The Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce launches Canada United, a national movement to support local businesses in communities across the country. As part of the movement, RBC has brought together more than 50 of Canada’s leading brands, Business Associations and the national Chamber network to rally Canadians to “show local some love” by buying, dining and shopping local.

“The Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to partner with RBC and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce to help support our local businesses by encouraging people to shop or dine locally,” said Shannon Lebrun, President of the Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce. “Anything we can do to help our enterprises recover is essential.”

Canadians are invited to join the Canada United movement by buying and dining local, including celebrating and supporting local businesses during the Canada United Weekend from August 28th to 30th, 2020.

Canadians are also encouraged to watch the Canada United videos online at GoCanadaUnited.ca, like posts from @GoCanadaUnited on social media and use #CanadaUnited to demonstrate their support. For each of these actions until August 31st, 2020, RBC will contribute 5 cents up to a maximum contribution amount of $2 million to the new Canada United Small Business Relief Fund, while working with government and corporate partners to source additional contributions to the Fund during the campaign. The 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.

“We ask that folks participate in the social media campaign to help provide grants to our local entrepreneurs,” said Greg Pietersma, Executive Director of the Cornwall & Area Chamber of Commerce. “By simply liking posts from @GoCanadaUnited or using #CanadaUnited to show your support of small businesses, you add 5 cents to the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund.”

Small Canadian businesses across the country will be able to apply for up to $5,000 in grant funding. The program intends to support small Canadian businesses of all kinds from across the country. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce will administer the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund on behalf of the national Chamber network. Small business owners interested in the program can visit GoCanadaUnited.ca to learn more about grant application details, including eligibility criteria and to apply.