Insight Newsletter: February 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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Intelligent Community Forum SMART21 Conference – Register today

The Township of Langley and City of Maple Ridge are co-hosting the virtual Intelligent Community Forum (ICF) SMART21 Conference February 22- 24, 2021. International thought leaders, keynote speakers, and panelists will be speaking at this global business and industry event.  

ICF is a global think tank that studies and promotes best practices of the world’s Intelligent Communities as they adapt to new demands and seize the opportunities presented by information and communications technology.

Learn more and register now for the ICF SMART21 Conference.

Township of Langley Codathon

The Township of Langley invites you to help solve some of the biggest challenges a community faces by participating in our Codathon. If you know terms like code, loops, API, CRUD, and hack, then you are really going to like this.

We have identified five diverse themes that cover some of the challenges that face us as a community and invite you or your team to join and show us your solutions.

To learn more about the Codathon and register check out tol.ca/codingmatters.

Digital Business Walk: The results are in!

Thank you to all business owners and managers who took part in the 2020 Digital Business Walk to share with us how your business has been managing through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic.

You helped us to better understand how our local businesses were impacted by COVID-19, the effectiveness of government support programs, and what you like most about doing business in the Township of Langley. Over 60% of respondents stated COVID-19 has negatively impacted their business, and more than 35% told us they have shifted and implemented changes to service levels including to start or increase an online presence.

Find a full summary of the results here.

Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant Program revisions

The BC Government has enhanced the Small and Medium Business Recovery Grant Program by making it easier for businesses to qualify and by increasing support for the tourism sector. The program runs until March 31, 2021 or until the funds are fully allocated, whichever comes first. Learn more and apply for this grant program.

Agritech Grant Program

As part of StrongerBC, BC’s Economic Recovery Plan, the government is accepting applications for a new Agritech Grant Program. This program provides one-time funding to BC based agritech or technology companies, agriculture producers or agrifood companies.  The Agritech Grant program targets technologies to help increase sustainable and regenerative food production in BC. Applications are open until February 12, 2021.

Learn more about the Agritech Grant program and eligibility.