Initiative includes a contribution of up to $2 million to fund, which will provide small businesses with grants
RBC has brought together more than 50 of Canada’s leading brands, the national Chamber of Commerce network and business associations to help “kick-start” the economy.
The bank has launched Canada United, a national movement aimed at supporting local businesses in communities across the country. It wants to rally Canadians to “show local some love” by buying, dining and shopping local, including celebrating and supporting businesses during the Canada United Weekend from August 28 to 30.
RBC is directing people to watch the Canada United videos online at GoCanadaUnited.ca, like posts from @GoCanadaUnited on social media and use #CanadaUnited on Twitter to demonstrate their support. For each of these actions until August 31, 2020, RBC will contribute 5 cents up to a maximum contribution amount of $2 million to the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund. The Fund will provide small Canadian businesses with grants of up to $5,000 to cover expenses related to personal protective equipment (PPE), renovations to accommodate re-opening guidelines and developing or improving e-commerce capabilities.
Neil McLaughlin, Group Head, Personal & Commercial Banking, Royal Bank of Canada, said that supporting local business will be critical to moving Canada’s recovery forward.
He said: “Canada United was created to kick-start an economic rebound by rallying consumers to give local businesses the support they need to re-open during these uncertain times. By bringing together government, business associations and corporate Canada, we are looking to start a movement to get Canadians to buy local and support businesses across the country. We are genuinely excited by the energy that all of our partners are bringing to this effort.”
The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund will be administered by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the national Chamber network. Small business owners who are interested in the program can visit GoCanadaUnited.ca to learn more about grant application details, including eligibility criteria, and to apply.
Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, added: “If there has been one silver lining in all the tragedy and sacrifices of the current crisis, it has been the spirit of collaboration and unity of purpose that has been evident between levels of government, across provinces and across sectors.
“We are calling on that same unity of purpose with Canada United. Small, local businesses are the heart of our communities, our Main Streets and our economy. Together, it is time to show local some love.”
