Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit

The Government of Canada launches Applications for the Expanded Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit On December 22, 2021, the Government of Canada announced that it would be expanding eligibility for the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB) to better support Canadian workers. The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, announced that the expanded access to CWLB is now Read more about Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit[…]

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)

The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19. The CRSB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).If Read more about Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)[…]

COVID-19 Sector Impact Support Program

The Sector Impact Support Program provides a one-time grant of up to $7,500 to help small business owners that have been impacted by the new province-wide public health restrictions.Eligible businesses receive a one-time grant based on gross payroll cost or gross revenue in November 2021.You can apply for the program starting in early January 2022.For Read more about COVID-19 Sector Impact Support Program[…]

COVID-19 Wage and Commercial Rent Support for Businesses

The government has announced new proposed regulatory changes to temporarily expand eligibility for wage and commercial rent support for businesses and other organizations under the Local Lockdown Program. These changes would:apply to claim periods 24 and 25 (December 19, 2021, to February 12, 2022)allow those entities to qualify if they are subject to a capacity-limiting public health restriction of Read more about COVID-19 Wage and Commercial Rent Support for Businesses[…]

Report finds pandemic has had ‘uneven’ impact on immigrants, migrants

The report, COVID-19, Migration and the Canadian Immigration System: Dimensions, Impact and Resilience, examines the impact of the first four months of the pandemic…

BDC Publishes Business Guide to Federal and Provincial Support Programs

BDC publishes comprehensive guide to COVID-19 relief programs.

Community Resources – Cumberland County

Cumberland County Community Supports During COVID 19 CONTENTS 1 Food 1.1 Grocery Stores………. 3 1.1.1 AMHERST ………… 3 1.1.2 ADVOCATE………… 3 1.1.3 OXFORD …………. 3 1.1.4 PARRSBORO ………. 3 1.1.5 PUGWASH ………… 4 1.1.6 SPRINGHILL………. 4 1.2 Food Banks …………. 4 2 Housing & Community Support… 5 3 Health Services 3.1 Pharmacies ………….. 6 3.1.1 Read more about Community Resources – Cumberland County[…]

COVID – 19 Related Resources

This is where we will have items specifically related to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Investment Readiness Program (IRP) Deadline Feb. 10, 2020

The IRP’s goal is to help social enterprises move towards being investment-ready. Funding can be used to research, launch, design, measure and scale up your social enterprise.

Learning from the present to create more positive outcomes in the future.

…this is sad news for thousands of Nova Scotian families and their communities.

The Nuts and Bolts of International Trade: Incoterms® 2020

Read this month’s 5 Minutes for Business to learn more about how your business can navigate the acronym-saturated, but crucial, world of trade.

Letter from the Office of the Minister of Small Business & Export Promotion

An update letter from Jason Easton – Chief of Staff – Office of the Minister of Small Business & Export Promotion.

BEST RESTAURANT – In the Northumberland Shore Region

We have some of the best places to eat and drink in the province here and along the Northumberland Shore. Now, we have a chance to share our local secrets with the rest of the province!

BILLION DOLLAR WORKSHOP

Join Rob Burns f August 9 as he explains what we really mean by a billion-dollar investment opportunity, why we should all be motivated to build one, and how entrepreneurs might shape their ventures into something bigger. The workshop is open to anyone, whether you work with start-ups, are exploring starting a company, or have Read more about BILLION DOLLAR WORKSHOP[…]

Amherst Communities in Bloom – Provincial Competition

Communities in bloom is a non profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement a\with a focus on enhancing green spaces in communities. The Amherst Communities in Bloom Committee is participating in the provincial competition this year! Provincial judges will evaluate this year based on program criteria such as Tidiness, Read more about Amherst Communities in Bloom – Provincial Competition[…]

BUSINESS WALKING CHALLENGE

Attention local businesses! The A team has challenged our local businesses to see who can walk the farthest. Fun fact, if you walked around the Bermuda Triangle it would total 4238km! If you are up for it, all you and/or your employees have to do is walk around the Bermuda Triangle :p Just Kidding. Walk Read more about BUSINESS WALKING CHALLENGE[…]

BDC announces $300 million in commercial loans to fuel growth of Atlantic Canada businesses

New financing builds on 2017 commitment to lend $280 million to Atlantic entrepreneurs BDC, Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs, announced today it will make available an additional $300 million in commercial loans over the next two years to support the growth of Atlantic Canada businesses, in an effort to help sustain the region’s continued economic development. This financing is Read more about BDC announces $300 million in commercial loans to fuel growth of Atlantic Canada businesses[…]

Oxford Frozen Foods making $8.54-million capital investment to improve packaging

Project being supported with $2.135-million NSBI business development incentive Oxford Frozen Foods is making a $8.54-million capital investment that will create an improved packaging line to meet increasing demand for export and increase efficiency and production levels. The company, that last year celebrated its 50th anniversary in oxford, is receiving a maximum of $2.135-million in Read more about Oxford Frozen Foods making $8.54-million capital investment to improve packaging[…]

7 tips for reducing expenses in your business

Maintaining tight control over both fixed and variable expenses is an essential part of maximizing cash flow and profits in your business. There are a variety of tactics entrepreneurs can employ to rein in expenses and prepare for unforeseen costs that crop up over the course of the year. BDC Client Partner John Brison offers several suggestions to Read more about 7 tips for reducing expenses in your business[…]

Strong online presence drives growth: BDC study

46% of respondents identify increased sales or revenues as the main benefit of being online. A new study released today by BDC, Canada’s bank for entrepreneurs, finds that growing a business online equates with higher revenues, direct communication with customers and easier access to global markets. The study indicates that, although being online fuels growth, only 4 out Read more about Strong online presence drives growth: BDC study[…]

Atlantic Credit Union Guest Speaker – Barack Obama

Exciting news just in! Atlantic  Credit Union just announced their guest speaker to be former US president Barack Obama, to kick off the 70th Anniversary of the Nova Scotia Co-operative council. This event will take place on Nov.13th at the Halifax Scotiabank Center. Chamber members will have exclusive access to purchase tickets 24 hours before Read more about Atlantic Credit Union Guest Speaker – Barack Obama[…]

4 tips to get a lower interest rate on your business loan

It’s all about reducing your banker’s risk A lower interest rate can save your company thousands of dollars over the life of a business loan. But what steps do you need to take to get a lower rate? The interest rate on a loan reflects the bank’s assessment of the risk that you won’t repay Read more about 4 tips to get a lower interest rate on your business loan[…]

Photos from the 2019 Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce AGM

AACC AGM 2019  

OneNS and the 2019-20 Nova Scotia Budget

Good afternoon, Earlier today the Province introduced the 2019-20 Nova Scotia Budget. Please find at the end of this email a summary of the key, new One Nova Scotia related investments included. Also of note, Budget 2019-20 highlights the focus Nova Scotians have together placed on “our collective plan to increase our population and strengthen Read more about OneNS and the 2019-20 Nova Scotia Budget[…]

Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Applauds Fourth Consecutive Budget Surplus

Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Applauds Fourth Consecutive Surplus New funding and credits may not be enough to improve dismal growth projections Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Media Release Windsor, NS (March 29, 2019) – Having presented its fourth consecutive surplus budget, the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is giving a positive assessment of the Nova Scotia Read more about Atlantic Chamber of Commerce Applauds Fourth Consecutive Budget Surplus[…]

Cumberland Business Connector

SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS TO SERVE ON THE Cumberland Business Connector’s BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Cumberland Business Connector Society, covering the region of Cumberland, Nova Scotia is currently recruiting a new board member to serve on the Board of Directors. Board Members will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer to ensure the effective governance of Read more about Cumberland Business Connector[…]

Biz Buzz – Jan 10th 2019

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Sprint Competition, Cannabis Technology Program, and Intersect Challenge II: Protocase

1. Sprint Competition, 2. Cannabis Technology Program, and 3. Intersect Challenge II: Protocase 1. The Sprint Competition is for early stage software-based technology companies in Nova Scotia. Winners receive up to $25,000 and guidance from seasoned business professionals to put their ideas into action. The deadline for submissions is Friday, December 21, 2018, by 11:59 Read more about Sprint Competition, Cannabis Technology Program, and Intersect Challenge II: Protocase[…]

November 7, 2018 – Competing in a local market

Adding value to a commodity purchase The Amherst News – Chamber Chat 7 Nov 2018 – Ron Furlong Ron Furlong is the executive director of the Amherst and Area Chamber of Commerce. You’re selling the same products as other retailers so why should people buy from you? This month let’s look at price. There will Read more about November 7, 2018 – Competing in a local market[…]

October 3, 2018 – Adding value to a commodity purchase – Part 2

The Amherst News – Chamber Chat 3 Oct 2018 Ron Furlong Ron Furlong is the executive director of the Amherst and Area Chamber of Commerce. As local business we want people to have what they need. But we also want as much of the money as possible to stay here. We don’t produce everything people use Read more about October 3, 2018 – Adding value to a commodity purchase – Part 2[…]

September 12, 2018 – Adding value to a commodity purchase – part 1

The Amherst News – Chamber Chat 3 Sep 2018 Ron Furlong Ron Furlong is the executive director of the Amherst and Area Chamber of Commerce. Perhaps http://downtownsault.org/category/dinning/ cheap viagra for women the most significant difference between a cult and a religion is the fact that in big cities and metros, life and daily schedules are hectic Read more about September 12, 2018 – Adding value to a commodity purchase – part 1[…]

Gritty to Pretty – 2019!

Gritty to Pretty project – 50% reimbursement to a max of $2,500 of $5,000 eligible expenses.

GoForth Institute Pilot Program

As part of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce’s growth-oriented network, the Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to take part in a unique pilot program with GoForth Institute. GoForth is Canada’s leading provider of online and mobile small business education. Since 2009, they’ve trained over 10,000 entrepreneurs, who learn all the skills they Read more about GoForth Institute Pilot Program[…]

Resources for Employers around legalized Cannabis

Government of Canada “Workplace impairment Questions and Answers” Substance Abuse Policy (Drug and Alcohol) / Workplace Impairment   They are generic cialis canadian easily accepted on all the major websites offering prescription medicines. Medicines in levitra free sample their shop fact help one to get attention from most of the people. The easy to utilize framework Read more about Resources for Employers around legalized Cannabis[…]

Substance Abuse Policy (Drug and Alcohol) / Workplace Impairment

A template for developing a policy around the potential for impairment at work

Accommodation Policy

A template of a policy for dealing with the need for an accommodation with an employee

ACC Commissions New U.S. Trade Guide

Atlantic Chamber of Commerce ACCion News – October 2018 In recognition that our region’s largest trading partner is the U.S., the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce (ACC) engaged the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC) to prepare a guide to inform Atlantic businesses of the issues is a huge leap forward however it’s still not the complete picture. Read more about ACC Commissions New U.S. Trade Guide[…]

Cannabis Legalization

Atlantic Chamber of Commerce ACCion News – October 2018 As of October 17, Canada’s approach to the sale and consumption of cannabis has undergone a transformational change — it is now a legally available substance. On the plus side, we can anticipate that fewer of our citizens will be imprisoned for possession and most, if Read more about Cannabis Legalization[…]

BDC Small Business Week 2018 – Digitize your business

The theme of the 2018 BDC Small Business Week is Digitize now: Transform your business In an increasingly connected, automated and data-driven world, businesses need to embrace new technologies or risk falling behind. This year for BDC Small Business Week, BDC is inviting entrepreneurs to measure their digital performance and take action to digitize now. What are digital technologies? How Read more about BDC Small Business Week 2018 – Digitize your business[…]

Canadian Chamber welcomes new Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade deal

Canadian Chamber of Commerce 1700-275 Slater Street, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5H9  Dear Ron: We are delighted to learn of a deal in principle for a renewed trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico and Canada. This is a step forward, but as with any trade agreement of this breadth and scope, we will want to carefully review the Read more about Canadian Chamber welcomes new Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade deal[…]

APEC Releases Guide to Help Atlantic Firms Grapple With US Trade Uncertainty 

Navigating US Trade Uncertainty: A Practical Guide for Atlantic Firms, was completed on behalf of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce and is intended to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Atlantic Canada…

Investing in technology: 6 low-cost opportunities

Article by – bdc.ca info@bdc.ca Business Development Bank of Canada 5 Place Ville Marie, Suite 100 Montreal, Quebec H3B 5E7 Toll-free number: 1-877-232-2269 Investing in today’s business technology can help you solve common challenges and change the way you run your business. Here are 6 opportunities to improve your business using affordable software products. Grow and maintain profitable Read more about Investing in technology: 6 low-cost opportunities[…]

The Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia (RANS) Awards Night November 14th

Self Nominate for the 2018 RANS – Best Restaurant Awards.

Innovacorp’s Accelerate Program helps Nova Scotia technology companies get investment ready

Calling all blue, green and medical technology start-ups! Innovacorp’s Accelerate Program helps Nova Scotia technology companies get investment ready. If you have a high potential start-up approaching investment readiness, we can help. Participants will receive $50,000, incubation space, and access to acceleration activities and resources, including advice from our experts in residence, monthly workshops and Read more about Innovacorp’s Accelerate Program helps Nova Scotia technology companies get investment ready[…]

July 23, 2018 – Competing in a local market

Original Amherst News article here. By Ron Furlong, Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce Last month I quoted Chelsea Berler of Solamar Marketing Agency’s “…Seven concrete actions that build trust in a business environment…” Those actions are: Demonstrate that you trust others. Create relationships that are mutually beneficial Directly address issues Tell the truth Be Read more about July 23, 2018 – Competing in a local market[…]

Latest interprovincial wine-trade proposals not much to cheer about

Opinion: A country that is pushing the merits of free trade needs to put its (or consumers’) money where its mouth is There are 700 wineries in Canada producing at least 6,000 individual labels annually.Getty Images/iStockphoto Special to National Post Perrin Beatty and Dan Paszkowski August 16, 2018 1:24 PM EDT By Perrin Beatty and Dan Paszkowski Read more about Latest interprovincial wine-trade proposals not much to cheer about[…]

Four Levels of Government Report photos

Here are some photos from our latest Four Levels of Government Report event, held Aug. 13, 2018 at the Community Credit Union Business Innovation Centre (photos: Carys Wood, Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce).

Are You an Older Worker?

If you are… Aged 55+ Employed or looking for work Wanting to continue to work You’re invited to share in a group conversation about your experiences. Please join our study to help explore what it’s like being an older worker in Nova Scotia. Monday July 23, 2018 10:30 am – noon Community Credit Union Business Read more about Are You an Older Worker?[…]

June 15, 2018 – Competing in a local market

Competing in a local market By: Ron Furlong – Executive Director, Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce Retail sales as defined by NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) sectors 44 & 45 (Retail) make up 26.3% of the dollars of the economy of Amherst and 33.6% of the members of the Amherst & Area Chamber Read more about June 15, 2018 – Competing in a local market[…]

May 18, 2018 – A Can-do Attitude

Far down on the Chamber web page it reads: The Chamber can help. It goes on to list six ways the Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce works to support it’s members. In this column we’re going to add one more on how the Chamber can support it’s community. On April 27th 2016 the Town Read more about May 18, 2018 – A Can-do Attitude[…]

April 18, 2018 – Chamber Chat

April 18, 2018 Bringing the community to date on the actions of the Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce (AACC) President Carys Wood is very pleased with the level of membership engagement in activities with the Chamber in the past twelve months. In speaking to the AACC Board about Read more about April 18, 2018 – Chamber Chat[…]

TED & TEDx Talks

Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce now includes 100 plus links to business management TED Talks in our Business Learning Resources section of our website. A collection of TED talks shared as YouTube videos and sorted as collections of videos as a theme: 1.) 10 TED Talks that will make you smarter about business 2.) Read more about TED & TEDx Talks[…]

Border Entrance Signage Bylaw Process

Hi Everyone, In an effort to improve the appearance of a crucial entrance into downtown Amherst and the  County, the Municipality of Cumberland will be developing a bylaw over the next 4 months which intends to control signage along Route 2 / Laplanche St. as it approaches Amherst. This bylaw will regulate all signage within Read more about Border Entrance Signage Bylaw Process[…]

5 Minutes for Business | State of the Economy

The following is a reprinting with permission of the June 14th edition of The Canadian Chamber of Commerce – 5 Minutes for Business publication. 5 Minutes for Business | State of the Economy Tariffs. Trade talks. Pipelines. Electoral change. While the Canadian economy continues to grow (albeit somewhat slowly), these are just some of the Read more about 5 Minutes for Business | State of the Economy[…]

Tariffs and Sanctions – What do you have to say?

A letter to the Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade in Atlantic Canada. Reprinted here to provide the information and request direct to our Members. Should you wish to directly speak to me regarding this post I can be reached at 902-667-8186. Ron Furlong, ED – Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce E: info@amherstchamberns.ca Read more about Tariffs and Sanctions – What do you have to say?[…]

Atlantic Chamber of Commerce – AGM 2018 in pictures –

Profiting from technology: A guide for entrepreneurs

The following is shared with permission from an email from BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada) to the Chamber.  Hope this helps you plan your business. Ron Furlong – ED Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Dear Ron Read more about Profiting from technology: A guide for entrepreneurs[…]

$136 billion of planned investment in Atlantic Canada

The following is shared from an email to the Chamber from the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council promoting the following event. Ron Ron Furlong – ED Amherst & Area Chamber of Commerce – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – APEC’s Patrick Brannon, Director Read more about $136 billion of planned investment in Atlantic Canada[…]

Achieving accessibility together

Nova Scotia is committed to becoming an accessible province by 2030

Bay Insurance Joins Archway Insurance

Received by way of a news release we just had to share… Congratulations to Archway Insurance for their personal efforts in economic development. When you talk about exports we sometimes forget the kind of impact service based businesses can have. We’d also want to note we have more than a few business leaders in our Read more about Bay Insurance Joins Archway Insurance[…]

Innovacorp’s Spark Innovation Challenge is Open for Submissions! Lets bring this to our region!

Heads up Nova Scotia start-ups! Spark is back for another year. Spark is a province-wide competition for early stage technology companies. It is funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Innovacorp. Spark is held in four geographic regions covering all of Nova Scotia. The regions are: Spark West – entrants must be based Read more about Innovacorp’s Spark Innovation Challenge is Open for Submissions! Lets bring this to our region![…]

Lets ALL benefit from this!

Please circulate information on the Government of Canada’s Student Work Integrated Learning Program to all your stakeholders. ESDC has approved Venture for Canada to deliver SWILP in Atlantic Canada. Venture for Canada is to help 500 Post -Secondary Education students (over three years) get paid work experience with Atlantic Canadian companies. Employers, including small and Read more about Lets ALL benefit from this![…]

Long-term fiscal planning needed for sustainability

May 2, 2018 APEC Report Examines Fiscal Performance and Competitiveness Long-term fiscal planning needed for sustainability  The latest Report Card from the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC) reviews this year’s provincial budgets and finds that Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are two of only four Canadian provinces that presented a balanced budget for 2018/2019. Read more about Long-term fiscal planning needed for sustainability[…]

Low Carbon Economy Challenge deadline May 14

Good day, We are writing to stakeholders, such as you, who may be interested in applying for funding under the Low Carbon Economy Challenge, with a reminder that Expressions of Interest are due for the Champions stream on May 14, 2018. We have received many great applications and would like to further encourage all those Read more about Low Carbon Economy Challenge deadline May 14[…]

Cape Sharp Tidal – Open Houses

Reproduced from http://capesharptidal.com/ COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSES You’re invited to learn more about the Cape Sharp Tidal demonstration project at three Community Open Houses: April 30, 3-7 p.m. – Cedar Centre for Active Health and Living, 69 Cedar Street, Windsor May 2, 3-7 p.m. – Credit Union Business Innovation Centre, 5 Ratchford Street, Amherst May 3, 3-7 p.m. Read more about Cape Sharp Tidal – Open Houses[…]

The Lieutenant Governor’s Community Spirit Award

Community Funding and Awards The Lieutenant Governor’s Community Spirit Award celebrates the power, strength and diversity of vibrant communities across Nova Scotia. It profiles their achievements and increases their visibility through a formal recognition program. Up to four Nova Scotian communities are honoured each year. Recipients are chosen by a selection committee based on community Read more about The Lieutenant Governor’s Community Spirit Award[…]

8 Free & Easy Marketing Tools for Small Businesses

Eastlink for Business article – Posted February 23, 2018 With the growth of digital marketing, it’s important to know what opportunities you can take advantage of to promote your business. The great news is that you can now do more with your marketing dollars than ever before – often for free! Small businesses in particular Read more about 8 Free & Easy Marketing Tools for Small Businesses[…]

6 mistakes to avoid when recruiting employees

Reprinted with permission: BDC Home > Articles and tools > Employees > Recruit > When it comes to hiring, it pays to take a methodical approach Hiring mistakes can cost your company big-time. A bad hire can damage morale, hurt productivity and even cause reputational damage. More expense comes if you have to fire the Read more about 6 mistakes to avoid when recruiting employees[…]

E-commerce not the only cause of death for Canadian malls

Article By: Aleksandra Sagan, The Canadian Press Malls were once a go-to shopping destination and a teenager’s hang-out of choice, but now face an uncertain future as some of their biggest tenants lay off employees, file for creditor protection or hang a “closed” sign in the window and leave for good. Beleaguered retailers have been quick to blame online shopping for their decline. But retail experts say scapegoating e-commerce is an Read more about E-commerce not the only cause of death for Canadian malls[…]

Show the Love Locally!

Dear Ron, You may already know that, last weekend, a group of vandals targeted businesses on Locke Street in Hamilton, Ontario, resulting in about $100,000 of damage. In the aftermath of the attacks, in partnership with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce, we are calling on all chambers across Canada to participate in Love Locke Day Read more about Show the Love Locally![…]

Temporary Exemption From U.S. Tariffs Should be Permanent

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has issued the following press release on the U.S. Administration announcement concerning tariffs… Temporary Exemption From U.S. Tariffs Should be Permanent For Immediate Release Ottawa, March 8, 2018 — While the Canadian Chamber welcomes the temporary exemption extended to Canada today on U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs by the U.S. Read more about Temporary Exemption From U.S. Tariffs Should be Permanent[…]

NAFTA Round 7

Reprinted with permission of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. The seventh round of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) negotiations occurred from February 25 – March 5 in Mexico. Discussions advanced in several areas. Negotiators closed chapters on regulatory practices, publication and administration, and sanitary and phytosanitary issues. The total number of chapters closed now goes to Read more about NAFTA Round 7[…]