File #: AR-21-115    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Agenda Reports Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 3/24/2021 In control: City Council
On agenda: 4/6/2021 Final action:
Title: COVID-19 Recovery Task Force Business Resiliency Program Presented by: Mike Erickson, Acting Director & Nicole Pearson, Manager, Business Retention & Expansion
Attachments: 1. 03 24 2021 RTF UNADOPTED Minutes, 2. Appendix A - Business Resiliency Survey - Backgrounder & Results
TAMRMS#: B06
title
COVID-19 Recovery Task Force Business Resiliency Program
Presented by: Mike Erickson, Acting Director & Nicole Pearson, Manager, Business Retention & Expansion

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RECOMMENDED MOTION
recommendation
That Council direct Administration to establish a business resiliency program funded through the previously approved COVID-19 Supports, to a maximum of $100,000, and that Administration use these funds to hire a marketing student to promote local businesses and develop a grant program where eligible businesses can either apply for a Marketing Grant (to a maximum of $500) or a Digital Transformation Grant (to a maximum of $1000) per eligible business.

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PURPOSE OF REPORT
The purpose of this report is to inform Council of a recommendation from the COVID-19 Recovery Task force to Council and to seek direction from Council on the development and implementation of the business resiliency program.


ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
Strategic Priority #2: Economic Development: Enhance business/commercial growth.

Activity #3: Implement a broader economic sustainability platform to develop commerce retention and resiliency strategies.


ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
Business Attraction, Retention and Expansion

· Entrepreneurship Development

· Granting for local businesses and community groups

· Information Services


ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
Council Bylaw 24/2020, St. Albert COVID-19 Recovery Task Force Bylaw

On April 20, 2020 Council passed the following motion:
(AR 20-134)
That Council approve the COVID-19 Recovery Concept Plan set out in the report dated April 20, 2020 entitled “St. Albert COVID-19 Recovery Concept Plan” with the yellow highlighted amendments as proposed by Administration.

On February 16, 2021 Council passed the following motion:
(AR-21-052)
That Administration research and prepare options for COVID-19 business resiliency programs for the COVID-19 Rec...

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