Today, Mayor John Tory announced that the City of Toronto is joining Canada United, a campaign to support local businesses in communities across the country. As part of the campaign, RBC has brought together more than 50 of Canada’s leading brands, Business Associations and the national Chamber network to rally Canadians to buy, dine and shop local.
Toronto residents can watch the Canada United videos online at GoCanadaUnited.ca, like posts from @GoCanadaUnited on social media and use #CanadaUnited to demonstrate their support. For each of these actions until August 31, RBC will contribute 5 cents up to a maximum contribution amount of $2 million to the new Canada United Small Business Relief Fund. The Fund will provide small businesses with grants of up to $5,000 to cover expenses related to personal protective equipment, renovations to accommodate re-opening guidelines and developing or improving e-commerce capabilities.
Toronto small business owners who are interested in the program can visit GoCanadaUnited.ca to learn more, including eligibility criteria and how to apply.
The City’s support of the Canada United campaign is a part of the Mayor’s Economic Support and Recovery Task Force’s short-term economic support and recovery plan for Toronto businesses. To help small businesses mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City has also created the BusinessTO Support Centre, expanded the Digital Main Street program, introduced ShopHERE powered by Google, partnered with the provincial and federal governments to provide $2,500 Digital Main Street grants and the Future-Proofing Main Street program, as well as with Ritual to offer the RitualONE app free to local bars, restaurants and food services.
Local businesses can complete the Digital Main Street onboarding process to access these programs and more at digitalmainstreet.ca/toronto/. Artists and local businesses can sign up for their free Shopify online store at digitalmainstreet.ca/toronto/shophere.
The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services and social supports. Check toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 hotline or calling 311.
Quotes:
“Our city has been committed to supporting small businesses who have faced many challenges during the pandemic. That is why we expanded our Digital Main Street program, developed ShopHERE and created our BusinessTO Support Centre – we need to do everything possible to support small businesses which are the backbone of our economy. Joining the Canada United initiative is another way in which we can support businesses during these challenging times. I encourage residents to participate to show support to our small businesses and ensure a healthy and successful recovery.”
– Mayor John Tory
“By working together to help our local businesses – whether it’s by buying, shopping or dining local – we can come through this trying time stronger than ever before and turn the corner into economic recovery.”
– Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Ward 21 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic and Community Development Committee
“We are excited to welcome the City of Toronto to Canada United to help local businesses and Canada’s economy come back strong, Canada United was created to kick-start an economic rebound by rallying consumers to give local businesses the support they need to re-open during these uncertain times.”
– Neil McLaughlin, Group Head, Personal & Commercial Banking, Royal Bank of Canada
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 84,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.