By rdnewsNOW staff

one stop shop

‘Business Link’ offers advice to small business during pandemic

Apr 9, 2020 | 5:50 PM

The provincial and federal governments say small businesses can seek free advice, coaching and information on COVID-19 resources and supports.

Business Link will serve as a one-stop shop to help small businesses learn about and connect to available COVID-19 supports based on their unique business needs,” reads a release from the province.

Business Link can provide one-on-one guidance to Albertans who operate a small business or are pursuing an entrepreneurial venture. Small businesses can access a list of available supports on Business Link’s website, or connect with a business strategist by phone, email or live chat.

Business Link is also offering free programming through June, including webinars on a variety of topics, online events, and free expert sessions with lawyers, accountants, marketing specialists, e-commerce specialists and more.

“We are working closely with businesses and workers across the country to assess and address the impact of COVID-19. Our message to them is clear: We are here for them now with concrete measures like Business Link, and we will be here in the days and weeks to come. We will get through this together,” says Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada.

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“Small businesses inject billions into our provincial economy. They create good jobs and are a cornerstone of our communities. I’m pleased to see Business Link refocusing its efforts to make it easier for small businesses to access supports to give them some relief now, and to help set the stage for their future recovery,” added Tanya Fir, Alberta’s Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism.

“At Business Link, we feel it is important to provide support to Alberta entrepreneurs as they navigate these difficult times. We want to break down the barriers to information and ensure business owners know what is available to them for support. We know that Alberta is in a tough place right now, but we want to ensure the small businesses that are the drivers of our economy can last long beyond this pandemic.”

Barbara McKenzie, CEO, Business Link

Business Link is a non-profit organization established in 1996 and is jointly funded by the Government of Alberta and Government of Canada. To access Business Link services, contact 1-800-272-9675 or visit www.businesslink.ca.

Quick facts

• In 2019, small businesses with fewer than 100 employees:

o Employed almost 674,000 Albertans, about 46 per cent of all Alberta private sector employment (excluding public administration and the health and education sectors).

o Represented more than 172,000 small businesses in the province, making up 98 per cent of all businesses with employees.

Alberta has a comprehensive response to COVID-19 including measures to enhance social distancing, screening and testing. Financial supports are helping Alberta families and businesses.