May 1, 2020 - Economic Development Newsletter
YOU'RE INVITED TO A LOCAL BUSINESS FOCUS GROUP
The Town of Erin is pleased to share the launch of an Entrepreneurial Hub in the near future. The Hub will provide local entrepreneurs and small business owners with a space to collaborate and find support to continue to build up our business community. 

On Thursday, May 7 th from 4:00 p.m.to 6:00 p.m. the Town of Erin, along with our partners at Innovation Guelph and Guelph Wellington Business Centre will be hosting a virtual focus group. The focus group will be led by members of the Town of Erin Economic Development Committee.

We would like to hear from you, as a local business owner and request that you join us in participating in the focus group. During the session, we hope to achieve a clearer understanding of what the Erin business community’s needs are and how those needs can be addressed whether it’s through education/workshops, mentorship, or other business opportunities.

Please RSVP below by Wednesday, May 6 th .

We look forward to Collaborating with you on this exciting new venture.
COVID-19 GOVERNMENT UPDATES
Ontario Unveils Guiding Principles to Reopen the Province

The Ontario government released  A Framework for Reopening our Province , which outlines the criteria Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts will use to advise the government on the loosening of emergency measures, as well as guiding principles for the safe, gradual reopening of businesses, services and public spaces.  
Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program

The Ontario Government is committing $241 million to partner with the federal government and deliver more than $900 million in urgent relief to small businesses and their landlords through a new program, the Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (OCECRA).  
Government of Canada launches applications for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy

To help employers keep and re-hire workers amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government has implemented the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). This important economic measure provides a subsidy of 75% of an eligible employee's weekly earnings, to a maximum of $847 per employee per week, to eligible employers, for up to 12 weeks.   
Governments Invest $2.5 Million to Grow Agri-food e-Business During COVID-19

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $2.5 million to help the agri-food sector expand online, providing more opportunities for producers to grow their business and offer more food choices for families who are shopping from home during the COVID-19 outbreak.  
INNOVATION GUELPH - FREE BUSINESS CONSULTATION
FREE 1 hour consultations for business

Are you a start up, scale up or s mall and medium-sized enterprise (SME) looking for advice? Innovation Guelph is offering an additional FREE 1 hour consultations to businesses needing to talk to an advisor about their specific business issues.
For a one on one consultation click "More Information" which will take you directly to the Innovation Guelph website to choose a date/time that works best for you. Our experienced mentor will reach out to you to arrange a meeting, i.e. zoom, skype of by phone if need be.
Stay Up To Date
Stay up to date with the Town of Erin's efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19, while ensuring businesses and residents are continuing to receive service excellence .
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