Belleville Chamber of Commerce is pleased with the federal government’s decision to increase funding for small business from 10% to 75% during theCOVID-19 pandemic.
The Belleville Chamber has 450 members, 350 of them have 25 or fewer employees.
CEO Jill Raycroft tells Quinte News that the worst cases, non-essential retail, salons and restaurants that depend on daily sales to pay everything from wages to rent, internet and hydro are the ones that worry about being able to return, once the coronavirus restrictions are over.
Very few are operating business as usual.
She notes, “The interest free loans up to $40,000 with up to $10,000 forgivable, will hopefully help with the real costs that initiate the domino effect of the impact on businesses and the economy.”
Raycroft added, “I would say that in unprecedented times, the federal government has been very open to listening to the enormous impact quarantine will have on business while the provincial government focuses on its ability to support health care. While we can’t yet predict whether some won’t fall through the cracks and sincerely hope there is understanding that will support those for whom there is no safety net, overall, the importance of business and the wages they pay, has been recognized.
The Chamber CEO also points to what she calls outstanding acts of generosity from local companies during this time, $10,000 from McDougall to Gleaners Food Bank, Impacto Protective Products transferring their production to making masks and solopreneur Andrew Normore 3D printing faceshields in his living room. Small restaurants who’ve had to close or modify to takeout/delivery – Feta & Olive, Boston Pizza, Linguine’s, Dugout Grill, Belleville Senators & Shorelines Casino – all donated fresh produce to Gleaners … there is a group on Facebook #Quinte 2020 Strong that is trying to share the multiple things people are doing simply to be kind to each other.
