The Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan helped protect millions of jobs by providing emergency support to families and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) provided assistance to businesses and communities that required additional support to cope with and recover from the pandemic. Using their local knowledge and networks, Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) helped deliver this targeted, regionally-tailored support to small businesses as trusted partners of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).
The funding had a positive impact in Trenval’s catchment area, providing local businesses with the support they needed to navigate the pandemic and continue their recovery and growth. Through the RRRF program, Trenval provided $2,919,888 in liquidity support to help 64 businesses impacted by the pandemic and maintained 169 jobs in the community.
Like many small businesses, The Cat’s Meow, a full-service hair salon and spa, located in Belleville, Ontario were looking for new, innovative ways to adapt their operations during the pandemic. With RRRF support through Trenval they received support to keep fixed costs expenses in check. The Cat’s Meow was able to refocus the business and welcome customers when regulations were lifted in order to open the door once again.
