Uniting to #SupportLocalYYC
Supporting local businesses is more important than ever, but doing that looks a little different these days.
Instead of venturing out of your community to shop at small boutiques or dine at local restaurants, The City of Calgary is launching a new campaign to rally Calgarians around supporting our business community in other ways while helping to keep our city safe and healthy.
On March 16, 2020, Calgary City Council endorsed The City of Calgary’s COVID-19 strategy to help flatten the curve, continue service and support to citizens, communities, and businesses during the pandemic and beyond. Specifically, a governance structure focused on five key pieces of work that need immediate support during this time, one of which is supporting our business sector.
Out of this, a Business Sector Support task force was created to advocate to the provincial and federal government on behalf of Calgary’s business community, and support businesses through the curation and sharing of helpful tools and resources from trusted sources.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit businesses in Calgary hard, and we know many were already challenged from a tough economy,” says Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “Our City task forces are uniting with our partner organizations and community members to support citizens and businesses through the pandemic. We’re all in this together, and we will get through this together.”
Under #SupportLocalYYC, The City of Calgary together with our partners Calgary Economic Development, the Calgary Chamber, Tourism Calgary, and Calgary Arts Development, are supporting the business community by creating connections, sharing resources and tools, and highlighting positive stories to inspire the community and spark further innovations that can benefit those in need.
Some of the resources already available include calgary.ca/covid-business, an online hub with helpful links from trusted sources on financial supports, health and safety measures, employee support, and latest government announcements. Links to the Calgary Chamber’s toolkit for businesses or Calgary Economic Development’s job board with free uploads for Calgary companies are also available.
“It truly takes a village,” says Sonya Sharp, chair of the Business Sector Support task force and lead of the City’s Business and Local Economy Team. “Between our organization, all our amazing partners and working with the business community, we can turn things around when this pandemic is over. We need to continue to work together to share resources, provide support to those who need it most, and think about how we can help support Calgary businesses wherever and whenever we are able.”
How can you #SupportLocalYYC?
Every small act gives our business community hope. You can still #SupportLocalYYC while physical distancing by:
- Buying from local businesses online or purchasing gift cards to use later.
- Ordering delivery or takeout from local restaurants.
- Leaving positive reviews of the businesses you love on social media and online.
- Spreading the word about businesses who are shifting their services online.
We know that navigating the COVID-19 pandemic has been tough for businesses. We’re here to help support you and do all we can to support our local economy. For updates, resources, and information, visit calgary.ca/covid-business.
