Dear Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Member,

I know it has been a challenging couple of weeks since we entered the pandemic response level orange, especially for downtown businesses in the hospitality, tourism and service sectors. While we’re all getting used to wearing masks, it’s difficult to watch case numbers rise and downtown activity drop again.

As we head into Thanksgiving weekend, I want to say how grateful I am to be a part of the downtown community. I’m also grateful for every single business owner and employee in every sector from small businesses to large corporations that make up the heart of our city and keep our economy going. You’re the friendly faces (although we have to work a lot harder to smile with our eyes now!) that keep your customers and clients coming back and make our community a welcoming neighbourhood. I’m grateful for your innovative spirit and your ability to adapt and roll with the punches.

I wish you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend. The BIZ has your back and we’ll continue to advocate on your behalf and help however we can.

Government announces new support to help businesses through pandemic

The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy

• Rent and mortgage support until June 2021 for qualifying organizations.
• The rent subsidy would be provided directly to tenants, while also providing support to property owners.
• Supports businesses, charities, and non-profits that have suffered a revenue drop, by subsidizing a percentage of their expenses:

• On a sliding scale, up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible expenses until December 19, 2020.
• Organizations would be able to make claims retroactively for the period that began September 27 and ends October 24, 2020.

• A top-up Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy of 25 per cent for organizations temporarily shut down by a mandatory public health order issued by a qualifying public health authority, in addition to the 65 per cent subsidy.


• The extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy until June 2021. The subsidy would remain at the current subsidy rate of up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible wages until December 19, 2020.


• Expanded Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), provides access to an additional interest-free loan, on top of the original CEBA loan offered. Half of this additional financing would be forgivable if repaid by December 31, 2022. Additionally, the application deadline for CEBA is being extended to December 31, 2020.

For more information and more details on the new programs, view the visit the Government of Canada’s announcement.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions:
204-958-4640
info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com

Thank you,

Kate Fenske, CEO
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ