CPBA Bartenders Association
Join us in filling Canada’s Biggest Tip Jar to help bartenders and their families manage through this challenging time. #canadasbiggesttipjar
The City is committed to supporting local businesses by sharing important resources, while continuing to advocate on behalf of the Victoria business community.
The City is doing everything we can in the areas we have authority and will continue to support the local economy until we can recover from the COVID-19 crisis. It’s important to note that as a municipal government, the City is not permitted to grant direct assistance to businesses, however, Council has directed staff to examine all of the City’s fiscal, legislative and legal powers to support businesses and jobs to sustain the local economy during the pandemic.
In an effort to create a one-stop resource for local businesses, we’ve compiled the information below that includes access to federal, provincial and local programs that will bring some relief to businesses during this uncertain time and ways to support our local economy and businesses. This page is updated frequently with new resources and support networks, as they become available.
Local Resources for Businesses
City of Victoria – City Council passed motions to ensure:
- No property tax increases this year for residential or commercial ratepayers
- The deadline to pay property taxes will be extended to August 4 with a reduced penalty put in place for late payment
- The deadline for utility bill payments is extended to 90 days
Small Business Ask An Expert Sessions – Navigating COVID-19 -Are you a small business owner in Greater Victoria? Need some advice? Join experts in accounting, law and HR for two FREE Q&A sessions.
Victoria Chamber of Commerce is refocusing their Jobs Board to help connect current employment opportunities with workers affected by businesses that have closed. To access the Job Board as an employer in need of employees or as a worker able to fill a need, go to VictoriaChamber.ca/jobs. At this time, employers are able to post at no charge by using the code SUPPORTYYJ.
YYJLocalsForLocals – a group of 70+ tech and marketing volunteers came together to offer pro-bono support for small businesses in Victoria. Their focus is getting retail businesses digitally transformed to retain revenue in the face of social distancing. They offer services that any small business in the area can request through the website.
Supporting Our Local Economy and Businesses
Tiny Victoria Small Business Relief Fund is offering local small businesses impacted by COVID-19 small 0% non-recourse loans.
South Island Prosperity Partnership – Additional Resources for South Island Businesses
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed almost everything in our city, but something that hasn’t changed is the importance of our local businesses and how much they do for our economy. They employ our residents, provide our services and have always been there for us, so during these difficult times we should do what we can to be there for them.
🛍️ Before ordering anything online from a large corporate distributor stop and think whether that local store could provide the same thing and look them up.
🖥️ Many of our local businesses have turned to online sales, provide pickup or delivery options and are changing the way the way they do business to continue serving all of us.
✅ Let’s make a commitment to #ShopYYJ and show some love to the businesses that make Victoria such a vibrant and great place to call home.
Here are some ways you can support:
Show your love for Greater Victoria’s local, independent businesses by purchasing gift certificates for future use at: www.supportlocalyyj.com
Many dine-in restaurants are providing take-out and delivery food options during this time. View Islandist as well as EAT magazine and Tasting Victoria for availability.
Boxes of Hope – Info for restaurants to participate or to donate
Find out how you can continue to support local tourism businesses
Some local neighbourhoods are posting about what businesses are still open – check out the directory created for Victoria West businesses
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the global COVID-19 outbreak.
Support for Businesses – find links to access information on;
- Avoiding layoffs and rehiring employees
- Access to credit
- Creating new jobs and opportunities for youth
- Deferred payments
- Support for self-employed individuals
- Indigenous businesses
- Supporting financial stability
- Find the support you need for your business
Answer a few questions to get a personalized list of support
Support for Sector – links to information in the following industries;
- Agriculture, agri-food, aquaculture, fisheries
- Farmers
- Cultural, heritage and sports
- Air transportation
- Tourism
- Energy
- Non-profit and charitable
The Government of Canada has put out a request for submissions from companies that can help supply medical products (such as masks, gloves, gowns, hand sanitizer, etc.) and services such as nurses, food prep, cleaners and so on. Businesses in Victoria that are able to help can follow this link: Help Canada combat Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – submission form – Buyandsell.gc.ca
Provincial Government Support for Businesses
The Provincial government is providing a wide-range of supports for businesses in British Columbia affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This list of supports may not be comprehensive and is subject to change. Please contact support providers directly for eligibility and application details.
- Credit and financing options
- Changes to taxes
- Wage support
- Other supports available to businesses
- Pivoting your business operations
- Supporting workers and families
Download a printable PDF of these resources and more
More:
Small Business BC: Resources for Small Businesses Affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19)
WorkSafeBC Resources for workers
PreparedBC – Emergency Plan for Small Businesses
British Columbia Economic Development Association
Insurance Bureau of Canada – COVID-19 and business insurance: How coverage is triggered
Supply Products and Services to Support B.C.’s COVID-19 Response
Small Business BC’s Marketplace -Are you a small business located in BC that is still open for business? List and promote your small business on the Marketplace to increase website traffic and support other small businesses.
Utilities Support for Businesses
This list of supports may not be comprehensive and is subject to change. Please contact support providers directly for eligibility and details.
Additional Resources and Helpful Links
World Health Organization (WHO) – Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade – Business Preparedness Checklist
Canada.ca: Economic plan for COVID-19
Canada.ca: Public Health Updates
BDC: Support for entrepreneurs impacted by COVID-19
Island Health: Coronavirus Information (COVID-19)
World Health Organization: Guidance on coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
World Health Organization: Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19
Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Crisis Communications Plan
Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Business Continuity & Recovery Plan
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade: Business Preparedness Checklist COVID-19
