The Government of Alberta is enacting Alberta’s relaunch strategy, a phased approach that puts safety first while helping businesses continue operations and getting people back to work. Part of this approach includes a resource known as Alberta Biz Connect which houses sectoral guidance relevant to many Tourism Calgary partners.
COVID-19 business continuity resources for tourism partners
Updated June 8
COVID-19 business continuity resources for tourism partners
Updated June 8
COVID-19 business continuity resources for tourism partners
Government resources
Government of Canada resources
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS): Provides a direct and easy-to-access rent and mortgage subsidy of up to 65 per cent of eligible expenses to qualifying businesses. No minimum revenue drop is required to qualify. Retroactive to Sept. 27, 2020 and currently planned to be available until June 2021. Learn more.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): Covers up to 65 per cent of an employee's wages for qualifying eligible employers. No minimum revenue drop is required to qualify. Retroactive to March 15, 2020 and currently planned to be available until June 2021. Learn more.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA): Interest-free, partially forgivable loans of up to $60,000 to small businesses that have experienced diminished revenues due to COVID-19, but that face ongoing non-deferable costs such as rent, utilities, taxes and wages. This program has been increased to $60,000 from the original $40,000 maximum. Applicants who already received the $40,000 CEBA loan may still apply for the $20,000 expansion. Applications are open until June 30, 2021. Learn more.
Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP): Provides 100 per cent government-guaranteed, low-interest loans of up to $1 million to support businesses that have been hardest hit by the pandemic including those in the tourism and hospitality industry and those that rely on in-person service. Chain hotels or restaurants with multiple locations under one related entity could be eligible for up to $6.25 million. This financial support is intended to be used for day-to-day operating costs during the COVID-19 crisis, and for investments into longer-term prosperity. Applications are open until June 30, 2021. Learn more.
Government of Alberta resources
Alberta's Open for Summer plan: This three-stage roadmap outlines how restrictions will ease while protecting the health care system and increasing vaccination rates in the province. Stage 2 of reopening starts June 10. Learn more.
Alberta Biz Connect: As part of Alberta’s relaunch strategy, resources are available through Alberta Biz Connect to help keep owners, staff and customers safe. All workplaces are expected to develop and implement policies and procedures to address COVID-19. This resource outlines guidance for businesses reopening or continuing operations, including sector-specific guidance. Learn more.
Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant: The Government of Alberta has invested an additional $350 million into the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant to further support businesses hardest hit by the pandemic. This includes a third payment of up to $10,000 for eligible small and medium-sized businesses, cooperatives and non-profits that have seen revenue declines of at least 30 per cent because of public health restrictions. Hotels and taxis are also now eligible to access this funding. Applications are now open until June 30, 2021. Learn more.
Alberta Jobs Now: $370 million has been allocated to help private and non-profit businesses support much-needed jobs for unemployed and underemployed Albertans. Employers can apply for a grant that covers 25 per cent of an employee's salary for a 52-week period up to a maximum of $25,000 per employee. Applications are open until Aug. 31, 2021 for funding for up to 20 new employees. A second intake will open in Sept. 2021. Learn more.
Signage: Downloadable posters are available through the Government of Alberta to support awareness and actions that can be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Posters include tips on ways to practice physical distancing and to let customers know whether your business is open or closed. Learn more.
City of Calgary resources
My Business Hub: A go-to resource for services and information to enable your business success including COVID-19 supports, licensing and permits, tax information and more. Learn more.
Targeted financial support for reopening businesses: $15.9 million in targeted financial support has been approved for business owners in hardest hit sectors like tourism to support with reopening. Grants are available for licensed businesses including restaurants, pubs, bars, fitness centres and entertainment establishments including nightclubs and live music venues within City of Calgary limits. Applications will be open July 2 through August 10, 2021 or until funds are exhausted. Funds will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Learn more.
Temporary Face Coverings Bylaw - Face coverings are mandated in public spaces including retail stores, shopping malls, recreation centres and public common spaces in office buildings in Calgary until Dec. 30, 2021 unless otherwise communicated. Businesses are also required to display signage that outlines the details of the bylaw in public entryways. Learn more.
Extended supports for patios - The City of Calgary is extending support to local businesses by continuing to allow patios on public land, prioritizing patio applications and by waiving development permit and temporary permission fees for the upcoming season. Applications are now open. Learn more.
Waived business license-related fees: For a period of two years, The City of Calgary will waive fees for new and renewed business licenses, new and renewed fire inspections, planning services and Calgary Police Service fees to support 40,000 businesses in Calgary. Learn more.
Tourism Calgary partner resources
As a leader for our industry, Tourism Calgary is committed to fostering our city's undeniable community spirit and to supporting our valued partners during this time. This includes leveraging our platforms to share your business updates and amplify your marketing efforts, while providing you with information, tools and resources to support your decision making and operations.
Partner updates:
COVID-19 tourism partners update form: To ensure our records are up-to-date and that we are promoting your business accurately, please keep us apprised of updated hours of operation, modifications to product and service offerings, enhanced health and safety measures and more using the following form. Share updates.
Amplifying your message:
Leveraging our highly-visible digital channels and campaigns, Tourism Calgary is here to help amplify your messages.
Miss this? Get this! campaign: A collaborative COVID-19 vaccination campaign by Tourism Calgary and Calgary Chamber inclusive of assets partners can use to encourage everyone in our tourism industry to get vaccinated so we can get back to what we do best: hosting. Learn more.
Things To Do co-op marketing campaign: A content-led marketing campaign administered and distributed by Tourism Calgary to support invested partners in driving consumer conversations, promoting business offerings and getting customers through the door. Media buys and paid distribution will be secured through a pooled funding model to exponentially increase the reach and exposure for partners' feature articles with COVID-19 contingencies in place. Intake is now open through September 2021 with the option to participate in the campaign for multiple months Learn more.
#SupportLocalYYC: Supporting local businesses is more important than ever, but doing that looks a little different these days. The #SupportLocalYYC campaign provides resources that support our business community in new ways, while helping to keep our city safe and healthy. Learn more.
Digital reopening checklist: Leverage this checklist developed by Tourism Calgary's marketing team to ensure your digital platforms are optimized to support your business as you adjust to current health and safety measures. Learn more.
Business resources and industry calendar:
#LoveYYC: For Businesses - Support local as you adjust to the evolving situation by leveraging business service offerings and resources available from Tourism Calgary partners. A wide variety of resources are available, including those to support your audio visual, printing and signage, protective barrier, shipping and sanitation needs. Learn more.
Leverage the breadth of webinars available during this time to stay apprised of the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism industry, plans underway to prepare for a post-COVID world and to access available business and professional development insights.
Mental health resources
If you're experiencing overwhelming feelings of stress, isolation and anxiety, confidential mental health supports are available through the Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642 and the Addiction Help Line at 1-866-332-2322. Learn more.
Contact
Tourism Calgary is here for you. As always, feel free to reach out to industry@tourismcalgary.com if you have questions.