Small Business Week takes place from October 17^th to the 23rd. This yearly campaign encourages residents to explore local gems in their ridings from coast to coast. MP Serré is a steadfast champion of small businesses. He has consistently visited businesses year-round and presents scrolls of recognition to entrepreneurs through the 48 communities and 3 First Nations of Nickel Belt.

This year, he visited businesses in emerging sectors in communities such as Azilda, Chelmsford, Hanmer, Coniston and Hagar to name a few. It was an opportunity to keep aa pulse on what’s happening in the region and to connect with more owners about how the Federal government can further support their endeavours. Small businesses continue to be strong economic drivers and the resilience of local establishments through the pandemic should be commended.

Understanding the complex challenges that the pandemic brought forward, Marc worked at the grassroots level to provide timely and accurate information to entrepreneurs through the riding. Many Federal programs were quickly established such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy. These measures were beneficial to many; however, some businesses still fell through the cracks and didn’t meet eligibility criteria.

To mitigate this, Marc advocated for further contributions for funds through programs like the Regional Recovery and Relief Program via FedNor, which enabled economic development organizations like Economic Partners West Nipissing to receive an additional $600,000 in supplemental funding to bring the total amount to over $1.2 million to support 28 local businesses in a multitude of sectors.

Now the sights are set on further recovery to not only survive, but to give small businesses the tools to reposition as needed and to thrive. With the recent election, the Federal government has proposed concrete measures to promote this:

• improving the Canada Small Business Financing Program to annually increase annual financing by an estimated $560 million, supporting approximately 2,900 additional small businesses.
• Expand borrower eligibility to include non-profit and charitable social enterprises.
• Extend the Canada Recovery Hiring Program to March 31, 2022, so businesses can hire more workers and Canadians can get back on the job.
• Provide Canada’s hard-hit tourism industry with temporary wage and rent support of up to 75% of their expenses to help them get through the winter.
• + More

“I encourage residents to shop local and to prioritize small businesses year-round. Local businesses often support other local establishments and therefore create a network of like-minded individuals and a circular economy on a small scale. We also reduce our carbon footprint when we purchase something sourced and made right here at home,” said Serré. “I look forward to continued collaboration with the entrepreneurs, Chambers of Commerce, stakeholders and residents of Nickel Belt to pave a path forward for jobs, for economic growth and regional development. So, get out there and visit a new store, a restaurant or a farmer’s market, it truly fosters a sense of community,” he concluded.

Important links

Business Benefits Finder
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund provides $1.2M in support of local businesses

Contact
Kaylie Dudgeon
Special Assistant, Marc G. Serré
MP Nickel Belt
[email protected]
705-507-2416