Wednesday 18 March 2020

COVID-19 | Resources for Self Employed, Small Business + More

The team at SALT decided to close our doors to the public on March 17th. We did this to support the movement of social distancing and to flattening the curve. I instantly felt a sense of relief, followed by sadness having made this decision. It was a very hard one as it impacts all my staff, makers and supply accounts for the SALT brand; this choice halts everything. Moving forward from that moment I asked myself what's next.

Like many entrepreneurs my brain jumped into overdrive on how to get thru this. I came up with online initiatives for SALT and it also landed on the need to be in the know with the resources that are being put forth by the Government of Canada. Which led me to think, if i'm learning about it, I can share it with all of you!

This post will be regularly updated with links and information on how to apply for all of the funding available for access by the Government of Canada. I will do my best to explain how, when and who can apply. We are all in this together, this is my part in helping all of you to access the funds you need to get thru this storm. Lets stay home and flatten the curve.

 

ANNOUNCED MARCH 18TH, 2020

Today Justin Trudeau announced a $82-billion aid package to help Canadians and small business get thru this unusual time.

The most stress relieving release that I saw today was the following;

  • A new Emergency Care Benefit of up to $900 biweekly, up to 15 weeks, to provide income support to workers, including the self-employed, who have to stay home and don't qualify for paid sick leave or employment insurance. The measure could disburse up to $10 billion.

Other important plans include:

  • Temporarily boosting Canada Child Benefit payments, delivering about $2 billion in extra support.
  • A six-month, interest-free reprieve on student loan payments.
  • Doubling the homeless care program. 
  • Extending the tax filing deadline to June 1.
  • Allowing taxpayers to defer until after Aug. 31 tax payments that are due after today and before September.
  • $305 million for a new Indigenous Community Support Fund to address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation communities.

All of this information was pulled from an article on CBC news the morning of the 18th of March. You can read the article here.

So the above is great news, but how do we apply for it!? You can find a TON of information on Canadas COVID-Economic Response Plan webpage linked below. 

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html

When you navigate to this page I pay special attention to the Support for Small Business section. If we can get support, we can continue to support those that we work with to continue some sense of normalcy.  But the real question is, How to do we access and apply for these funds. Stay tuned, I'm researching it! 

(i'll update this as often as I consume the information).



from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/covid-19-resources-for-self-employed-small-business-more

THRIFT STORE EDIT | Second Hand Shopping Guide

 

Ok so it's safe to say that I am obsessed with Thrift Store shopping.  I love it.  The hunt, the treasures, the scores.  I often have an idea of what I am looking for before I head out to the shops but sometimes I am just looking for a little piece of inspiration.

If you are just getting into Thrifting I highly recommend having an idea of what you are looking for, as being surrounded by people's cast aways can be quite overwhelming to the untrained eye.

There are a few items I always keep an eye out for when thrifting:

Leather Shoes ~ Most of my shoes are actually from second hand shops.  You can often find lightly used perfectly broken in leather shoes that will last for years to come.  If I really love them but they need a little love it is often worth it to get them resoled by your local cobbler especially if they're vintage!

Pottery ~ Look for items with no chips & a signature, they might be worth something!  I have found beautiful vases, mugs, serving dishes, and planters that all fit with my aesthetic.  Currently searching for a butter crock and honey pot......

Dishes ~ If you are ok to wait and build up a set slowly this is a fun way to do it or if you are down for a little mix and match this can be a creative way to put together your own set.  I love mix matched smaller plates but have been slowly collecting my matching set for the last couple years and when I find a piece that is part of the set it's like winning the lottery.  I also really appreciate vintage glassware, nothing beats the colours and quality!

 

Wood Bowls ~ I love these!  I use them for everything from serving snacks + salads to keeping miscellaneous bathroom items organized depending on the size & shape.

Wool Blankets ~ Great for our boat, the beach or camping these blankets are warm, well made and make for great camp vibes!

Of course there is much more that can be acquired second hand and I've been able to curate my home with may found  pieces over the years such as wall hangings, rugs + furniture.

Happy Thrifting!  

 

 

 

 



from SALT Shop - Journal https://saltshop.ca/blogs/news/thrift-store-shopping