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Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce

COVID-19 Business Update: July 28th, 2020

Information on government grants, resources, and programs, and how to apply for them, is available here.
The Government of Canada has a support page with summaries of current programs and application portals.

Vital updates:

  • The Toronto Board of Trade, in partnership with the governments of Ontario and Canada, has launched the Recovery Activation Program (RAP), an immersive online workshop program that connects businesses with industry experts for guidance, mentorship and practical advice about process modernization and end-to-end digital transformation. RAP is now expanding to businesses of all sizes throughout the province. Interested parties can apply here. This program will run monthly until March 2021. RAP Focuses on 5 Key Pillars:
    • Digital Modernization: Harnessing technology to transform internal processes and enhance external business opportunities.
    • Technological Hardware: Learning about digital capacity, backend hardware and risk mitigation techniques for a digital transformation.
    • Structural and Regulatory Alignment: Exploring the legal tools and regulatory requirements for a successful digital restructuring.
    • Digital Restructure Financing: Accessing the right mentors, investors, and resources to prepare businesses to undertake a restructuring.
    • Marketing and Sales: Leveraging data-driven marketing and sales insights to inform a digital transformation.
  • The Ontario government is resuming weekend GO train service to the Niagara region beginning on August 1. New schedules with four trips to and from Niagara Falls and St. Catharines each Saturday, Sunday and holiday will enable convenient day or overnight trips, either in Niagara or Toronto. GO Transit’s partnership with Niagara Parks Commission connects WEGO bus service with the GO trains in Niagara Falls, seamlessly bringing travellers to their final Niagara Falls destinations with no taxis or parking needed. Tourism is a key economic driver in Ontario, supporting more than 400,000 jobs and generating over $36 billion in spending. Niagara’s $2.4-billion tourism industry contributes over 40,000 jobs to the region and attracts more than 13 million tourists every year. Please note that a mask or cloth face covering is now required on GO Transit.

Reading recommendations:


If you are showing symptoms, you must self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days. Call a public health authority immediately. Do not visit any healthcare provider in person before you have been directly advised to by public health authorities.

Remember that a COVID-19 test is only a snapshot of your health on the specific date and time the swab was taken. No testing is perfect and a negative result doesn’t mean you haven’t been exposed to COVID-19. You can still develop symptoms days after your test was taken.

It is important that everyone practice physical distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Maintain a 2-metre distance from other people. When maintaining distance is impossible, use a face mask. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly. Avoid touching the face. If you have recently traveled outside the country, you are legally required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Previous updates can be accessed here.

Stay safe and be vigilant. The GNCC is here to support you. Contact us with any questions you have.

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