The Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) is a new $700-million federal government funding program that aims to support Canadian economies with long-term growth and jobs creation following setbacks from the global COVID-19 pandemic. Also, JGF includes up to $70 million for small businesses established after January 2020.

“By investing in our job creators and the organizations that support them, the Jobs and Growth Fund will help to create quality jobs, pursue inclusive and clean growth opportunities, and empower businesses and communities from coast to coast to coast.”
– Mélanie Joly, Canada’s Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.

These businesses must meet the program’s eligibility criteria. Highlighting this is crucial, as most grant and loan programs need businesses to be well established, meaning there is less funding for startups and entrepreneurs.

JGF financial support is being administered by Canada’s regional development agencies, including FedDev Ontario for Southern Ontario applicants and Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) for applicants in Western Canada.

Funding snapshot: Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) for Ontario and Western Canada

Applications are now being accepted on a continuous intake basis until March 31, 2024, or until funding is fully allocated. The Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF)  supports projects that stimulate job creation and long-term growth for Canadian organizations through a diverse focus on rebuilding the Canadian economy following the trials and tribulations of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding amount

• Eligible businesses may receive interest-free repayable contributions for up to 50% of eligible costs
• Eligible not-for-profit organizations could receive non-repayable contributions for up to 90% of eligible costs
• Eligible Indigenous organizations may receive contributions for up to 100% of eligible project costs
• Project contribution amounts do not normally exceed $10 million

Applicant eligibility

• SME Businesses, including co-operatives
• Not-for-profit organizations and community economic development partners
• Indigenous organizations

Eligible projects

To be eligible for the Jobs and Growth Fund, projects must:

Strengthen the capacity in sectors critical to Canada’s recovery and growth:

• Support scale-up and market expansion activities
• Develop emerging areas of global competitive advantage
• Support supply chain adaptation and diversification opportunities in critical sectors such as food production, medical supplies, and biomanufacturing

Foster an inclusive recovery:

• Support businesses owned or majority-led by underrepresented groups
• Increase the participation of underrepresented groups in the economy by supporting not-for-profit organizations that provide funding, business services, training, etc. for a more equitable workforce

Preserve Canada’s competitiveness and future-proof SMEs through digital adoption:

• Support the development or adoption of digital and technological solutions (i.e. Industry 4.0) to increase and promote business productivity
• Invest in technologies that help scale businesses, enhance their capabilities, and increase resilience

Support the transition to a green economy:

• Support the development and adoption of clean technology
• Help communities and businesses plan and drive clean, sustainable economic growth
• Partner with organizations to catalyze the development of green regional clusters
• Work with organizations supporting businesses to transition to a green economy

Program timeline:

• Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until all funding is allocated.
• Certain costs may be eligible on a retroactive basis up to 12 months before the receipt of the project application, but no earlier than April 19, 2021.
• All projects must be completed prior to March 31, 2024.

If your Ontario or Western Canada organization wants government funding through the Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF), please reach out to the Mentor Works team to help streamline the application and grant writing process.

Government grants and loans for COVID-19 recovery

Although many Canadian provinces are no longer in strict COVID-19 lockdowns, and national vaccination rates are higher than any other country, many businesses across Canada are still feeling the negative impacts of the virus.

In addition to the new Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF), there are other government programs dedicated to providing COVID-19 relief and recovery funding. Stay posted on the Mentor Works COVID-19 Funding Programs Page for resources, news, programs, and COVID-19.

The post How the Jobs and Growth Fund supports Canada’s economy through COVID-19 appeared first on Trade Ready.

“We are launching the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program to help those businesses hit hardest by the pandemic with low-interest, government-backed loans. By investing in Canada’s businesses, as well as workers and their families, we are investing in our shared recovery and a better future for all.”–The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade in a Canada.ca News Release, Jan 26, 2021

HASCAP government funding supports all businesses that have experienced a substantial decrease in revenues by at least 50% because of COVID-19.

Qualified small to medium-sized Canadian businesses can receive up to $25,000 to $1 million in HASCAP support loans, and larger organizations with multiple locations, such as restaurants or hotels, can receive up to $6.25 million in government funding.

About HASCAP loans for COVID-19 business support

Administered through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) aims to offer financial assistance to Canadian businesses that have been hit hard by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applicant eligibility:

Based on the following eligibility criteria established by the Government of Canada, a primary financial institution will determine whether a business qualifies for HASCAP loans:

• An eligible business must be based in Canada, and have been financially stable and viable prior to the current economic situation.
• An eligible business must have received payments either from the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) or the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) by having demonstrated a minimum 50% revenue decline for at least three months (not necessarily consecutive) within an eight-month period prior to the date of the HASCAP Guarantee application.
• If an eligible business does not qualify for CEWS and CERS, but otherwise meets all HASCAP eligibility criteria, they must provide financial statements that reflect at least three months where their revenue decreased by a minimum of 50% within the eight-month period prior to the date of the HASCAP Guarantee application.

Amount:

An eligible business can apply for a HASCAP loan for each legal entity they own, up to a maximum combined amount of $6.25 million (all legal entities combined).

• Up to $25,000 to $1 million in loans for a single, small to medium-sized business.
• Up to $6.25 million in loans for large organizations with multiple business locations.

Eligible expenses:

HASCAP loans cannot be used to pay or refinance existing debts; the loan will be used exclusively to continue or resume operations by relief of payments relating to:

• Rent payments.
• Employee payroll.
• Any additional costs deemed eligible to sustain business operations.

Thinking about taking your business online during COVID-19 closures? The FITTskills Online E-Commerce Workshop gives you the training you need to get more customers from around the world by offering your products online.

Timeline:

• The HASCAP Guarantee is available until June 30, 2021.
• From a 4% interest rate and a repayment term of up to 10 years.
• Up to a 12-month postponement of principal payments at the start of the loan.

Other COVID-19 government funding support options

There have been dozens of government programs that have launched in support of the relief and recovery of Canadian businesses impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, lockdowns and overall pandemic fatigue.

To learn more about these government funding options offered to assist Canadian businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the Mentor Works COVID-19 Funding Page.

Mentor Works is a business support organization specializing in Canadian government funding. The Ontario-based business has helped hundreds of businesses build and execute their funding strategy through a mix of federal and provincial government grants, loans, and tax credits. Mentor Works offers free online resources, funding webinars, and news via their website at www.mentorworks.ca.

The post Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program: COVID-19 support loans appeared first on Trade Ready.

This news bodes well for those looking toward recovery in the new year, but the road ahead requires much patience, financial strategy, and government support too. For struggling businesses, especially SMEs, the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund is a viable option that can help them financially stay afloat until the economy is back in full swing.

The Fall Economic Statement (FES) and Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)

On November 30, 2020, the Government of Canada released the 2020 Fall Economic Statement (FES) titled Supporting Canadians and Fighting COVID-19. Focusing primarily on the support from the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), the FES report highlights details about RRRF statistics, projections, and strategy plans as they relate to COVID-19 support for Canadian health, safety, business, and jobs.

Canada’s Fall Economic Statement (FES) highlights that, since its launch in May 2020, the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) has supported over 15,000 businesses in Canada, including more than 5,000 women-owned organizations and over 8,500 rural companies, saving around 100,000 jobs during the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.

What is the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)?

The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) provides repayable interest-free loans that support the fixed operating costs of Canadian businesses that cannot meet the eligibility criteria to receive funding through other federal and provincial COVID-19 support programs.

The RRRF was recently extended and expanded in southern Ontario and businesses may now receive loans for retroactive costs from March 15, 2020 until March 31, 2021 for up to a maximum of $1 million, and select not-for-profit organizations are now eligible for funding.

“Our government will always be there to support Canadians to stabilize the economy and help businesses grow. We’re working with you to support good, local jobs and help Western Canada’s economy come back strong.”—Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages

The expense deadline of March 31, 2021, for RRRF funding support is fast approaching, so those who are interested need to apply soon to receive interest-free loans to support their economic plans during the pandemic.

Canada’s 2020 Fall Economic Statement: Plans for Ongoing COVID-19 Support for Canadian Businesses

The Government of Canada’s 2020 FES highlights an ongoing action plan including proposed measures to continue protecting Canadians’ health, businesses, and jobs in order to maintain strong economic growth and stability. The full 2020 report can be accessed here.

A few of these major planning measures include:

• A new Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program that would provide government funding in low-interest loans for hardest-hit businesses, including those in sectors like tourism and hospitality, hotels, and arts and entertainment.
• A $206 million investment over two years, starting in 2020-21, to the regional development agencies for a new Regional Air Transportation initiative.
• Extending the 25 percent top-up to the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy until March 13, 2021.
• Extending the Canada Emergency Response Benefit for an additional four weeks.
• Increasing the maximum Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy rate to 75 percent for the period beginning December 20, 2020, and extending this rate until March 13, 2021.

The government is anticipating an additional investment of up to $500 million for RRRF funding to support Canadian businesses, bringing the total funding to over $2 billion. These changes have not yet been announced, but you can stay up to date on the RRRF or  COVID-19 funding news and support through Mentor Works.

To get more expert advice on how to manage your business and taking next steps during COVID-19, read our blog COVID-19 effects & next steps for your global business.

The post How Canada’s Regional Relief and Recovery Fund helps Canadian businesses during COVID-19 appeared first on Trade Ready.

Alongside the human health and economic impacts of COVID-19, this has also been a period of rapidly shifting government policy. For those of us involved in the policy and advocacy world, the pace has been unrelenting. Announcements are made about the headline changes, details trickle out, unintended consequences become known, and then it is back to step one with changes being made.

Although many Canadian companies are hearing about domestic policy measures, such as the wage subsidy or Canada Emergency Response Benefit, the shifting sands of policy equally applies to international trade issues.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has been grappling with these international trade issues from a supply chain perspective. In very practical terms this means:

• How do we enable the movement of critical goods into and within the country that support the welfare of Canadians?
• What is needed to keep Canadian companies plugged into international supply chains to meet the needs of their customers?
• How do companies that interact with their customers through the provision of services continue to undertake activities? This includes everything from business travel to after-sales servicing on critical equipment.

To keep a regular check on the pulse of businesses, the Canadian Chamber has formed an ad hoc supply chain group as the vehicle for sharing intelligence and informing the advocacy positions we undertake. Here are some of the takeaways we have heard and what they mean for Canadian companies involved in international trade.

Essential Services

It might seem odd to start talking about domestic essential services issues in the context of a blog on international trade, but what we hear from businesses has underscored that things start close to home.

Presently, each province has acted within their jurisdiction to determine which businesses can stay open (those deemed “essential”) and those that need to close (“non-essential”).

Provinces have taken different approaches to determining what falls under each side of the essential business ledger. We have received anecdotes about issues that have limited the ability of companies to move products across provincial borders, get products moved through warehousing, and third-party providers being closed and unable to provide services to their clients who are still open because they are operating an essential business.

As the pandemic conditions change, the provinces could still make further shifts in stating which companies are essential.

In terms of what this means for companies involved in international trade, it is absolutely critical to avoid thinking of due diligence as a “one and done” activity.

Some examples include:

• Even if your logistics provider is running, they may not have all their affairs in order with any third parties they use. Can they ensure they can keep providing service to you?
• How are your warehousing arrangements looking? Are there any backlogs of goods in the warehouse that are caused by non-essential business closures? Are cargo containers going to be ready for your products?
• Are there any provincial essential business closures that will cause problems for your goods moving across a border? Are there business closures that will cause problems for your goods being received at their destination?

Border Issues

Border issues are a massive topic on their own. This includes the movements across the U.S. border and other countries where Canadians do business. Similar to the issues surrounding essential services, the enactment of border measures is an evolving situation.

We have thus far seen a rolling enactment of measures that include travel bans for non-Americans travelling via the air mode, as well as restrictions on non-business travel across the Canada-U.S. border.

Overlay the officially announced rules with border officers retaining discretion at points of entry to assess admissibility and it can be difficult to keep up.

Some of the key considerations for Canadian companies include:

• When engaging in cross-border travel, the message has been loud and clear from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that business travellers need to make it as easy as possible for border officers when arriving at a point of entry. This could include really basic things like printing off an email trail, being able to quickly identify where your business is and with whom, a note on company letterhead clearly verifying the purpose of your visit, and arriving in uniform (if applicable to your industry).
• If in doubt, call ahead. The CBSA has significantly increased its staffing levels and expanded its Border Information Service line to operate 24/7. The last thing a company wants is to be held-up at the border. It is stressful when it occurs and being proactive is always the better approach.
• For importers, you should start a proactive conversation with your customs broker about the remittance of duties to the government. Last month, the government announced a deferral through to the end of June on the payment of duties/taxes on imports. For brokers, this means carrying a significant accumulation of liability on their bonds. Given this risk, some brokers are asking their clients to continue to pay the amounts owed to mitigate the risk of importers being unable to pay the amounts owed at the end of the deferral period. Companies should clarify these arrangements with their broker in addition to service fees.
• Keeping up to date with customs announcements is critical. The CBSA is evolving its requirements for the submission of certain customs documents and changing allowable submission methods. These could provide new flexibilities for companies in light of office closures. However, we have seen this to be a moving target, so businesses need to stay on top of all announcements.

Canadian Business Resilience Network

Given the breadth of the Canadian Chamber’s membership, representing businesses of all sizes and sectors of the economy, the Canadian Chamber has taken the lead in convening resources from the business community through our Canadian Business Resilience Network. We encourage companies to check it out and sign-up to our newsletter to keep updated on new material as it becomes available.

On the Network’s website you will also find some resources from various international groups that the Canadian Chamber works with, including the International Chamber of Commerce, Global Business Coalition, and Business at OECD. These are key platforms that we use to advance our members’ from the international perspective.

From a business perspective, and global economic perspective, we are dealing with unprecedented and unpredictable times. It has never been more crucial to ensure we are all staying informed through credible sources. FITT has collected COVID-19 global business resources from world-leading organizations collected in one place. 

The post How rapidly changing Canadian policy shifts are affecting your supply chain – and what to do about it appeared first on Trade Ready.

It’s simple really. This is a very difficult, confusing, and stressful time for everyone, not least of which business owners. To get some answers on the tough issues businesses of all shapes and sizes are facing right now, we assembled a team of experts to provide advice and resources on Twitter. Read the highlights below and follow the links for more information.

Stay safe and healthy. We’re all in this together.

Topics covered:

• What are the biggest challenges your business is facing today?
• What can businesses do today, in the middle of this crisis, to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on their company?
• Cashflow and payment risk are major issues for most businesses right now. How can businesses reduce this risk and get access to $ they need now?
• What kind of conversations do we need to have with our vendors, 3PL, customers, accountants, lawyers right now?
• What are some global resources businesses can tap into to manage this level of disruption?
• How can businesses prepare now for the next 6 months to a year? What have we not thought of yet?
• Are there any positives coming out of this today? What about looking ahead to the future?

Panelists:

Audrey Ross, CITP (@TresAudrey) Logistics & Customs Specialist at Orchard International Inc., based in Toronto, Canada
Sarah Barnes, (@BeVictoryus) CITP Director at Victoryus Inc, and host of Let’s Talk Supply Chain podcast, based in Mississauga, Canada
Bernadette Fernandes (@on_the_varanda) Founder & CEO of the Varanda Network, based in Saint John, NB, Canada
Emiliano Introcaso, CITP (@Introcaso) Export Advisor at Export Development Canada (EDC), based in Toronto, Canada
Cathy Morrow Roberson (@CMRoberson06) Founder and Head Analyst Logistics Trends & Insights LLC, based in Atlanta, USA
Mark Agnew (@Mark_Agnew) Senior Director of International Policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, based in Ottawa, Canada
Irina Rosca (@sustainSCM), Director of Supply Chain and Customer Success at Helix, based in San Diego, CA

Why don’t we start by getting it all out on the table.
What are the biggest challenges your business is facing today?

A1- We are in healthcare so our biggest challenge is being part of the answer and response with limited resources. #TradeElite

— Irina Rosca (@sustain_SCM) March 26, 2020

#TradeElite A1 the uncertainty is a big thing on everyone’s mind. How do you plan? where do double down? a lot of questions with minimal answers available #SmallBiz

— Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, SC media personality (@bevictoryus) March 26, 2020

This could be quite a list…safety of employees, business continuity, cash flow, maintaining sales yet meeting drastically shifting consumer expectations??? #TradeElite #COVID19 #globalbiz

— Scott C. Ferris (@ScottCFerrisPEI) March 26, 2020

#TradeElite A1 When will it end is a question I’m getting

— Cathy Roberson (@cmroberson06) March 26, 2020

A1. unprecedented change and not knowing where to start, what is credible, where to focus, what are the priorities, feeling behind the 8-ball, hard to be proactive when you’re in the thick of it, and alot of information coming at you at once from everywhere. #TradeElite #COVID19 https://t.co/HEtpsSnq2Z

— bernadette fernandes (@on_the_varanda) March 26, 2020

A1 #TradeElite for exporters what we are hearing is that cashflow is a constrain. The Canadian Government has joined forces with @ExportDevCanada & @bdc_ca to bring solutions to exporters (and #SMEs) to help solve this issue through financial solutions that can help your ops. https://t.co/e9dwx2ZBRz

— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (@introcaso) March 26, 2020

#TradeElite A1 protect your team, customers and community first; then do a business stress test.

— Caroline Tompkins (@carolineFITT) March 26, 2020

A1. Air cost & capacity issues, warehouse closures, uncertainty around when businesses are closing and when they think they will be back to full operations. #TradeElite

— audrey ross citp|fibp (@tresAudrey) March 26, 2020

A1. In my interaction with #Indian exporters out here the biggest challenge is ‘what lies ahead’? Are the products they’ve been exporting all these years going to even be accepted once the dust settles. Are consumers going to look for new products. #TradeElite

— Varun Anthony (@Varunanthony) March 26, 2020

Hi! A1: These days it’s all #COVID19 all the time. #cdnbiz are scrambling to grapple with what it means for them and what are the implications for their supply chains. Key issues include medical equipment, air cargo, and the Flag of CanadaFlag of United States border. #tradeElite

— Mark Agnew (@mark_agnew) March 26, 2020

I’m hearing lots of big challenges right now:
Uncertainty
Cashflow
Costs
Safety
Let’s move on to some solutions #TradeElite

— FITT (@FITTNews) March 26, 2020

What can businesses do today, in the middle of this crisis, to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on their company?

#TradeElite A2 Communicate regularly with employees, customers and supply chain partners.

— Cathy Roberson (@cmroberson06) March 26, 2020

A2 #TradeElite My first suggestion to a business is to know they are not alone. Many organizations such as @CdnChamberofCom have created resources that can provide guidance on what’s going on with #COVID19 and how business can prepare 1/2 https://t.co/SzJmyMXkNi

— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (@introcaso) March 26, 2020

A2. My heart goes out to the SMEs all across the globe. The businesses who have just begin to take steps into international markets. However this is the time when SMEs & even the larger cos. should closely monitor the trends occurring across potential markets (1) #TradeElite

— Varun Anthony (@Varunanthony) March 26, 2020

A2. Today: think about people 1st: yourself, your team, clients, families, community (not necessarily in that order) and immediately put measures in place to protect everyone; start now! Essential & Response services only
Tomorrow: plan for today#BizIsolate #TradeElite #COVID19

— bernadette fernandes (@on_the_varanda) March 26, 2020

A2 I agree with @cmroberson06 that Communication is key, I would add focusing on the wellness of your teams is necessary, empathy in our back pockets & looking at a new way forward through #innovation #TradeElite

— Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, SC media personality (@bevictoryus) March 26, 2020

A2. Really understand what you have underway, communicate with your customers. Obvi it’s not biz as usual but letting them know that their projects are underway, deliverable (either now or on pause for later). Stay positive. #TradeElite

— audrey ross citp|fibp (@tresAudrey) March 26, 2020

A2: First and foremost, follow directions of all Federal & Provincial officials. Then assess impacts to your biz & realize where/if you can change. Seeing lots of creativity – home delivery, caremongering in communities, companies shifting to produce needed supplies #TradeElite

— Scott C. Ferris (@ScottCFerrisPEI) March 26, 2020

A2: It is absolutely critical to understand your supply chain. The rollout of “essential services” measures and border restrictions around the? are straining the movement of goods. Thinking holistically about the enablers for you and your logistic providers #TradeElite

— Mark Agnew (@mark_agnew) March 26, 2020

A2. Surveying what is essential. We send a lot of samples & we see couriers are going to add surcharges starting April 1st… so being careful with what samples are needed & what can be rendered or shown in a video. #TradeElite

— audrey ross citp|fibp (@tresAudrey) March 26, 2020

Lots of great advice from our panel for companies out there.
Right now you can:
Take care of/support your team
Communicate with your stakeholders
Understand your complete supply chain
Tap into government resources
Take time to adapt and self-care#COVID19 #TradeElite

— FITT (@FITTNews) March 26, 2020

Cashflow and payment risk are major issues for most businesses right now. How can businesses reduce this risk and get access to $ they need now?

A3: Talk to every one of your lenders. Chances are they have been directed to ease terms, offer more flexible timeframes etc. Seeing this from student loans to even CRA tax time. #TradeElite #COVID19

— Scott C. Ferris (@ScottCFerrisPEI) March 26, 2020

A3: Leverage federal gov’t (and provincial/state) programs for cashflow NOW (NGEN funding 100% of #COVID19-response); Plan your sales pipeline during downtime/slowdown for cashflow LATER; Lean on @ExportDevCanada to mitigate payment risk ALWAYS. Expect the unexpected #TradeElite https://t.co/xNEsY2Vbsi

— bernadette fernandes (@on_the_varanda) March 26, 2020

A3 #TradeElite more than ever companies need to know how much (and for how long) are they going to be in the red. Communication with your commercial bank is key, and they know we are in this together, and they will help you. If you are a #SME currently going through some… 1/2 https://t.co/Da8dOZz9nJ

— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (@introcaso) March 26, 2020

A3: #cdnbiz shd understand their contracts and potential pain points. Be proactive in watching how rapidly evolving gov’t policy announcements will impact you. Spend time looking at @CanadaTrade @ExportDevCanada resources. @Ailish_Campbell‘s team is keen to help biz. #TradeElite

— Mark Agnew (@mark_agnew) March 26, 2020

#TradeElite A3 There are also a growing number of solutions from logistics providers to help finance cargo. For example, Flexport offers such a solution.

— Cathy Roberson (@cmroberson06) March 26, 2020

A3 2/2 #TradeElite cashflow issues, so prepare a plan, find out what you need. If you want to ensure you covered all of your basis, use @FITTNews ? https://t.co/ccSBQIDOd3 – Cash Flow Management unit. Download it here ??

— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (@introcaso) March 26, 2020

What kind of conversations do we need to have with our vendors, 3PL, customers, accountants, lawyers right now?

A4 #TradeElite find out what kind of service support are they offering during #COVID19. All businesses have been very proactive and supporting in any way of form. https://t.co/kydtyw92Rj

— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (@introcaso) March 26, 2020

A4. Dear Vendor, now’s not the time for you to sell us anything but #essentialservices or things that makes things easier. Dear Customer: please support your local SMEs now and later. Dear Everyone Else: we need your expertise/guidance and your deferred invoicing #TradeElite https://t.co/6Sv5vMsPWU

— bernadette fernandes (@on_the_varanda) March 26, 2020

A4: Make sure your supply chain and enablers are open! Companies are taking different interpretations of “essential business” and some companies have had a surprise to learn that their partners have decided (or are required) to shut down. #TradeElite

— Mark Agnew (@mark_agnew) March 26, 2020

A4: With every touchpoint of your biz connect with them. Tell them what’s happening, what you are doing. Ask them how they are doing. Work on solutions to keep the biz flowing. They need you as much as you need them. Can’t say enough – we are in this together. #TradeElite

— Scott C. Ferris (@ScottCFerrisPEI) March 26, 2020

A4 Communicate, Communicate, Communicate and find ways to collaborate in new ways #TradeElite

— Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, SC media personality (@bevictoryus) March 26, 2020

What are some global resources businesses can tap into to manage this level of disruption?

A5 ok… this is going to be a ? see below some of the resources that are specific for ?? companies https://t.co/uyEDJyGFqC

— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (@introcaso) March 26, 2020

A5: What they said RT: @FITTNews – #COVID19 global resources from world-leading organizations collected in one place – that businesses can tap into https://t.co/AfC1zpOais. I LOVE @TCS_SDC because they know my #Canadian business, my customers, in their markets #TradeElite https://t.co/yPkOOOi87P

— bernadette fernandes (@on_the_varanda) March 26, 2020

A5: Social Media. Get your story out there is you are an SME. Tell it like it is, if you can keep going, tell your customers you’re there for them. Pivot if you can, but use social tools to build your biz. Here’s what my accountant is up to for example https://t.co/A0AOmzqmqm

— Scott C. Ferris (@ScottCFerrisPEI) March 26, 2020

A5: the resources that FITT has available online are top-notch for #cdnbiz to get a digestible but substantive take on issues affecting them. @CdnChamberofCom will be launching a dedicated micro-site next week with lots of resources. Watch our Twitter handle for more info!

— Mark Agnew (@mark_agnew) March 26, 2020

#TradeElite A5- best resources to use are #partners. Communicate with your partners, customers, vendors and professional colleagues, this is a great time to share #knowledge and learn.

— Irina Rosca (@sustain_SCM) March 26, 2020

A5. As a former Trade Commissioner myself I would always say the biggest trade resource that any #Canadian company has at the moment in their international markets in @TCS_SDC Reach out to all federal, provincial and crown teams across the markets you are present in #TradeElite

— Varun Anthony (@Varunanthony) March 26, 2020

A5 Lots of great resources out there, webinars, podcasts and blogs full of thought leadership on the subject, you can find some of it here: https://t.co/7JvtuW6pPu #TradeElite

— Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, SC media personality (@bevictoryus) March 26, 2020

#TradeElite A5 Service updates from logistics & transportation providers. @Agility publishes a great one – https://t.co/IpsKd0PY0h

— Cathy Roberson (@cmroberson06) March 26, 2020

How can businesses prepare now for the next 6 months to a year? What have we not thought of yet?

A7: 1/2 #TradeElite Most biz will never be done the same again. Ever. If you changed because of #covid19Canada you may not be able to go back to old ways. Probably a good thing for many. Change is often hard but brings progress. Look at impact this had on global pollution.

— Scott C. Ferris (@ScottCFerrisPEI) March 26, 2020

A7: 2/2 #TradeElite Be prepared to do lots of reading on global lessons learned. Listen to what your customers/suppliers tell you they learned or how they responded. Most importantly be ready to get back at it – stay in touch with employees. You’ll need to bring them back & fast!

— Scott C. Ferris (@ScottCFerrisPEI) March 26, 2020

A7 prepare a plan of action for innovation. document and learn as much as you can while going through this, what worked, what didnt, what could have been done better #TradeElite

— Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, SC media personality (@bevictoryus) March 26, 2020

A7: NOW is the time to adapt quickly and mitigate #COVID19-response! When this is over, then is the time to prepare for #BusinessContinuity #DisasterRecovery – is that still a thing? #TradeElite https://t.co/JY1b9YeUAO

— bernadette fernandes (@on_the_varanda) March 26, 2020

A7 (well A6 ?) #TradeElite consider getting informed. If you are not part of a chamber or association, I think this is the time to consider. Look at national, provincial or local associations and chambers such as @CdnChamberofCom @cme_mec @OakvilleChamber @TorontoRBOT https://t.co/wZTEjQFOPH

— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (@introcaso) March 26, 2020

Let’s look on the bright side to end today’s chat!
What, if any, are the silver linings with this crisis? Are there any positives coming out of this today? What about looking ahead to the future?

A8: There are always silver linings. With #COVID19 it’s more community-building, new words like #caremongering, less meetings, more resourcefulness… and #ClimateChange… our Earth is healing <3 #TradeElite https://t.co/gyeLpfMIzF

— bernadette fernandes (@on_the_varanda) March 26, 2020

A8 #TradeElite this is a great question @FITTNews Businesses have learned how preparedness is important and how changes can be good for both sides. How they can adapt to a situation, etc https://t.co/hcAiN5Uynj

— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (@introcaso) March 26, 2020

A8: #TradeElite So many creative ways to do biz have emerged. Global pollution dropped. Industries will adapt (cruise lines esp.)I’m hoping we are realizing how connected we all truly are to one another and that we all have impacts that are far-reaching.

— Scott C. Ferris (@ScottCFerrisPEI) March 26, 2020

A8. We have learned that it has to be people first. If your company “can’t afford” sick leave, fair wages, safety / protective gear, you need to re-think your biz strategy. #TradeElite

— audrey ross citp|fibp (@tresAudrey) March 26, 2020

I think that we all saw how a few weeks of everyone stopping, can have a significant effect in our environment, so maybe this might mean that more #cleantech companies might help solve some issues in the future #TradeElite – I am sure @lynncote can add here!

— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (@introcaso) March 26, 2020

A8 Tough one. @CdnChamberofCom hears every day about the difficult choices #cdnbiz are making right now b/c #COVID19. Use this as a chance to re-evaluate your 3PL, supply chain inputs and brush-up on the resources that are out there. Good luck and stay healthy. #TradeElite

— Mark Agnew (@mark_agnew) March 26, 2020

Read the rest of the chat and join future discussions by following the #TradeElite hashtag. And stay tuned for the next #TradeElite chat, coming up Thursday, April 16 at 2:00-3:00PM ET, and if you haven’t yet, join us on Twitter at @FITTNews.

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