Federal Funding Extension and Rio Tinto Sponsored Business Accelerator Program for small businesses

Dear members,

There are two updates to report today. The Federal Government announced today that funding supports will be extended, and Rio Tinto Canada is sponsoring a program for small businesses in our area.

Federal Government Extends Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and the Canadian Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) until October 2021
Today, an announcement was made to extend CEWS and CERS until October 23. The finance department also announced that the amount of support avaiable to employers under both the CEWS and CERS programs will be increased for the period from August 29 to September 25. You can find the full government news release here. 

Rio Tinto sponsoring a Business Accelerator Program for small businesses

Rio Tinto Canada is sponsoring a great program for small businesses in our area. The next sessions start September 14th so if this opportunity applies to you, please apply ASAP.

Rio Tinto’s Diavik Diamond Mine is committed to encouraging small businesses in the Northwest Territories and the West Kitikmeot. If you are building a small business – this is a great opportunity to access free support.
 
The First Step Business Accelerator Program is designed to help small business owners transition to mobile-first businesses that can thrive in today's business climate and be set up for success in the long-term.
 
Broken down into three steps, the program is designed to assist businesses in continuing to grow based on what they need and where they are in their business.

• Each step consists of a 5-week program, combining structured lessons and roundtables to build confidence within the digital landscape.
• Participants are assisted with developing their brand, refining their on line presence, advertising, and tools to continue to grow online.

Once approved, participants have full access to the Rio Tinto program for the lifetime of the program (minimum of 1 year from their commencement) and will have access to professionals to assist them where and when needed. Participants are also encouraged to join the bi-monthly roundtables with professionals and community leaders to continue to inspire, engage and grow.
 
www.thefirststep.ca
 
Program Overview
https://thefirststep.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/The-First-Step-Program-Overview.-Summer.Fall-2021.pdf
 
Application Form:
APPLY - THE FIRST STEP - BUSINESS ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
 
If you have questions, please direct them to info@thefirststep.ca

Thank you,

Donna Lee Demarcke
Chief Executive Officer
NWT Tourism
Executive@spectacularnwt.com