Open with Care – For Businesses
The BIA is here to inspire and support businesses to re-open in a safe, healthy, and compliant manner that supports consumer confidence. As we enter a new phase towards normalcy, it’s crucial to communicate with your customers to reassure them that it’s safe to do business with you and to showcase the amazing work being done to re-open thoughtfully! Please take responsible steps and follow WorkSafeBC guidelines to ensure employee’s health and safety.
Here are some free templates on active communication by the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses (CFIB).
If you are open in-store, please be clear about limited indoor seating/capacity, and remind those waiting at the storefront to maintain physical distance! Download this decal to use on your social media, email communications, or to display on your premises.
Don’t forget to update your website and social media accounts regularly to inform customers of changed hours, changed operations, and ways of continuing to shop with you!
If you are doing using an innovative approach to welcome customers back, please let us know and we will give you a shout out on our Facebook and Instagram!
Hashtags to Use on Social Media Channels
#OpenwithCare #ShopLocal #WhiteRockCares #OpenwithCareBC
Additional Resources for Businesses (updated 10 June 2020):
As always, the South Surrey and White Rock Chamber of Commerce has been working hard to provide a strong advocacy network that supports local businesses, especially during this difficult time. Check out their one-stop expansive compilation of COVID-19 resources, tools, webinars, and business surveys to help navigate and implement adaptive operation strategies.
Financial Support:
- Federal, Provincial, and other organizations COVID-19 Business Support
- Support for employers and workers is available through the Work-Sharing program by the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Response Fund. Additional support can also be found at the Government of BC aid package
- Financial Implications and Business Preparedness guide, developed by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce as well as Business Development Canada
- Commercial Rent Support for eligible BC businesses
- Small Business Relief Fund (Canadian Business Resilience Network)
- Emergency Wage Subsidy extended until August 2020 (Government of Canada)
- A compilation on federal and provincial support measures, including minimizing impact from layoffs, access to capital and liquidity support, and additional resources from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Restaurants:
- Support for Restaurants and Reopening Resources (BCFRA)
- COVID-19 resources for foodservice operators (Restaurants Canada)
- COVID-19 Food and Beverage Sector Fact Sheet (BC Ministry of Health)
Operation Support
- Water safety for reopening buildings (City of White Rock)
- Local PPE Suppliers and Manufacturers (South Surrey and White Rock Chamber of Commerce)
Hospitality
According to WorkSafe BC, businesses must develop a safety plan and display safety posters at their business. Here are the protocols for returning to operation: Arts & Culture; Health Professionals; In-Person Counselling; Education (K-12); Offices; Parks; Personal Services; Real Estate; Restaurants, Cafes, and Pubs; Retail.