Economic Development Update to the Concession Street BIA

Economic Development Update to the Concession Street BIA THURSDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2020 JULIA DAVIS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & BIA OFFICER

Financial Incentives Currently we have a large suite of programs available to assist with improvements to properties BIA Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program Matching grant up to $20, 000 (based on linear footage) for exterior improvements and some interior improvements Also a Public Art matching grant up to an additional $10, 000 Program descriptions available on www. investinhamilton. ca webpage

Financial Incentives Important as program currently stands: Application must be submitted before the work begins All site plans, building permits and zoning must be in order Funding is a matching amount – spend $20, 000 and get $10, 000 from the City of Hamilton Program Coordinator for Questions Carlo Gorni carlo. gorni@hamilton. ca 905 -546 -2424 ext. 2755 back

CIP Review Current Financial Incentive Programs are under review – this is completed every 5 years Information is available on the Public Engagement Platform – Downtown & Community Improvement Plan Review https: //engage. hamilton. ca/downtown-and-community-renewal-communityimprovement-plan-review A public survey on the page, open until November 30 th – looking for as many responses as possible to gather feedback and update/amend our programs.

Digital Main Street Program Digital Main Street – Digital Transformation Grants are currently open 2 nd round of the program – was extended by the Federal and Provincial Governments $2, 500 grants to support small business increase their digital footprint/assets (everything from webpage development, social media campaigns, SEO, advertising, etc. ) Online application required, as well as 2. 5 hours worth of training If you applied in 2019 and were successful you are eligible to apply again

Digital Main Street Applications are currently open Being accepted until November 30 th, 2020 https: //investinhamilton. ca/hamilton-business-centre/digital-main-street/ Any questions, you can contact the Program Lead Keith Russell Keith. Russell@hamilton. ca

Hamilton Business Centre Free seminars, workshops and engagement sessions held virtually (almost everyday) Access to Professionals (Lawyer, Accountant, Marketing) Digital Training (Branding, Search Engine Optimization) Business Planning & Pivoting and Sales Success Canada Revenue Agency Information Session Understanding Lease Agreements AND MORE…. .

Hamilton Business Centre Training and Mentoring Sessions Networking Funding Programs Consultation Support; One on One meetings Support for Newcomers, Students, New Business Start-Up Staff support for Shop. Here Initiative Quick, easy and no-cost way to get selling on line; being your e-commerce platform https: //investinhamilton. ca/hamilton-business-centre/

Business Continuity Site Developed in late March 2020 – Partnership between City of Hamilton and Chamber of Commerce Resource that outlines all communications and updates from all levels of government Government Programs (CEWS, Rent Relief, Canada Emergency Business Account) Employment Resources Post Covid-19 Economic Blueprint Supports for Small Business www. hamiltonchamber. ca/covid 19

Mayors Task Force on Economic Recovery Small Business represented as working group #1 Final report due in 2021 – al meetings are archived on the City of Hamilton website and on You. Tube channel Approximately 40 actions where identified by Working Group #1 (representing Small Business/BIAs/Non-Profits) Specific programs and information will be shared following final report in Q 1 of 2021

Additional Projects Engagement with Ontario BIA Association for advocacy, outreach and resources – regular calls twice weekly Opportunities for BIAs to connect with Hamilton Public Library Development and promotion of free online marketplaces for businesses to utilize Weekly calls with 13 BIAs in Hamilton from April until September – now back to monthly Advisory Committee meetings Economic Development Plan 2021 -2026 Outdoor Dining Districts Program

Thank You Questions?