All levels of government and organizations are realizing the importance of independent businesses and artists to the vibrancy and wellbeing of our neighbourhoods.

Here are some useful links to help sustain your business and/or establish your presence on-line.

ShopHERE program gets local businesses and artists selling online fast. ShopHERE, free, quick and easy initiative is helping Toronto’s independent businesses and artists build and promote their very own online stores in a matter of days. Sign up: digitalmainstreet.ca/shophere.

BACK TO BRICKS & MORTAR – Here is a guidebook to help independent retailers re-enter storefronts safely > https://andaccess.com/back-to-brick-mortar

The COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying economic fallout have hit small and medium-sized businesses hard. A growing number of small businesses have closed their doors. The current relief programs from our governments have many businesses falling through the cracks putting the continued existence of our local restaurants, shops and cultural spaces at risk.

On Wednesday, May 13th, Bhutila Karpoche, our local MPP, will be hosting a Facebook Live for a focused discussion on supporting small businesses during this crisis and discuss next steps. Bhutila will be joined by John Kiru, Executive Director of TABIA, and representatives from four of our local Business Improvement Associations.

DATE: Wednesday, May 13th, 2020
TIME: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
PLACE: Facebook

Learn about collective strategies of mutual support and grassroots organizing. This online discussion focuses on our Parkdale neighbourhood, and how people are providing collective care to the most vulnerable members of our community. Looking beyond COVID-19, what can we learn from these strategies, and are they here to stay?

This event is organized by Myseum. To find out more about this online event and to register click HERE.

Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Time: 2:00 pm
Place: Online

The Ontario government will allow certain businesses to reopen under the auspices of workplace safety guidelines. If they adhere to health and safety guidelines issued by the province, the following businesses will be allowed to reopen:

• Garden centres and nurseries, with curbside pick-up and delivery only
• Lawn care and landscaping
• Essential construction projects that include: shipping and logistics, broadband, telecommunications and digital infrastructure, projects which support the improved delivery of goods and services, municipal projects, colleges and universities, child care centres, schools, and site preparation for institutional, commercial, industrial, and residential development
• Automatic and self-serve car washes
• Auto dealerships, open by appointment only
• Golf courses may begin to prepare their courses for the upcoming season, but not yet open to the public
• Marinas may begin preparations for the recreational boating season by servicing boats and other watercraft and placing boats in the water, but not open to the public. Boats and watercraft must be secured to a dock in the marina until public access is allowed.
• The full announcement can be read HERE.

It is important to support small businesses during this time. This month saw the launch of Creative Relief Collective, a free, online platform to support fine artists, creatives, artisanal makers and fashion designers who have felt the impact of COVID-19. To support the talents of local creatives or join the group click HERE.