NAVIGATING COVID-19

The province has launched a toll-free line to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province's recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Businesses who have questions about closures of at-risk workplaces or how emergency measures impact their business or employment can call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m.―5:00 p.m.

CHANGES TO SUPPORTS FOR

SMALL BUSINESSES

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

This week the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance announced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This will provide $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to Canadians who are not receiving a paycheque due to COVID-19. To make it simpler for people applying , they’ve combined the two measures previously announced (the Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit) – the CERB means Canadian workers, entrepreneurs small business owners will get the financial support they need ten days after applying for this benefit. The Application Portal will be launched in early April. This benefit applies to employees, entrepreneurs, small business owners – and you will qualify for it if you have lost your job, or you’re not being paid because you have to stay home to self-isolate, to watch your kids because of school closures, or to care for someone who is sick.

Off-Peak Time-Of-Use (TOU) electricity rate for small businesses, and farm customers

For a 45-day period, the government is working to suspend time-of-use electricity rates, holding electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 10.1 cents-per-kilowatt-hour. This reduced price will be available 24 hours per day, seven days a week to all time-of-use customers. Customers will see rate reductions of over 50 per cent compared to on-peak rates.This discount will be applied automatically to electricity bills without the need for customers to fill out an application form.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

The Ontario Government is enabling $1.9 billion in relief for employers covered by the WSIB's workplace insurance. Employers are automatically eligible for the provisions of the relief package and can defer premium reporting and payments until August 31, 2020. They will not be required to opt in to receive this benefit. The WSIB will also cease interest accrual on all outstanding premium payments, and will not charge penalties during this six-month deferral period. The WSIB will continue to fully cover workers at eligible workplaces.

LOCAL COVID-19 UPDATES

WINDSOR ESSEX COUNTY HEALTH UNIT

The WECHU encourages the public to follow credible sources for information about COVID-19. The WECHU monitors and updates their website daily. Click below for the latest guidelines and restrictions.

COVID-19 WEBINARS AND E-LEARNING

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by news surrounding COVID-19, you’re not alone. Here's a few free webinars that can help:

Business Briefs

Interactive Webinars

The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber is hosting a series of interactive webinars with leaders at the front lines of policy changes and best practices who can help navigate the impact of COVID-19 on our regional business community. 

Managing the impact on global supply chains

Watch this webinar from EDC to learn how the coronavirus is affecting global trade and how your company can be protected.

YQG STANDS STRONG

The great thing about Windsor Essex is the people of Windsor Essex!

Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island launched #YQGStandsStrong to share the good stories about Windsor Essex. Your favourite restaurants, the best attractions to visit, the park you hang out with your family, or the place you can't wait to visit again when social distancing ends.

Submit your photo or tag #YQGStandsStrong on social media to show and tell your favourite things about #YQG!

HOW ABOUT SOME GOOD NEWS?

Let's take the time to highlight some of the great things

local businesses are doing to help!

Businesses pivot quickly to meet challenge of COVID-19

Windsor Star | Dave Waddell

“Our customers are really driving this for us,” said Ian Gourlay, co-owner of the Walkerville Brewery. “We see this as a another opportunity to meet our customers’ needs.” Read More

Awesome initiative by Souq to help our community!

Souq is doing their part to help seniors and members of vulnerable communities during these uncertain times. They will pick up groceries, prescriptions, and deliver food to those in need. Please connect with them if you need help or know someone that needs help.

Contact for more information

TAKE THE COVID-19 ECONOMIC

IMPACT SURVEY

The COVID-19 pandemic has, and will continue to, impact many aspects of life and business for all citizens of our region, province, country and world.

The WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation, WindsorEssex Small Business Centre, and Workforce WindsorEssex developed a COVID-19 Economic Impact Survey to monitor the situation closely.

The feedback from this survey will be used to communicate immediate and long-term needs of our region to the provincial and federal governments.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

We are here to help! Please fill out the form below if you have any questions around navigating your business through these uncertain times

SMALL BUSINESS CENTRE

OPERATIONAL CHANGES

As we continue to monitor the current situation surrounding the COVID-19 virus, the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation and the WindsorEssex Small Business Centre are taking the following steps to ensure the safety of our clients, partners and staff:

• Upcoming events, information sessions and workshops have been postponed until further notice
• All meetings and consultations will be conducted over the phone
• Walk-in hours are suspended until further notice

Please contact the Small Business Centre, 519-253-6900 or info@windsoressexsmallbusiness.com, if you wish to book a phone consultation or request business support information.