Battlefords Chamber of Commerce Chief Operating Officer Linda Machniak, left, and Director Warren Williams, right, shown with Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO Steve McLellan, centre. The local chamber is encouraging businesses to pursue some support programs available to assist them during the COVID-19 pandemic. (File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Support for Business

More opportunities to help businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic

May 29, 2020 | 6:12 PM

Battlefords area businesses have some new opportunities to help them improve their bottom line during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Battlefords Chamber of Commerce Chief Operating Officer Linda Machniak said two programs are available to support businesses through the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and its partners.

The Business Resilience Service program allows businesses and non profits to connect with experienced business advisors from across Canada for guidance on government relief programs available. They will help them determine which will be most appropriate to support their establishment, whether it is a small- or medium-sized business, not-for-profit or charity organization, on how to “respond and reshape amid uncertainty,” according to the program’s website.

Machniak said they will have direct access to accounting professionals on programs available and other resources.

Businesses needing support can also apply for grants available through a partnership from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the global company Salesforce.

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Grants in the value of $10,000 each are available to help 62 small businesses across Canada to help them deal with the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

The new program is known as the Canadian Business Resilience Network Small Business Relief Fund. Grant applications are being accepted from June 1 until June 12. Applicants must be a member of the local Chamber of Commerce to be able to participate.

Machniak said the grants will help many business amid the COVID-19 situation “who are doing unique and great things to get their business going again.”

For both of the above programs, Machniak said large organizations such as the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada and international firm Salesforce have both stepped up to assist organizations to help them survive the economic impact of the pandemic.

“Both of those are very positive stories,” she said. “While no doubt there are businesses that are having challenges, there are opportunities for people to get the help and the support they need through those national networks.”

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow