasingly challenging to navigate and support themselves through the pandemic. Luckily, there are resources and grants available to aid businesses that are adapting to new requirements and mandates; such as the Canadian United Small Business Relief Fund.
Canadian United Small Business Relief Fund
Canada Unitedâ„¢, a movement started by RBC, Business Associations, and Major Media partners) has teamed up with the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and other partners to offer a relief fund for small businesses. This grant has been put in place to help recover Canada’s economy by encouraging Canadian businesses to purchase locally. This is a great opportunity for any local Canadian businesses that need access to resources and funds during their reopening phase-in and throughout the pandemic.
If awarded this grant, your small business may receive up to $5000 which can be used for the following:
• Purchasing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, face shields, and latex gloves
• Renovating physical space to adhere to local, Provincial or Federal reopening guidelines
• Developing or improving e-commerce capabilities for your business
Meeting Government Reopening Guidelines
Adhering to guidelines can require multiple additions to your facility, so applying for grants can be extremely helpful. To relieve some of the stress that comes along with adding new hygiene products, we’ve introduced a collection of disposal and dispensing stations that will help you create a cohesive and safe work environment.
Sanitizing Stations
New mandates include readily available hand sanitizer for customers and staff. You’ll likely be required to provide sanitation stations at main entrances, and throughout different zones of your organization. To aid you in providing sanitizer, we’ve created the Purify and Paladin Series.
Both of these products help you maintain a clean appearance while promoting hand hygiene. The Purify is a stand-alone, simple sanitization station, and the Paladin doubles as a PPE disposal unit for any masks and gloves your customers or staff will be using.
Wipes
Providing wipes for staff allows them to wipe down their areas, or areas that customers have touched or interacted with – resulting in a safer and cleaner space. The Revive Series is a great solution for dispensing anti-bacterial wipes in a public setting.
PPE Disposal Containers
Many businesses face the issue of used PPE items littering their grounds, which can be unsanitary and potentially dangerous. Designated containers for PPE Disposal help to contain contaminated items for safe and clean collection. You can also customize them to include messaging that fits your program with signage, labels, and colors, further encouraging program success. Learn more about PPE Collection Here.
Anti-Bacterial Recycling & Waste Stations
Made with CuVerro Shieldâ„¢ protection, our anti-bacterial recycling & waste stations work to continuously fight off microbes and protect the hardware, your patrons, and your staff!
These are just some of the many products that will promote a safe and healthy environment for your organization, and help you adhere to reopening guidelines. The Canada United Business Relief Fund was intentionally created to help you successfully meet the new mandates. Applications for the fund will be accepted starting August 31, 2020. Learn more about eligibility by visiting Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
More on the Canada United Campaign
Canada United is a nationwide campaign encouraging Canadians to purchase local, which supports the Canadian economy. Canada United has designated the weekend of August 28-30 for its social media movement; encouraging individuals and organizations to purchase local and share a picture with their followers. Any views, likes, and/or use of the hashtag #CanadaUnited on Twitter from Canadians (including yours) results in a 5 cent contribution from RBC to support their small business relief fund. You also have a chance at winning a cash prize, so make sure to visit their website for more information. We hope to see our Canadian friends taking the initiative to support local businesses!
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the new reopening guidelines, which is why we’ve compiled a list of resources you will need to reopen during Covid-19. Check out our recent blog: Your Reopening Resource Guide to access more materials that will help you maintain a safe environment for your business.