COVID-19 Business Resources
Calling all suppliers! Both the Province of BC and the Government of Canada have issued calls for businesses that can supply products and services in support of the COVID-19 Response:
- Learn more about the Province of BC required supplies
- Learn more about the Government of Canada required services and supplies
We're all in this together
The City of Fort St. John has compiled a list of resources to help businesses access current and accurate information during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information, contact Jennifer Decker, Manager of Economic Development at 250-794-3328 or economicdevelopment@fortstjohn.ca.
Temporary Outdoor Patio and Retail Program
The City of Fort St. John continues to support businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing a simple, free and streamlined request process to increase outdoor patio and retail areas on a temporary basis. These expanded outdoor areas have helped businesses maximize operations while maintaining social distancing and other Public Health Orders for their customers. This program has been extended until October 31, 2021.
Request Forms
- Temporary Outdoor Patio & Retail Program - Public Land [PDF - 299 KB]
- Temporary Outdoor Patio & Retail Program - Private Land [PDF - 268 KB]
Reliable Sources of Information
- City of Fort St. John
- Fort St. John and District Chamber of Commerce
- Northern Health
- BC Centre for Disease Control (BC CDC)
- Province of BC
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- Government of Canada
- BC Business COVID 19 Support Service
- BC Chamber Network Playbook Project - Regional Focus Group Invitation
Resource List
City Updates
- City of Fort St. John: COVID-19 Municipal Updates
- City Relief, Recovery and Resilience Plan
- Cancellation of the proposed 1.25% tax rate increase for 2020
- Moving the late penalty date for all property taxes to October 1, 2020
- Creation of a Mayor's Standing Committee on Community Economic Recovery
- Cancellation of 2020 increase to water rates
- Suspension of utilities billing late fees
- Increased garbage collection to weekly service
- Continuation of $68.4 million 2020 Capital Plan
Federal Resources
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
- Government of Canada: Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
- UPDATE: New Support to Protect Canadian Jobs
- Includes information on Small and Medium-sized Businesses, Community Support Measures, Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations, Canada’s Energy Sector; Orphan and Inactive Oil and Gas Wells; Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the Oil and Gas Sector, Business Credit Support for the Energy Sector
- Government of Canada: Business Credit Availability Program
- Service Canada: COVID-19 Benefits and Services
- COVID-19 and the Western Canadian Economy
- Risk-informed decision-making guidelines for workplaces and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Exemptions to travel restrictions to protect Canadians and support the economy
Provincial Resources
- NEW: Circut Breaker Business Relief Grant
- BC’s Restart Plan
- Province of BC: COVID-19 Support and information
- Province of BC: COVID-19 Action Plan - BC’s first steps to support people, businesses
- Province of BC: List of essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Province of BC: Provincial Health Officer's Orders, Notices and Guidance
- WorksafeBC: COVID-19 - Ensuring a healthy and safe workplace
- Province of BC - Questions About Work For Employers
- Province of BC - Support for renters and landlords
Tax, Banking, Insurance, and Utilities Resources
- Pacific Northern Gas: COVID 19 Customer Relief Program
- Canada Revenue Agency: COVID-19 Updates
- Province of BC: Provincial Tax Changes
- BC Hydro: COVID-19 Updates
- ICBC: COVID-19 Updates
- Bank of Canada: COVID-19 Updates
Funding Resources
- Community Futures Peace Liard: Emergency Business Loan
- Northern Development Initiative Trust: Small Business Recovery Consulting Rebate
- Business Development Bank of Canada: Support for Entrepreneurs
- Indigenous Community Support Fund
- Access to Grant Writer Services for Small Business contact Myriad Consulting Inc.
- NEW: BC Business Recovery Grant - Stronger BC
Shop Local Initiatives
- Support Local BC - Fort St John
- FSJ Shop Local – Sponsored Fort St. John Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures
Non-profit Specific Resources
While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of communities around the world, the City of Fort St. John recognizes the critical nature of our local Non-Profit Organizations for the health and well-being of our community.
With that in mind, the City has secured the services of Strategic Dynamics Inc. to provide strategic guidance during this rapidly changing environment. To access these services, please email communitydevelopment@fortstjohn.ca.
Sector Specific Resources
- Small Business BC – Free COVID-19 Webinars
- DestinationBC COVID-19 Update
- Creative BC COVID-19 Information and Resources
- Information Portal for the Hotel Industry
- Guidance to Construction Sites Operating During COVID-19
- COVID-19 and Real Estate Services
- Restaurants Canada: Navigating COVID-19
Additional Resources
- Fort St. John and District Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Resources
- Northern Development Business Resource
- Small Business BC: Supports for Small Businesses in BC [pdf]
- Small Business BC: Digital Meetups
- BC Economic Development Association: COVID-19
- BC Economic Development Association: COVID-19 Resources for BC Businesses