BC’s Restart is a careful, four-step plan to help bring us back together again. Starting May 25th, we can gradually begin to restart some of our important social connections, businesses, and activities. This is in huge part thanks to everyone who followed public health guidance and the more than 2.7 million people who have already received dose 1 of the vaccine. Let’s continue to support our family, friends, and community to get vaccinated so we can keep moving forward, together. gov.bc.ca/restartBC

Travel regions

Teck wants to share some information with you in hopes you might know some amazing women entrepreneurs who would want to apply for an opportunity of receiving a Teck bursary to attend The Forum’s E-Series program confirmed to take place virtually this year for May 4+6, 2021. We are looking forward to offering full tuition to women entrepreneurs who reside in regions where Teck operates.

Who is E-Series for?

E-Series is for any self-identified woman entrepreneur who is currently leading a business at any stage, in any industry. This includes businesses in the start up, high growth or mature stage. They will walk away with the tools and resources to grow their business such as marketing, legal, financials, leadership and so much more!

Here’s where we need your help!

They are looking for a growth-driven female entrepreneur from our area to register and attend E-Series as a Teck bursary recipient. Their bursary will cover full tuition of $669 for the virtual program and 12 months of Mentorship. Given the fact that the program is virtual again this time, we are able to offer multiple bursaries for entrepreneurs in our region, so feel free to nominate numerous candidates. They are more mindful that during this difficult pandemic that this program will also provide a deep sense of support and community and we leave no woman behind.

Details and registration form on the website HERE

Stronger province-wide restrictions

Between March 29 at 11:59 pm and April 19 at 11:59 pm the PHO is strengthening province-wide restrictions:

• The variance allowing indoor religious gatherings and worship services between March 28 and May 13 is suspended
• Indoor low intensity group exercise classes are cancelled
• Restaurants, pubs and bars are closed for indoor dining. Outdoor patio seating and take-out or delivery is allowed
• Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is closed

Safety recommendations:

In addition to the orders, the PHO strongly recommends:

• Working from home whenever possible, unless it is essential to be in the workplace
• Keeping your child home from school if they feel sick or have any sign of illness
• Getting testing immediately if you or anyone in your family feels sick
• Avoiding all non-essential travel

Social gatherings

Indoor gatherings

No indoor social gatherings of any size at your residence with anyone other than your household or, if you live alone, your core bubble. For example:

• Do not invite friends or extended family inside your residence or vacation accommodation
• Do not host a party or event inside your house

Outdoor gatherings

Up to 10 people can gather outdoors. For example:

• Up to 10 people can gather at a park or beach
• Up to 10 people can gather in the backyard of a residence

Do not gather with several groups of new people. Stick to the same people. Continue to use COVID-19 layers of protection and maintain physical distancing. Patios and outdoor areas at restaurants, pubs and bars are not included as places to gather with 10 people at one table.

Employees Value Employee Benefits

As a small business owner, you understand how important your employees are to you. Simply put, the right employees can “make” the company. But, it can be challenging to attract and retain the right talent. Today, top employees demand a comprehensive health insurance plan. In fact, in a 2016 Canada health survey, 77% of respondents say they wouldn’t move to a job that didn’t include health benefits.

By providing your employees financial protection as well as fast and easy claim reimbursement, you can find and attract the best employees. The Chambers of Commerce Group Insurance Plan® can offer you a truly flexible benefit solution based on what’s best for you and your employees.

The Group Benefits Plan Made Specifically for Small to Midsize Businesses

The Chambers Plan was specifically designed with the products, services and administration tools to match the needs of today’s small businesses. With more than 30,000 firms insured under the Plan, it is the most popular employee benefits program in Canada for small to midsize businesses.

There are no industry restrictions. All for-profit businesses are eligible while they are members of a participating Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade, a membership that allows you to access a multitude of business resources and connect to a network of professionals like yourself. The Chambers Plan’s innovative offerings and proven rate stability allow you to provide a comprehensive benefit plan to fit any budget.

Email us for any questions! administrator@sparwoodchamber.bc.ca

Small Business BC and the B.C. government Small Business Branch have prepared a joint informational electronic resource that provides a checklist of considerations that small businesses can use to help minimize the impacts of COVID-19 to their employees and operations.

Our collective organizations encourage and support B.C. entrepreneurs with business continuity planning as they start and grow their business. Business continuity is especially relevant as small businesses consider the possible impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak on their employees and operations.

Small Business BC advisors are ready to answer entrepreneurs’ questions about implementing or updating business continuity plans, accessing the Talk to an Expert program, or finding online training to help them take the next step.

Please visit Small Business BC for more informtion and links

Why Join the Chamber? Here are a number of benefits that include:

• Publicity boosts
• Networking opportunities
• Mailing list access
• Freebies & discounts

If a consumer knows a business is part of its local chamber of commerce, the business will have an increase in the likelihood that the consumer will shop with them! Joining a Chamber of Commerce is a great way to be part of the community.

Our newest Members know the importance and benefits to being a Chamber Member. Please help us welcome:

• Sunset Ridge Ski Society
• Himalayan Spice Bistro
• Crow Signs and Embroidery
• Staying Alive First Aid Academy
• Polar Peak Popcorn
• Women’s Enterprise Centre
• NWP Coal Canada Ltd
• Transcendent Mining & Mobilization

We want to congratulate all of our winners this year! And say thank you to all of the voters and the nominee’s . We had 195 businesses or people nominated with 556 voters. Thank you to our great community and look forward to next year’s awards.

2020 Business Winners

Calling All Businesses in Sparwood

We have created a survey for our business community to gather some information to better serve the needs of our businesses. Please take a moment to take this quick survey as it helps capture the pulse of business throughout Sparwood, and identifies opportunities for economic development.Please use the link below to access the survey, which will remain open until Monday November 30^th

http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y3QHTTK

This is the third annual business scarecrow contest. All businesses must have their registration in before September 28th. Voting takes place Oct 1st – 16th, at Save on Foods and by the QR code on the posters. The winner will be announced on Facebook Oct 22nd.  Scarecrow Competition Forms 20

This years Business Awards will be different, however we especially want to celebrate our businesses this year. The nomination forms and online link will still be available for you to vote. All nominee’s will receive a certificate of recognition. The top 3 will be announced on Facebook on October 22nd with announcing the winner. There will be 9 posts this day to recognize them all. So please get voting!