When the pandemic started, our restaurants were among the first and hardest hit. Despite their own challenges, they worked hard to support communities, those in need, and find new and innovative ways to safely serve customers. But despite this, many of our restaurants aren’t sure if they’ll be able to keep going – the numbers just don’t work when so many tables are empty and new costs are so high.

Just as our restaurants have always been there for important moments in our lives, now we need to be here for them.

Your local Chamber of Commerce had another busy Small Business Week!

As some of you may recall, in 2019 Chamber staff Heather and I visited our members with Ronald McDonald House cookies, got informed and shared our own updates. Because that went so well, this year we repeated our visits (with pre-packaged candy instead of cookies) and managed to visit 74 businesses and nonprofits over the course of 4 days. Once again, we learned a lot as we toured new buildings and offices, met employees, answered questions on COVID-19 programs, heard about inventory issues and staffing shortages, and more. If we didn’t get to your business or if you do not have a storefront and would like to catch up with us (and get a candy bag) please contact us! We would love to hear from you.

On November 12 the Government of Alberta announced additional health measures in light of the continual rise of COVID-19 cases in the province:

'Starting Nov. 13, all restaurants, bars, lounges and pubs in regions under enhanced status must cease liquor sales by 10 p.m. and close by 11 p.m. The restriction will remain in place until Nov. 27.

There will also be a two-week ban on indoor group fitness classes, team sport activities and group performance activities in Edmonton and surrounding areas, Calgary and surrounding areas, Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray, Red Deer and Lethbridge.

Additional public health measures will also be implemented in all regions under an enhanced status. These measures will be in place until further notice:

On Wednesday, November 18, 2020 our Chamber was pleased to partner with the Utilities Consumer Advocate for a webinar for Small Businesses. The webinar was recorded and is now available for viewing. Due to some brief technical difficulties the recording is in two parts.

Do you have questions about CEBA, CEWS, CERS, or the SME Relaunch Grant? The Leduc & Wetaskiwin Chamber of Commerce hosted a helpful roundtable session with MNP and King Accounting Solutions on December 16, going over these financial aid programs, and answering questions from businesses and Chambers about them.

You can view the recording here.