Written by
Robin Cooke
—
September 21, 2023
Canada Emergency Business Account: Government extends repayment and partial loan forgiveness deadlines
On September 14, 2023, the Prime Minister announced extended deadlines for Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan repayments, providing an additional year for term loan repayment, and additional flexibilities for loan holders looking to benefit from partial loan forgiveness of up to 33 per cent.
The CEBA program was available from April 9, 2020, to June 30, 2021, and provided $49 billion in interest-free, partially forgivable loans of up to $60,000 to nearly 900,000 small businesses and not-for-profit organizations to help cover their operating costs during the pandemic.
The repayment deadline for CEBA loans to qualify for partial loan forgiveness of up to 33 per cent is being extended from December 31, 2023, to January 18, 2024, recognizing that the end of December is a busy time for many Canadian businesses. This builds on the government’s previous one-year extension announced in January 2022.
Ontario Providing New Tools to Municipalities to Build More Homes Sooner
The Ontario government has assigned housing targets to 21 additional municipalities as part of its plan to build at least 1.5 million homes by 2031. Once these municipalities, through their heads of council, have pledged to achieve their targets, they will have access to the new Building Faster Fund, which will reward municipalities that are on track to meet their housing targets.
Building Faster Fund
The three-year, $1.2 billion fund will provide up to $400 million per year to municipalities that have committed in writing to achieve their overall 2031 housing target. Ten per cent of the overall funding will be reserved for small, rural and northern communities that have not yet been assigned a housing target by the province to support unique needs and circumstances.
Exciting News! Registration for the Chamber's Business Showcase is Now Open!
Are looking to boost your business visibility? Want to connect with fellow Chamber Members and potential clients? Look no further! The Chamber's Business Showcase is the perfect platform for you to showcase your talents, products, and services to the public while networking with a dynamic community of business professionals.
Date: November 15, 2023
Time: 3pm to 5pm for Chamber Networking
5pm to 8pm Open to the Public
Location: DeGroot's Nurseries
Why Attend?
Amplify Your Brand: Get ready to captivate your target audience as you present your business in the most captivating way possible! With a dedicated space for each participant, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your products, services and achievements to potential clients and partners.
Register Today to secure your space at the Chamber's Business Showcase!!
Spaces are limited so don't miss out on the fantastic opportunity to take your business to new heights! Get ready to shine, connect and thrive at the Chamber's Business Showcase!!
Congratulations to our Referral Program Gift Card Winner Julie Ward of the Co-operators! A big round of applause to Julie who is the winner of a $25 gift card for referring Tang's China House to the Chamber.
We believe in the power of connection and the strength of our business community. Your referrals help us expand our reach and build the Sarnia Lambton Business Community. #ThankYou #ReferralCardWinner #Gratitude
Refer someone today and we could be visiting you next with a Gift Card!
Simplifying Temporary Foreign Worker Hiring with the Recognized Employer Pilot.
In response to longstanding calls to streamline the hiring process of temporary foreign workers (TFWs), the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages recently announced the Recognized Employer Pilot (REP). We had been calling for this program for over a decade, recognizing its importance for sectors heavily reliant on temporary foreign workers.
The REP, which launched today, represents a significant step in addressing the labour and skills challenges faced by the Canadian economy.
It is designed to simplify the hiring process for Canadian employers who frequently engage with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and demonstrate a strong record of compliance with program regulations.
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Mark your calendars for Thursday September 28th and get ready to have a blast at Gateway Casinos Sarnia.
Come out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather, games, giveaways, face painting, and live music on the patio!
We'll have delicious tailgate favourites served up all evening starting at 5pm from Ontario Blue Coast's finest food trucks.
At 8:15 pm, the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers will face off on the outdoor jumbo screen!
Bring your family and your jersey!
Food Trucks: Match on the Move, Big Daddy's Chip Truck, OMG Poutine, The Pitstop Grill,
All Fired Up Funnel Cakes, Bubbles Ice Cream, Truckin Mama's on The Run
Admission is free for all ages at the South gate
No outside Food or Beverages permitted
No family pets
Patrons visiting inside Gateway Casinos Sarnia must be 19+
The Judging is complete and now is the time to get your tickets for the Gala Evening and celebrate the best in Sarnia Lambton Business with your family, friends and colleagues! We will be celebrating all the nominees and unveiling the winners of the coveted Outstanding Business Achievement Awards. Book your table or call Robin for more information. #BestinSarniaLambton
We are celebrating more of the 2023 Outstanding Business Achievement Awards Nominees!
Congratulations to...
Large Business of the Year
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Why Join The Chamber?
Membership Has Its Advantages
Contact us today and start growing your business!
Join the people who get things done. We are the hub for business communication and collaboration. Your membership provides you with a connection to local businesses, events, seminars, and member exclusive deals. We invite you to enjoy all that we have to offer.