Insight Newsletter: April 2021 Edition

Stay up to date on relevant and timely business and economic news and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Township of Langley recognised internationally as a Smart21 Community

The Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) has named the Township of Langley amongst the world’s top Smart21 Communities of 2021. Communities are selected by ICF based on qualitative and quantitative data related to the six factors of the ICF Method: connect, work, innovate, engage, include, and sustain.

Read more about the Township's Smart21 community designation

BC Government grant updates

The BC Government will be investing an additional $30-million in the Launch Online Grant program. This program provides up to $7,500 to businesses to help build or expand their e-commerce websites.

The Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant deadline has been extended to August 31,2021, and business revenue loss requirements have been reduced to 30% for a one-month comparative from March 2020 to now compared to the same one-month period in 2019.

BC farmers, fishers and food and beverage processors can now apply for the latest round of Buy BC funding to help promote their products and increase sales within B.C. This application intake window for Buy BC funding is open until April 7, 2021.

Sponsorship opportunities – Salishan Place by the River

The Township of Langley is seeking responses to an Invitation for Sponsorship Opportunities from parties interested in becoming sponsors at Salishan Place by the River - A Unique Arts, Culture and Heritage Centre project in Fort Langley. This includes name branding opportunities, partnership proposals to help complete spaces within the new facility, and other opportunities that would provide benefits to a Sponsor, the Township and users of Salishan Place.

The Township would like to receive proposals by April 16, 2021. View the opportunity and application form from the Township of Langley on the BC Bid site

Building energy benchmarking

The Township has partnered with Building Benchmark BC, a provincial program designed to help building owners/managers measure and track the energy and emissions of their properties. The overarching goal of the program is to help building owners identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and retrofit projects that will reduce their energy use and emissions.

Check out the Building Benchmark BC Annual Report, and contact greenbuildings@tol.ca for information on how to get involved.

Investment Toolbox spotlight

Among the many features in the Investment Data Toolbox is our Business & Investment Assistant with its wide selection of interactive How-To’s. Whether you have a great idea and need help writing a business plan, or are considering buying an established business, or perhaps you are transitioning to a new journey and want to prepare to sell your business – the online Business & Investment Assistant will provide you with the right information to get you on the path to success.

You can also check-out our Starting a New Business resources which include comprehensive listings to guide you through everything from the Township’s licencing process, to accessing business financial support programs, and making your business more resilient.

If you have any feedback or specific questions, please reach out to us at invest@tol.ca.

Spotlight | Innovative businesses in the Township

The Township is home to diverse and innovative businesses. At the February 2021 virtual Intelligent Community Forum Smart21 Conference, some of those businesses were featured through a video showcase which is now available for you to check out at these links: