Shop local!

Urbantoronto.ca
October 21, 2020

The City of Vaughan’s news release is included in a roundup of top industry stories from this week.

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As the Province of Ontario’s modified Stage 2 restrictions for Vaughan and York Region take effect today, the City of Vaughan is urging residents to do their part to support the local economy by safely shopping at small businesses and local restaurants in the city.

There are many ways to show your local love with #ShopVaughanLocal -- even from the comfort of home. You can make a difference by:

• Ordering takeout or delivery from a local restaurant
• Shopping in-store or ordering online from local businesses
• Sharing your local love using #ShopVaughanLocal on social media platforms
• Buying gift cards from local businesses to use at a later date

Small business remains the backbone of Vaughan’s economy. In April, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua launched the #ShopVaughanLocal initiative to provide relief to the business community and to help ease the financial burden caused by COVID-19. Throughout the global pandemic, the City has implemented a number of resources, tools and programs to help support and aid businesses from the unintended consequences of the virus.

Virtual resources designed to support local business include:

• information on resources available from other levels of government to support business, which can be found at vaughanbusiness.ca/COVID.
• the vaughanbusiness.ca website with a dedicated COVID-19 information page.
• virtual business advisory services to support with registering a business, business planning, accessing government assistance programs and more. Local businesses can access these services through this online form.
• sector-specific eNewsletters to keep businesses up to date on government announcements, funding and relevant programming. Businesses can subscribe here.
• online resources such as the Open For Business webpage.
• access to all events and webinars hosted virtually for businesses across York Region via vaughanbusiness.ca/events.
• season two of the Vaughan Rising Podcast, which examines the resiliency of Vaughan’s business community and talks to leaders who are pivoting, innovating and doing what it takes to make it through to the other side of the pandemic.
• the Activate!Vaughan Health Innovation Challenge, in partnership with the Province of Ontario, Mackenzie Health, the Mackenzie Innovation Institute, SE Health, Sterling Industries, The HUB and ventureLAB. Entrepreneurs participating in the program will present innovative business solutions that will deliver high-quality, effective and patient-focused care.
• virtual Small Business Week programs in partnership with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, ventureLAB, YSpace, Futurpreneur Canada and COSTI. Five virtual workshops, networking opportunities and tools will be offered this week to help small businesses and entrepreneurs in their continued successes and navigate through challenges presented by COVID-19.
• As the virus continues to evolve, the City of Vaughan remains committed to working with all levels of government to stand up for entrepreneurs and small-business owners. Maintaining the competitiveness of the local economy throughout the global pandemic is a priority. To learn more about online programs and services available for businesses, visit vaughan.ca/COVID19.