Small businesses navigate change

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/05/2020 (2009 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Southdale constituency has about 110 businesses and they are facing a situation they could not have imagined.

As Manitobans work together to protect the health of our community members, small and medium-sized businesses have been impacted in a variety of ways. While some businesses have had to temporarily shut down, others are adapting and finding new ways of operating.

Southdale resident Nadia Al-naji has been operating NAD Express since last June. As an essential courier and delivery service, her business has seen growth with a surge in demand to get products directly to consumers’ homes.

“We are providing a service for people who might not be able to leave,” says Al-naji. The single mom of three says she’s happy to help people get the products they need, in a safe way. They have new protocols in place for company drivers and provide all the necessary equipment such as gloves and masks. They also implemented contactless delivery.  Al-naji’s kids are even pitching in — learning about all aspects of operating a business — while they are home from school.

As a business owner who knows the work and sacrifice that goes into starting and operating a business, Al-naji says her heart goes out to local businesses struggling with the current situation.

With delivery demands increasing, she says her company is looking to support and connect with all types of business — big or small.

“Anything you can order, we can deliver.”

She hopes her company can help create solutions for businesses adapting to a new way of operating.

The Province of Manitoba and Government of Canada are providing support to small businesses during this time with several initiatives announced over the past month.

The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program will cover a portion of April, May and June’s rent for small businesses. The Canada Emergency Business Account offers interest-free loans for qualifying businesses. The Manitoba Protection Plan includes the Manitoba Gap Protection Plan to provide loans for small businesses that don’t qualify for federal help and not charging interest or penalties on late payments for Manitoba Hydro, Centra Gas, Workers Compensation Board and Manitoba Public Insurance plus more.

Previous announcements included the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program to help retain employees despite loss of revenue and an extension of the layoff period during which employers can potentially recall employees.

Visit www.canada.ca or www.manitoba.ca/supportsforbusiness for more information and feel free to call my office at 204-415-7397.

I have been chatting with many of our local business owners, checking in and taking calls to talk about available resources. Please reach out to me if you have questions or concerns during this time.