In an effort to ensure Cochrane-based businesses are effectively accessing Provincial and National COVID-19 funding programs, the Cochrane Economic Recovery Task Force has initiated a program to support businesses in gaining access to professional service providers.
Along with a partnership with the Cochrane & District Chamber of Commerce, these funds will be made available to local Cochrane businesses beginning March 9th, 2021.
Choose a local service provider that can assist you and your business to access, understand and navigate the support programs available.
Work with your professional service provider to apply for any federal or provincial support programs, such as CEWS, CEBA, CERS, CRB, SMERG, etc.
Submit your Grant Application using the easy-to-navigate, secure online form on this site, along with a copy of an invoice and your Cochrane Business License number.
Your secure application will be reviewed upon submission and the funds will be sent directly to your professional service provider!
The COVID-19 Professional Services Grant Program is designed to help you and your business cover the costs incurred by enlisting the services of licensed bookkeepers, lawyers, or accountants with knowledge and experience with government support programs.
If the professional you work with is assisting you with understanding support program details, collecting required information, or the preparation and completing of the documentation in accordance with program guidelines required to submit, then you are able to apply for this grant. The professional must be licensed to conduct business within the Town of Cochrane.
The qualifications are simple. You must be a local, registered business with an active Town of Cochrane Business license. Yup, that’s it.
This program is not exclusive to Chamber Members.
The Program
The intent of this program is to support businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19 that qualify for or have received financial support in maximizing their benefit from provincial or federal programs. The program would be managed by the Cochrane & District Chamber of Commerce. All necessary procedures would be in place for accountability to the Town of Cochrane for all funds provided. The program would be in place until the allotted funds provided to the program are allocated. The funds provided by the program will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application Process
Businesses would apply through the official Covid-19 Professional Services Grant Program website to access the funds. An application would allocate up to a maximum of $500.00 towards third-party professional services. The primary focus would be licensed bookkeepers and accountants with knowledge/experience with government support programs such as CEWS, CEBA, CERS, CRB, SMERG, and others to assist them to understand program details, collect required information, and preparing or completing the documentation in accordance with program guidelines required to submit.
Eligibility
A business within the Town of Cochrane corporate limits that has a current business license to operate within Cochrane. The program is intended for businesses that have suffered revenue decreases as a result of COVID-19. The program launch date is officially March 9, 2021. Any expenses that will be eligible will have to have been incurred from this date going forward. Professional services can be provided by any licensed professional, i.e., professional accountant or law firm. Service providers are required to be local businesses that are licensed to conduct business in the Town of Cochrane. This program is not exclusive to Chamber members. In order to receive financial support, at least one program must be applied for.
Payment of Services
Payment of services will be made directly to the third-party professional service by the Cochrane & District Chamber of Commerce upon receipt of a bill from the third-party professional service. Billing must include detailed information on what programs were applied for and when.
Reach out to Kelly Carson, Executive Director with the Cochrane & District Chamber of Commerce at (403) 932-0320 or by e-mail to info@cochranechamber.ca