MELANIE Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, has announced a $50,000 contribution through Western Economic Diversification Canada to support the Surrey COVID-19 Pandemic Business Centre in delivering business economic recovery services.

This contribution will help maintain the ongoing operation of the Surrey COVID-19 Pandemic Business Centre and support the design and delivery of more training, virtual events and economic development services for businesses. This project will serve to benefit all employers and industries in Surrey, as well as the regional economy.

“The Surrey Board of Trade is honoured to have received this funding from the federal government to deliver results on economic recovery for Surrey businesses through this pandemic,” said Anita Huberman, CEO, Surrey Board of Trade. “Through this funding, the Surrey Board of Trade will be hiring a temporary Economic Development Coordinator.

“Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need help to survive during this economic uncertainty. They need access to readily available training and resources that will help them respond to ever-changing workforce and economic conditions.”

Over the course of the project, which will be delivered through to the end of March 2021, the Surrey COVID-19 Pandemic Business Centre will also deliver training to at least:

· 600 female entrepreneurs;

· 300 youth entrepreneurs; and,

· 75 Indigenous entrepreneurs.

To learn more or receive economic and workforce support, contact the Surrey Board of Trade anita@businessinsurrey.com