For Immediate Release – March 16, 2020

With growing global concerns around COVID-19 (“coronavirus”), Trenval and the Small Business Centre offices will be open to provide business inquires, counselling and loan inquires via email, phone and online platforms.

Workshops scheduled for March and April will be rescheduled or offered online.

Trenval has developed emergency loans for current investment clients to help with cashflow and to keep their business afloat.  Existing clients are encouraged to call the office to discuss their repayment options of existing accounts that have be approved by Trenval’s Investment Committee.

“The way we provide support to the business community may look different with reduction of in person meetings, but our team is available using virtual meeting tools when appropriate as well as being available to clients via phone, email and online during operational hours.  Clients with existing meetings scheduled are encouraged to contact the office and advise which way is best to connect”, said Amber Darling, Executive Director at Trenval.

Trenval is currently developing a small business loan for new clients.  This is expected to be released in the next few days.

“The health, safety and well-being of our employees, clients, partners and community is our top priority and we are following the lead of Canadian and Ontario public health authorities at this important time.  Our commitment is to assist local businesses move forward with resources”, Darling said.

While the Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the current public health, risk associated with coronavirus as low, we continue to monitor for developments very closely.

We have implemented additional measures to ensure your safety as well as the safety of our team until by COVID-19 virus is better understood and the risks have been mitigated or become more manageable including enhanced cleaning of high traffics surfaces in our offices.

Contact:

Amber Darling

Executive Director

Trenval Business Development Corporation

613-961-7999 ex 225

adarling@trenval.ca

If you come to the Quinte Business Development Centre

• To protect yourself and others, we ask that anyone who is feeling unwell refrain from visiting so that together we can ensure a safe and comfortable experience for everyone; we continue to monitor this situation closely and will provide ongoing updates as needed.
• Clients coming to our office should self-screen before arrival. Upon arrival please use the phone to access a staff member and entry to the office.
• We have increased cleaning of our office, every business day, including sanitizing all surfaces, door handles, keypads, screen and chair handles, desks and reception areas. Hand sanitizer is available in office for use by both employees and clients.
• We are committed to being here for you. While you may experience slower than usual response times due to a volume of calls, rest assured that we are committed to providing you with the best service we can as we help all our clients navigate this unusual time.

RESOURCES FOR BUSINESS:

Best Preparedness Tools

To plan your business continuity and mitigate the potential effects of an emergency use these templates provided by BDC

https://www.bdc.ca/en/articles-tools/entrepreneur-toolkit/templates-business-guides/pages/business-continuity-guide-templates-entrepreneurs.aspx

The Trade Commissioner’s website serves as a one-stop-shop for Canadian businesses – focusing on the following four considerations:

• supporting your employees
• financial implications and business preparedness
• business travel and events
• doing business in international markets.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has put together a list of resources for businesses these can be accessed on their website at http://www.chamber.ca/resources/pandemic-preparedness/. This includes a pandemic preparation guide for businesses as well as tools shared by Camber members.

Business Development Bank of Canada – financial support for entrepreneurs

https://www.bdc.ca/en/pages/special-support.aspx?special-initiative=covid19