A government-funded program from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is providing a network of qualified business advisors to help guide not-for-profit organizations impacted by the current pandemic.
The program, called the Business Resilience Service (BRS), is run through the Canadian Chamber’s Canadian Business Resilience Network in collaboration with EY and with support from Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) and Imagine Canada.
The BRS will provide options for any vulnerable small to medium-sized business, not-for-profit or charity to immediately connect with experienced accounting and tax professionals across the country from professional services firms.
“Canada’s small- to medium-sized businesses, not-for-profits and charities are the lifeblood of our country and need our support more than ever. We’re thrilled to unite business advisors from professional services firms of all sizes to share knowledge and guidance to help these organizations come out stronger from the pandemic,” said Kirsten Tisdale, Government & Public Sector Leader, EY Canada.
The program, delivered to organizations free of charge, will provide guidance on program options and eligibility, direct businesses – including enterprises involving Indigenous peoples, women and diverse groups – to the most appropriate support organizations, help organizations make decisions to support recovery plans, and offer real time insights and feedback to policymakers.
“We understand the incredible difficulties all business owners are facing during these challenging and uncertain times. That is why our government has rolled out the largest relief effort in Canadian history to give direct support to the businesses who need it. We want to ensure they can weather through this period and bounce back once we’re on the other side of this. The Business Resilience Service will help the smallest and most vulnerable businesses in pressing need of finance planning advice amid this pandemic and as they plan for their recovery,” said the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade.
The BRS program, coordinated by EY, will be provided for four weeks from May 25, and will involve support from approximately 125 business advisors from across the accounting profession.
Organizations can access the BRS seven days a week by calling 1-866-989-1080.