Coquitlam’s Economic Development staff are hitting the pavement over the next two weeks to make sure local businesses know what supports are available to them during the pandemic.
COQUITLAM, B.C., June 11, 2020 – Coquitlam’s Economic Development staff are hitting the pavement over the next two weeks to make sure local businesses know what supports are available to them during the pandemic.
The outreach campaign is part of the City’s efforts to provide continuity and support to local businesses, many of which are struggling due to the COVID-19 outbreak. With a focus on the summer months ahead, staff will be updating businesses on the various initiatives and programs that can help them, including Coquitlam’s Temporary Outdoor Space Expansion Program.
Opportunities for Businesses
Businesses are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities:
- The City’s new simple and expedited process to set up temporary patios or outdoor retail space in as little as two days (see www.coquitlam.ca/patios);
- Promotional opportunities, a free photo shoot and purchase of $100 worth of goods, services or gift cards for up to 10 businesses that are offering a Canada Day special or package (apply by June 21; details at www.coquitlam.ca/canadaday);
- City purchases gift cards or prize packages worth $50 to $100 from local businesses for the 75 Days of Summer marketing campaign starting June 24 (contact 604-927-3913 or tourism@coquitlam.ca; selection is on a first-come, first-served basis);
- The chance for up to 12 restaurants to have their takeout featured during this year’s virtual Summer Concert Series (details at www.coquitlam.ca/summerconcerts); and
- Opportunities to support the class of 2020 by putting up free posters from the City and offering discounts and packages for local grads and their families (contact 604-927-3913 or tourism@coquitlam.ca for information).
Resources for Businesses
Resources available to Coquitlam businesses include:
- Free promotion through the Tri-Cities #SupportLocal website www.wegotthistricities.com (click the I’m Open for Business button) and the Tourism Coquitlam website www.visitcoquitlam.ca (email tourism@coquitlam.ca with details for a free retail or restaurant listing);
- Comprehensive information and resources through the City’s Business Support Portal at www.letstalkcoquitlam.ca/business;
- Short-term and long-term initiatives to help businesses recover through the new Community Support and Recovery Plan, funded by an initial allocation of $5 million (see www.coquitlam.ca/csrp);
- Updates and news for and about local businesses through Tourism Coquitlam’s Twitter feed, along with sharing of posts tagged @visitcoquitlam; and
- Information and support from the Economic Development team, reached through 604-927-3913 or economicdevelopment@coquitlam.ca.
A full list of business resources is also available at www.letstalkcoquitlam.ca/business.
Additional Business Resources
- Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce (www.tricitieschamber.com) – comprehensive COVID-19 Guidance and Resources page available to all Tri-Cities businesses
- Government of Canada (www.canada.ca/covid19) – federal financial and economic support, including information on Canada’s Economic Response Plan, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), wage subsidies, access to loans, and deferrals for income taxes, GST and duty payments
- Province of BC (www.gov.bc.ca/covid19) – provincial benefits, including tax deferrals, arts and culture grants and resources
- Small Business BC (covid.smalbusinessbc.ca) – COVID-19 support and resources for small businesses
- Retail Council of Canada (www.retailcouncil.org/coronavirus-info-for-retailers/recovery-playbook/) – Retail Recovery Playbook to help retailers in their effort to recover from COVID-19
- BC Economic Development Association (www.bceda.ca) – economic development and recovery information, including daily bulletins
- Urban Development Institute (www.udi.bc.ca/udi-covid-19) – information for the development community
- Destination BC (www.destination.bc.ca/covid-19) – resources for tourism-based businesses
- Tourism Industry Association of BC (www.tiabc.ca/covid19) – resources including bulletins and webinars
- Creative BC (www.creativebc.com/about-us/news/covid-19) – resources for the film sector and the creative industry
- Government of Canada tender site (www.buyandsell.gc.ca) – opportunities for local businesses to bid on government contracts, including providing medical supplies
- Province of BC Supply Hub (www.gov.bc.ca/supplyhub) – opportunities for local businesses to supply products and services in support of B.C.’s COVID-19 response
Join Coquitlam’s Efforts to #SupportLocal
The City of Coquitlam has joined the Tri-Cities #SupportLocal campaign to assist local businesses, many of which are struggling at this time. Coquitlam also strongly encourages residents to #SupportLocal for their shopping and meals; view business listings at www.wegotthistricities.com and www.visitcoquitlam.ca for a directory of 150+ Coquitlam restaurants offering takeout and delivery.
See also our video to learn more about how you can support our local businesses.
Supporting Our Community During the Pandemic
The City of Coquitlam is here to help, with these resources:
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/csrp to learn about the City’s Community Support and Recovery Plan, which is providing immediate and long-term support for the non-profit sector, businesses and residents;
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/spirit for a free library of activities for all ages, including fitness, arts and culture, outdoor activities and ways to connect with your community; and
- Visit www.coquitlam.ca/covid19 for updates on City services and initiatives and COVID-19 health resources.
Coquitlam residents and businesses are also encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for up-to-date City information.