EBAY / E Commerce skills development program / FREE program
Applications are now open for Retail Revival – a new e-commerce training program by that empowers businesses in Halifax and Nova Scotia to grow. Retail Revival is eBay’s comprehensive training and support program that empowers “main street” retailers to thrive locally by taking full advantage of the digital marketplace and accessing new customers around the world.
Learn more at www.ebayinc.com/halifax and apply by February 22, 2019.
Ideal Retail Revival Sellers: I have attached a description for the ideal companies. A few key points:
- A businesses desire to grow their e-commerce business is paramount
- A commitment to spending time (apx 10 hrs/week) on their e-commerce business is what will make a difference for any business (ie: listing new items, taking photos, packing, shipping, responding to inquiries)
- eBay doesn’t sell food items in Canada
eBays’ Retail Revival Program should be of interest to any SME looking at enhancing or developing their eCommerce platform. The free program is designed to help Nova Scotia retailers, resellers and/or manufacturers. It’s a 12-month commitment - providing one-on-one support, training, eBay Concierge services, free storefront, etc. Details attached.
The application deadline is this Friday, Feb 22. The application is quick and easy. If Truro | Colchester businesses need assistance, they can connect directly with Emily Neil at the Halifax Partnership. Her line is 902-223-6821 and email is [email protected]
A taxing issue for Canada
Remember the days where important working files were saved on a floppy disc, not the cloud? Or bills were paid via mail, not just instantly with the touch of a button on your smartphone? Lots has changed in the last few decades, but unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Canadian taxation. The last time Canada undertook a comprehensive review of its tax system, humankind had yet to set foot on the moon.
It has been five decades of the same old and, sure, it is no a secret that nobody likes the tax man, but that does not mean he should be ignored. Canada has a choice, either keep pace with the rapid rate of change or be left behind.
Now more than ever, it is crucial we recognize a modernized tax system can be a key driver of Canada’s business innovation and economic growth. So, what else needs to change? How does it need to change? And most importantly, why is our federal tax system 41st in the world when it comes to the time it takes Canadians to prepare and pay taxes? All of these questions and more are addressed in our latest report, 50 Years of Cutting and Pasting: Modernizing Canada’s Tax System.
You can also read this month’s 5MinsForBusinessTaxRoyalCommission190212 to find out about the benefits of a Royal Commission on taxation. Instead of dreading tax time, it is time we understand why we need to push it directly into the spotlight.
Annual Chamber newsletter details advocacy efforts
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce publishes an annual newsletter detailing it's advocacy efforts for the past year, as well as sharing important information about programs and events.
To download CLICK HERE
Business Minister visits Truro & Colchester members
Nova Scotia's Business Minister Geoff MacLellan joined the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce for a luncheon on Jan. 31. The Minister provided an overview of many issues impacting business in the province.
Video captured at youth symposium event
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce was pleased to partner with Truro & Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity, Department of Education, and Futureworx to host a Business and Youth Symposium last fall. The youth of today are our future workforce and entrepreneurs and it was great to connect with them.
Here is how some of them view the future.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JDWTC36DPE
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Advocating for business, the Chamber is seeking input from members on a pressing issue. Earlier this month the Nova Scotia Minimum Wage Review Committee provided its report making recommendations to Labour Minister Labi Kousoulis. If implemented this would bring the minimum wage from its current $11 an hour to $12.65 by 2021. As of Oct. 1, Nova Scotia had the lowest minimum wage in the country, while Alberta had the highest at $15 an hour.
Kousoulis will make a decision on the minimum wage in early January. As the voice of business for the region the Chamber plans to provide a submission to the minister for consideration and invite all businesses to share their opinions on the potential impacts for them if this recommendation was to be implemented. To share, email [email protected]
Take our survey - CLICK HERE
Call for Submissions- Business Start-up Award
Call for nominations 2018 Small Business Awards
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http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07efnzgksfjlnqi2c2/start
Chamber asks for a delay in second reading of proposed kennel development By-law
News Release
August 29, 2018
Chamber asks for a delay in second reading of proposed kennel development By-law
TRURO – The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is asking Colchester County Council to delay the second reading of a proposed temporary By-law impacting the development of kennels.
The Chamber has engaged with its members and municipal officials on the issue which has resulted in the submission of several recommendations on the proposed Municipality of the County of Colchester Kennel Development By-law.
“At this time, we are asking that County Council delay the second reading of the proposed By-law in order to allow time for consultation to occur with local businesses that will be affected, as well as to establish a timeline to be included while the land use By-laws are reviewed,” said Chamber president Joanne McRae.
Of particular concern to Chamber members is the lack of timeline associated with the implementation of the proposed By-law which council has indicated would be temporary.
Based on feedback from its membership, the Chamber believes if a By-law of this nature were to remain in effect for an indefinite period of time, there is potential for wide-spread negative impacts to local business of all kinds, from real estate to existing kennels, veterinarians, breeders, groomers, pet supply businesses, trainers, boarding facilities, dog daycares, kennel clubs, professional dog handlers and many others.
“It is unreasonable to expect business to wait an undetermined timeframe for the county to lift a moratorium directly impacting their livelihoods,” said the President.
Colchester County has attracted high-caliber canine events drawing thousands of people to this area and has been home to dogs trained as international champions. The pet industry is a multi-billion dollar business and needs the support of Council to continue to provide economic benefits to this region.
Since 2013 the pet industry has grown 3.8 per cent and was worth more than $7 billion in Canada, with 52 per cent of households having a pet. Colchester County boasts a wide variety of pet-related businesses and is well positioned for economic growth.
The Chamber provided several recommendations to council including a need to clearly outline how proposed new legislation would be enforced and the estimated cost to tax payers.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce is committed to working cooperatively with government to better educate businesses about their legislative obligations and look forward to engaging with the government on this critical issue in future.
The Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of business in this region for 128 years. It represents more than 400 member businesses and advocates on their behalf at all levels of government on issues of political, economic and social importance.
Read letter submitted to the Municipality of the County of Colchester
Impact Investing Pilot Program Launches in Nova Scotia
(August 13, 2018 – Truro, NS) Social enterprises across the province of Nova Scotia may be eligible for a boost – thanks to an exciting, new pilot program being launched in partnership between Nova Scotia’s credit unions, their trade association, Atlantic Central and the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council.
Launching today, the Impact Investing pilot program will invest up to $25,000 into eligible Nova Scotia social enterprises who are making a real impact in their communities. Social enterprises can be a not-for-profit, a Co-operative or a privately owned enterprise that has a social mission and are delivering social impacts. Applicants must be providing a service that meets a need in their community or is helping under-served populations.
“The capital available through the program is intended as an investment in our communities” says Dianne Kelderman, President and CEO of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council. “The Nova Scotia Co-operative Council and credit unions have a long history of giving back to the places we call home, so this is a natural fit and an extension of what we already do”
Interested social enterprises are encouraged to apply for funding by visiting their local credit union or connecting with the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council. Enterprises must prove that they are financially sustainable and have support within their local area.
Applications for the pilot will remain open until September 17th with funding recipients being announced later this fall.
Documents and further information can be found at www.novascotia.coop
About Atlantic Central
Atlantic Central is the trade association that represents 50 member-owned credit unions across Atlantic Canada.
About the Nova Scotia-Cooperative Council
The Nova Scotia Co-operative Council is the economic development arm of the Nova Scotia Co-operative and Credit Union system. The Council represents 322 Co-operative businesses who employ over 11,000 Nova Scotians and have over $5.2 billion at work in our provincial economy.