A Business Advisory Service Voucher Program has been launched by the Business Resiliency Taskforce to help enhance local businesses and enable them to remain viable during the pandemic.
Community Futures Grande Prairie and Region has been contracted to administer the program which connects eligible businesses with education, training and consulting services.
The Business Advisory Services Voucher Program consists of two phases. Phase One provides an initial review of businesses to develop a needs assessment, assist in accessing all existing support programs, including up to two hours of mental health counselling (up to $500 in total value and 4 hours in duration). Businesses requiring further support will submit a Business Resiliency Plan completed in Phase One, along with a short application.
Phase Two provides eligible businesses with additional coaching and/or technical training or services, which may include services in areas such as human resources, IT, and marketing (up to $3,000 in total value and 4 weeks in duration).
To launch the program the City of Grande Prairie and County of Grande Prairie have each contributed $25,000 for a total of $50,000 in funding, with the potential for additional funding from the provincial and federal governments.
For more information and to apply to the Business Advisory Service Voucher Program visit the Business Resiliency page on the Chamber’s website.
About the Business Resiliency Taskforce
The City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie and Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce launched a joint taskforce to support businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The partners are meet daily as the situation and business needs rapidly evolve. The co-ordinated regional response is aimed at business and economic recovery and will be introducing new initiatives as needs emerge.
The taskforce continues to host weekly webinars for local business owners, featuring topical discussions as they arise. This week’s webinar will include a presentation and discussion with Karci Wallan of MNP, focusing on Canada Revenue Agency announcements regarding filing extensions, temporary wage subsidy and EI benefits. The webinar will take place 12:00 p.m. Thursday, April 9. Visit the events section on the Business Resiliency page to register.
A social media campaign to support local business that was launched March 26 is still running. Follow the Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce on Facebook to find out how you can win up to $1,500.
Up-to-date information and resources for businesses during the pandemic can be found at grandeprairiechamber.com/covid-19-business-resiliency/.