Take the economic impact survey - City partners with York Region to support local business community

MunicipalInfonet.com
June 1, 2020

York Region, the City of Vaughan, the York Region Business Coalition of Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, and the Workforce Planning Board of York Region have partnered to support the local business community as the economy gradually starts to reopen. To better understand the economic impact COVID-19 has had on day-to-day commerce, business owners are being asked to take part in an online survey.

The survey is available from Wednesday, May 27 to Thursday, June 11 and will provide data from both the local and regional levels. The information collected will be used to inform a Vaughan Economic and Business Resilience Plan, which will reflect the feedback and needs of the local business community.

Businesses interested in participating can take the online survey  today to share their feedback.

This is part of the latest response from the City of Vaughan as it remains committed to providing information and relief to the business community and maintaining the competitiveness of the local economy during the global COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Digital Boost Vaughan Small Business Resiliency Program

The Digital Boost Vaughan Small Business Resiliency Program provides free training and mentorship to help local businesses adapt to the changing environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Programming will cover topics such as: digital marketing strategies; launching or improving an e-commerce store; developing new product lines or services; developing new revenue models, such as curbside pickup or drop-shipping; and developing financial resiliency. Vaughan businesses interested in registering can apply at vaughanbusiness.ca/DigitalBoost to secure their spot by Monday, June 1. Upon registration, a representative from the Economic and Cultural Development department will contact the registrant to help cater the training to specific business needs.

Open for Business

The Open for Business online directory lists local businesses that are open during the current state of emergency.

The voluntary listing includes both essential services and businesses that are open or providing modified operations by phone, online, takeout or delivery in compliance with provincial and municipal regulations. Vaughan businesses interested in being included in the list must apply and can do so through this online form.

#ShopVaughanLocal

On April 9, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua launched the #ShopVaughanLocal campaign. Residents looking to do their part to support the local economy can do so by shopping remotely with local businesses and restaurants with #ShopVaughanLocal. Citizens are encouraged to do any of the following to show their support for small businesses in Vaughan: 

• Order takeout or delivery from a local restaurant
• Buy gift cards for use at a later date
• Order from local businesses online
• Share your local love using #ShopVaughanLocal on social media
• Access government supports for businesses at vaughanbusiness.ca

Vaughan Business Action Plan

On March 17, the City launched the Vaughan Business Action Plan --which includes a series of measures to support businesses, consumers and all citizens. The City’s Economic and Cultural Development department is available to support local businesses and entrepreneurs online or by phone to help access resources from the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. Learn more at vaughanbusiness.ca.

Business licence renewals

A grace period of 90 days has also been established for business licence renewals. Licensees may defer renewal of their existing business licence up to 90 days past the expiry date of their licence. New businesses are still required to be licensed. New licence applications may be submitted by email to bylaw@vaughan.ca, along with scanned copies of required documentation. Payments can be made by cheque and mailed to Vaughan City Hall at 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr., Vaughan, ON, L6A 1T1.