The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is a registered charity that raises funds to provide assistance to hospitality industry workers in financial crisis due to an extraordinary health condition.  We have, for example, given grants to individuals following kidney transplants, life-changing accidents, and terminal cancer diagnoses.  In addition, we offer a scholarship program to foster the development of the next generation of hospitality industry leaders.

Partner websites

ABLE, BC CRAFT BREWERS, BC EVENT MANAGEMENT, BCHA, BCRFA, VICTORIA TOURISM, HOTEL ASSOCIATION OF GREATER VICTORIA, HOTEL ASSOCIATION OF VANCOUVER, IVSA, OWFS, RESTAURANTS CANADA, TOTA, VANCOUVER TOURISM, WINES OF BC

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Checking for symptoms

If you or someone you know is experiencing possible COVID-19 symptoms, call the provincial health information hotline at 8-1-1, or contact the B.C Centre for Disease Control at 1-833-784-4397.

You can also direct them to the provincial government’s HealthLinkBC page which has steps to conduct an initial self-diagnosis: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/hwsxchk.

Non-medical information about COVID-19 is available at 1-888-COVID-19, or texts can be directed to 604-630-0300.

CAPILANO UNIVERSITY

Announcing a free online program to help people working in tourism and hospitality 

Revitalize Your Tourism or Hospitality Business in a COVID World

The Tourism Business Enhancement Program, designed by Capilano University’s School of Tourism Management, is a free online program created specifically for people working in the tourism and hospitality sector that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. 

The program is an opportunity to review an aspect of their business to create a pivot strategy that can be implemented soon after completion. It is primarily aimed at managers and supervisors, but applications from frontline staff will be considered if they meet certain conditions.

The program runs for five weeks, includes one-on-coaching, a $1,000 reimbursement for childcare and is delivered entirely online. 

Program begins March 8. Apply today!
For complete details, or to apply, please visit Tourism Business Enhancement Program

Small Business Relief Fund

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Small Business & Export Minister Mary Ng, announced the launch of the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund.

  • The maximum grant amount available per application is $5,000. The grant can be used to provide reimbursement of costs incurred because of COVID-19 including purchasing PPE and developing e-commerce capabilities for businesses.  For program guidelines, click here.
  • The new application window will open on Monday, October 26th.

Federal Government Launches Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program

OTTAWA — The federal government has launched the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP), which will provide financial support to businesses that have been hardest hit by the pandemic.

HASCAP is designed to help businesses with their day-to-day operating costs during the COVID-19 crisis and enable them to invest in their longer-term prosperity. The funding is available to businesses across the country, in all sectors, that have been hit hard by the pandemic, including restaurants, tourism-and-hospitality businesses and those that rely on in-person service.

“We know that even the most resilient businesses continue to face incredible challenges,” says Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade. “We are launching the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program to help those businesses hit hardest by the pandemic with low-interest, government-backed loans. By investing in Canada’s businesses, as well as workers and their families, we are investing in our shared recovery and a better future for all.”

The program, which was originally outlined in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, will see the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) work with participating Canadian financial institutions to offer government-guaranteed, low-interest loans of up to $1 million. Hard-hit businesses such as a chain of hotels or restaurants with multiple locations under one related entity, could be eligible for up to $6.25 million.

The program offers up to a 10-year re-payment term with a four-per-cent fixed interest rate, as well as a postponement of principal re-payments of up to 12 months at the start of the loan. The loan proceeds from HASCAP can’t be used to pay down an existing debt/lease facility.

The Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) has also stated that, in a special advance technical briefing on HASCAP with senior leaders at the BDC and Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, BDC indicated it will consider loan application for more than $1-million per entity in circumstances where individual hotel properties are not separately incorporated.

To be eligible for HASCAP, businesses need to show a year-over-year revenue decline of at least 50 per cent in three months, within the eight months prior to their application. They must also be able to show their financial institutions that they have previously applied for either the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) or the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS).

Eligible businesses can start applying as early as February 1 at principal financial institutions and more widely by February 15. Interested businesses are directed to contact their primary lender to get more information and to apply. Additional information is also available at bdc.ca.

HAC is also planning a special Q&A webinar with BDC officials to help members prepare to apply for HASCAP. Further details on this event are expected in the coming days.

New funding for businesses to launch online

On February 3, the provincial government announced the new Launch Online Grant program: designed to help over 1,500 eligible small and medium-sized BC businesses adapt to changes in consumer behaviour and pivot to market their products online. 
The program is based on a first come, first-served basis and will run until March 31, 2021 or until all funds are distributed.
These grants will provide business owners, including those in hard-hit sectors such as retail, tourism and restaurants, with up to $7,500 to build or improve their online store and promote BuyBC at a local, national and international level.
Grant recipients can use the funding for a variety of online-related expenses, including pictures, creating an online inventory system, advertising costs, subscription costs of an e-commerce platform and training staff to manage the website.

Wage subsidy calculator

The federal government is encouraging eligible businesses to use a new online calculator to calculate their Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy amount. The CRA added that businesses which go through the process of using the calculator will be able to print out the information the calculator collects, and that printout will help speed businesses through the online Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy application. 

New tools for tackling winter patios

Our industry partner the BCRFA has created two tools for operators, tackling the issues of winter patios:

Webinars and Workshops

Destination Canada

Business Events Recovery Signals Dashboard Information Session

February 4 | 9am-10am PST | Virtual

In follow up to Destination Canada’s research webinar on December 10th 2020, and the launch of Canada’s Business Events Recovery Restart Framework, you are invited to join Angela Trunzo, market intelligence analyst, to learn more about the recovery dashboards including:

  • How to access the dashboards
  • How to read and interpret the data
  • How Destination Canada will use this information
  • How you can use it within your own planning

Meetings & Conventions – A Fresh Perspective on Engagement

SITE Global Conference 2021
February 2-3 | Virtual

“Courage – the power within and among us”

Last January the SITE global community of incentive travel professionals gathered here Vancouver to explore how travel as a motivational tool is a powerful way for the business world to support the indomitable human spirit that seeks connections with others, opportunities to learn new things, chances to discover unvisited places.

This year, the online conference incorporates both live elements and the option to access the full programme at your convenience at all hours of the day via the online platform. In addition to the many scheduled sessions, you can network, explore the resource gallery and conduct meetings at a time that is convenient for you.

Michael Drake will be attending on behalf of Tourism Vancouver.

Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE) CEO Meeting

February 8-10 | Virtual

Engineering and scientific societies play a crucial role in the development of the professions that are key to advancing innovation.  The Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (CESSE), incorporated in 1977, is a professional society of chief executive officers and mid- to senior-level staff members of engineering, technical, math and scientific societies dedicated to leadership excellence. The 2021 CESSE CEO Meeting is an annual gathering of 60-70 top association executives who explore new ideas and seek solutions to shared organizational concerns in an exclusive, intimate virtual meeting environment. The 2021 CESSE CEO Meeting on February 8-10 will deliver quality programming that will help CEOs grow as a STEM society leader through thought-provoking, engaging, and relevant educational seminars and break out rooms for networking. Tourism Vancouver is a Gold sponsor. Jackie Kavcak will be attending on behalf of Tourism Vancouver

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CSAE Ottawa-Gatineau Tête-à-Tête 2021

February 10 | Virtual

Immerse yourself in “all things association” at Tête-à-Tête, now in its 31st year. The schedule is packed with informative roundtable discussions, expert panel presentations and engaging speakers. Tourism Vancouver is a sponsor. Michelle Taylor and Michael Drake will be attending on behalf of Tourism Vancouver.

DBC Learning Centre

Past webinars

Webinar Recording: The Keys to Remaining Union-Free
On September 16, ABLE BC hosted a free webinar with Ryan Anderson and Mark Bout (Mathews Dinsdale Clark LLP) on Positive Employee Relations & Responding to Organizing Activity, The Keys to Remaining Union Free.
If you would like a copy of the webinar recording and PowerPoint slides, please contact Danielle: danielle@nullablebc.ca.

Webinar Recording: Violence Prevention and Conflict Resolution
On August 26, go2HR, in collaboration with the BCHA and ABLE BC, hosted a webinar on violence prevention and conflict resolution in the workplace.
Watch the recording here.

Tourism Digital Resources A digital resource hub

Mental Health support

Managing_Burnout_During_COVID_19Download
Understanding_Burnout_During_COVID_19Download
Psychological Support Toolkit for Workers and Employers: COVID19

go2HR is pleased to support a new Psychological Support Toolkit for Workers and Employers: COVID-19, which was developed by the BC Municipal Safety Association (BCMSA) in partnership with workplace mental health expert Diana Vissers, Work to Wellness. 
Within this FREE and comprehensive toolkit, users have access to: 

  • 5 Part Virtual Summit bringing together industry experts to create an intimate dialogue on their recommendations in light of COVID-19
  • Information packs, checklists, and other resources designed to better equip you or your co-workers to mitigate the psychological impacts of COVID-19
  • Online discussion forum where you can offer support, encouragement, and share your experiences with managing your stress and anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic

For more information and to access the toolkit, please visit the go2HR website. 

www.ementalhealth.ca/Vancouver-Coastal

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/mental-health-substance-use/resources

The Lifeline Canada Foundation RESOURCES PAGE

Mind the Bar: a non-profit based in Vancouver and a mental health resource, support system, and community hub designed for the hospitality industry.
Mind the Bar is helping hospitality workers get fast-tracked for access to any mental health professional within the LifeWorks app. Counselling sessions on the app generally cost $125 – but this is currently completely free for hospitality workers. The app also offers a number of mental health resources. 
Hospitality workers have to apply for a free Mind the Bar membership here. They should be approved within 24 hours and will then be granted access to the LifeWorks app.

WIRTH Hats: a Vancouver-based hat company supporting mental health initiatives. WIRTH Hats is offering free counselling to anyone in need this month. Their website also has a comprehensive list of mental health resources, including low-cost counselling options in BC.

EMPLOYMENT OFFERED

BC Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA) 

Has created a job matchmaker website – http://housingjobmatch.ca – designed to match British Columbians who have lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic with non-profit housing providers across the province who are in need of employees.

Please help us spread the word via social media or on your own networks. This initiative is especially relevant to British Columbians who previously worked in the hospitality sector, civic governments, and in other roles deemed ‘non-essential’ and may have therefore been laid-off or had their hours cut due to the pandemic.

It is important to note that this is not a job board, nor will BCNPHA, Vancity, or Catalyst be hiring these employees – it is a matchmaking service to connect out-of-work British Columbians with housing non-profits in need of their skill sets. The role of the website is to connect BC housing organizations looking for workers with British Columbians in need of work, and let them take it from there!

Go2HR

Are you reopening and need to hire staff? 
As you prepare to ramp up operations or reopen your business, you may need to hire staff again. Remember to post your jobs for FREE on go2HR’s Job Board.

Visit the Job Board.

Wine job website

www.winejobscanada.com

Various online resources

Public Health Agency of Canada Website

Updates from the Government of British Columbia

Public Health information

PHO-Class-Order-20-March-2020-1Download

BC FERRIES

In line with directions provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada and other leading health authorities, BC Ferries is advising customers to avoid non-essential travel at this time.

Online learning from little kids to adults

VIRTUAL MUSEUMS

Google Arts & Culture

Click on the bird and listen from Museu del Ter (Catalunya)

Working Moms

https://www.m2mcharity.ca/

K-12 support links

  • KEEP LEARNING – British Columbia Education page
  • Safe and Healthy Schools WEBSITE INFO
  • Mental Health – Foundry offers young people ages 12-24 health and wellness resources, services and supports – online and through integrated service centres in communities across BC.

Black Sheep Restaurant COVID 19 playbook

Articles

COVID19 is not the Flu

Globe and Mail article, on pandemic anxiety:

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-tips-for-managing-anxiety-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/

BBC Article

Coronavirus: Here’s how you can stop bad information from going viral – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-trending-51967889

Simple and effective video for explaining Covid19 to all ages

Canada Emergency Response Benefit – CERB

More information on how to apply is now available on Canada.ca/coronavirus-cerb

Destination Greater Victoria

The Victoria Chamber of Commerce is refocusing their Jobs Board to help connect current employment opportunities with workers affected by businesses that have closed in response to the shutdown of travel and the need for social distancing as mandated by government in response to the COVID-19 crisis. To access the Job Board as an employer in need of employees or as a worker able to fill a need, go to VictoriaChamber.ca/jobs. At this time, employers are able to post at no charge by using the code SUPPORTYYJ.

Recently, a group of 70+ tech and marketing volunteers came together to offer pro-bono support for small businesses in Victoria. Their focus is getting retail businesses digitally transformed to retain revenue in the face of social distancing.YYJLocalsForLocals offers services that any small business in the area can request through the website located at yyjlocalsforlocals.com

Many dine-in restaurants are providing take-out food options during this time. View local restaurants providing take-out options

Helping initiatives

Vancouver Food and Beverage Community Relief Fund – You may be eligible to apply for funds. REVIEW HERE

Breaking Bread serves as a central online hub to share which restaurants across British Columbia and beyond are offering DELIVERY, TAKE-OUT, CURB-SIDE PICK-UP, MEAL PREP, GROCERY and MORE, as well as many other ways to show support. STAY SAFE, STAY HEALTHY, WASH YOUR HANDS, SUPPORT LOCAL.

Canada Takeout, a movement by Canadian restaurant owners, leaders and chefs, has declared every Wednesday to be “Takeout Day” and encourages Canadians to support local restaurants by ordering takeout or delivery, with a Canada-wide kick-off on April 15.

Noms Magazine is a Vancouver based online food and lifestyle publication.  In response to the coronavirus pandemic, they are creating a new information hub which will include a map of restaurants and cafes that are able to still operate. Businesses are encouraged to fill out a short form indicating operating hours and details on how Vancouverites can support your business like purchasing gift cards, take-out, or meal kits. To get your business registered for free, visit their website. 

Tourism Vancouver links

VIRTUAL TOWNHALL WITH ROYCE CHWIN, TOURISM VANCOUVER’S INCOMING PRESIDENT & CEO

If you weren’t able to join us this afternoon for our online townhall introducing Tourism Vancouver’s new CEO, Royce Chwin, you can watch the recording here. Royce will be joining the Tourism Vancouver team on July 13th, 2020!

LOCALHOOD – REGISTER FOR EARLY ACCESS

Crowdrift is launching Localhood, a global community of destinations, small businesses, and their local champions. Localhood will make it easy to discover and support local restaurants, attractions and experiences in different destinations. This new digital platform will be a place where locals and creators can share their experiences supporting these businesses. Sign up for early access as they roll out new features every week and be the first to know when they launch.

#VirtuallyVancouver Campaign

Tourism Vancouver have created #VirtuallyVancouver to bring travel-worthy experiences from our destination to wherever our readers and future visitors may be. They have published a blog post of current online member offerings and will continue to add to the list. They will also be sharing through all of their social channels!  If your organization is doing something uniquely Vancouver digitally, please send details to Darren Johner at djohner@nulltourismvancouver.com and Chelsea Webster at cwebster@nulltourismvancouver.com

New member page

on www.tourismvancouver.com that will have the latest member advisory and other relevant information that we have sent in past updates, all housed here. 

Specific COVID-19 information and response from Tourism Vancouver

Member Resources

Missed an update? Visit our website for the latest member advisory, business continuity resources, and other relevant information that we have shared in past updates. Bookmark the page here.

Information summary for businesses

The federal government and Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) have partnered to develop liquidity options for affected industries. BDC is offering:

Facebook Small Business Grants Program: Facebook is offering $100 million in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where they operate. They will begin taking applications in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can sign up to receive more information when it becomes available.

Western Economic Diversification Canada: https://www.wd-deo.gc.ca/eng/20051.asp; https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/h_07662.html

Canada’s COVID-19 Response Fund: https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/11/prime-minister-outlines-canadas-covid-19-response

BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada) Support for Entrepreneurs: https://www.bdc.ca/en/pages/special-support.aspx?special-initiative=covid19

Small Business BC list of resources: https://smallbusinessbc.ca/article/resources-for-small-businesses-affected-by-coronavirus-covid-19/

BC Economic Development Association resources: https://bceda.ca/coronavirus.php

Canadian Chamber of Commerce Pandemic Preparedness for Business: http://www.chamber.ca/resources/pandemic-preparedness/

Greater Vancouver Board of Trade: Business Preparedness Checklist COVID-19

Vancouver Economic Commission programs and COVID-19 resources:  https://www.vancouvereconomic.com/about/

Help with Utilities

BC Hydro

Residential customers who have lost jobs or had wages reduced as a result of COVID-19 will receive a credit worth three times their average monthly bill over the past year. It will not have to be repaid.

Small businesses forced to close as a result of COVID-19 will have their April to June 2020 bills forgiven.

Customers facing temporary financial hardship and possible disconnection of their service due to job loss, illness, or loss of a family member may also be eligible for BC Hydro’s Customer Crisis Fund, which provides access to grants of up to $600 to pay their bills. MORE DETAILS

Shaw 

Shaw has opened up access to Shaw Go WiFi, Canada’s largest WiFi network, to everyone, whether or not you are a customer.

Telus 

Until the end of April the following changes will apply:

  • Waiving home internet overage charges for customers who are not on unlimited data plans
  • Waiving all Easy Roam® and pay-per-use roaming charges for postpaid Mobility customers that are stranded outside North America* and are unable to return to Canada

*Note: North America includes all Caribbean and Central American countries

Additionally, Telus says they will support their customers facing financial challenges because of COVID-19 by providing them with flexible payment options.

Telus also promotes Babylon by TELUS Health, a free app that allows you to receive virtual healthcare from your phone, without leaving the house. 

Rogers 

As of 3/15/20, Roger’s COVID-19 response is focused on employee health and safety and maintaining connectivity.

Fido

From March 16 to June 14, we will ensure accounts will not be suspended or disconnected for customers experiencing financial difficulties. Additionally, we will support customers facing financial uncertainty due to COVID-19 with more flexible payment options.

Fortis BC 

On the front page of their website (3/15/20), Fortis BC states that they realize that COVID-19 may have financial impacts to their customers and they “encourage you to reach out and let us know if you are having difficulty with your bill so we can help find a solution.” No contact information given, find their contact information here.

World Health Organization COVID-19 Update

PCMA – WHO Issues COVID-19 Coronavirus Event Planning Guide

Best wishes to all during this difficult period.