Canada Unites to Support Small Businesses

At Staples Canada, we are champions for small businesses! That’s why are proud to announce that we have joined a national movement called Canada United to support local small businesses and do our part to accelerate small business recovery across the country.

This weekend, August 28 to 30, 2020 is Canada United Shopping Weekend and we invite you to learn more on how you can get involved in supporting Canada’s small businesses.

What is Canada United?

With a return to “business as usual” at least another six months away, RBC created Canada United, joining Canada’s national network of Chambers of Commerce, business associations and over 50 leading brands in a national movement in support of small and local businesses. Canada United will help them not just survive, but thrive, as they reopen during these uncertain times and at Staples, we are extremely proud to join this national movement.

What is Canada United Shopping Weekend?

From August 28-30 join millions of other Canadians as we show our local businesses even more love on Canada United Shopping Weekend. Shop safely in person or online – the choice is yours.

As a thank you for shopping, dining and celebrating local businesses we invite you to enter for a chance to win one of 25 $10,000 cash prizes. Limitations apply, click here for more details.

Here is how it works…

• Shop or dine local at eligible businesses, August 28, 29 and 30

• Select “Enter Contest” below to complete a simple entry form that includes your name, contact info, and confirmation that you’ve made an eligible purchase

• We will conduct a random draw after the contest ends

• If you’re selected, we’ll contact you to confirm your purchase and verify eligibility

• And if you win, we’ll celebrate together!

What is The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund?

As of August 2020, the public health crisis has closed nearly one third of Canadian companies, and those that remain open are contending with reduced revenue, disrupted business continuity and cash flow concerns, all which also have a ripple effect upon their staff.

With these concerns in mind, Canada United partners across Canada will be contributing over $2 million to the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund, as well as contributing media and marketing support to raise awareness and let Canadians know how they can support small businesses in their community and beyond.

The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund will provide small businesses with grants of up to $5,000 to cover expenses related to personal protective equipment (PPE) renovations to accommodate re-opening guidelines and developing or improving e-commerce capabilities. This program intends to support small Canadian businesses of all kinds from across the country.

The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund will be administered by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the national Chamber network. Small business owners who are interested in the program can visit GoCanadaUnited.cato learn more about grant application details, including eligibility criteria, and to apply.

To help Canada United grow as a national movement and support small businesses, here are some easy ways you can participate from home:

1. Join the movement on social

Catch the Canada United videos at GoCanadaUnited.ca and follow and like @GOCanadaUnited and @StaplesCanada on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. 

Use #CanadaUnited to help the movement spread.

BONUS: RBC will contribute 5 cents to the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund for every social action!

2. Buy Local

We know, we know: you’re doing this already! Keep up the momentum by continuing to support your local grocery shop, bakery, café, mechanic, hardware store, florist, restaurant, doggy daycare, house cleaner, décor boutique, fashion popup — and by wearing a mask and following physical distancing guidelines as you do so now. This is how we can protect one another’s physical and economic health.

3. Learn more

Visit GoCanadaUnited.ca to learn more about the movement and how you can get involved. And if you’re a small business owner who has been impacted by COVID-19, visit the site to apply for a Canada United Small Business Relief grant.