Providing support and resources to local businesses
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Economic Development team responds to thousands of inquiries since COVID-19 began
As COVID-19 continues to impact local businesses and entrepreneurs, the City of Vaughan remains committed to providing support and resources to help them navigate through these unprecedented times.
The City’s Economic and Cultural Development department has been at the forefront, delivering more than 1,000 consultations and addressing more than 4,000 business inquiries since the City declared a state of emergency in March 2020. Meanwhile, Vaughan businesses continue to rise to the challenges presented by COVID-19. Many local companies have or continue to convert their manufacturing capabilities to produce essential supplies and medical devices. And the City continues to help.
Here are some ways businesses can engage with the City for support and guidance throughout COVID-19 and beyond.
Advisory consultations
The Economic and Cultural Development team continues to offer advisory consultations to entrepreneurs and businesses of all stages and sizes via tele- or video-conference, email and phone. For information, additional resources or to book a consultation, visit vaughanbusiness.ca.
Open for Business
The voluntary Open for Business online directory includes services and Vaughan-based businesses that are open or providing modified operations by phone, online, takeout or delivery in compliance with provincial and municipal regulations. Vaughan businesses interested in being included in the list must apply through this online form.
Vaughan Business Resilience Plan
On June 23, 2020, the City launched the Vaughan Business Resilience Plan (PDF) as an immediate and long-term plan to help Vaughan’s business community build capacity to adapt to the post-pandemic world.
Through this plan, the City’s Economic and Cultural Development department will continue to:
- help businesses and the economy build resilience.
- build resilience into key economic opportunities and strategic sectors like healthcare, supply chain and manufacturing, and tourism.
- share Vaughan’s reimagined public spaces within physical distancing guidelines and invite the community to experience Vaughan’s culture and arts.
Training and education
Businesses and entrepreneurs can use the City as a resource to find ongoing training and education to move their business online, pivot their strategy or start anew. Through programs like Digital Boost, Activate!Vaughan and Summer Company, businesses can grow and leverage the tools to be successful.
The Economic and Cultural Development department also promotes virtual webinars, seminars and classes from different organizations. There is something for everyone. To learn more about upcoming events, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/events.
To keep up with the City of Vaughan’s newest business resources and initiatives, sign up for the Economic and Cultural Development department’s eNewsletter at vaughanbusiness.ca/enewsletters.
To receive the City’s latest COVID-19 updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.
Those who feel unwell, and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19, should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.
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