Please note the Downtown London office is closed for the duration of the lockdown. All staff will be working remotely and will continue to be available via phone or email.
Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program
The Government of Canada recently announced a new program for businesses in sectors hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s low rate (at 4%) government-guaranteed financing up to $1,000,000 provided through Canadian financial institutions, like Libro.
For more information and eligibility requirements, please see below.
Are You Online Ready Workshop
The Small Business Centre is hosting a free workshop addressing the following:
- All aspects of your “meeting space” including lighting, background, complimentary colours and set up
- Technical details to consider
- Online Etiquette
- Engagement Tips
- Using the Chat Box
- Personal Visual Presentation – attire, pitfalls, colours, and messaging
Location: Presented Online
Date: Wednesday, February 10th, 2021
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Increased Foot Patrol Presence Downtown
The London Foot Patrol have announced that they will be increasing presence in the Downtown effective immediately. The focus will be on evening hours and run throughout the night. Patrols will be focused on areas identified their Crime Analysts as having higher incidences of property damage including break and enters, attempted break and enters, smashed windows, thefts from motor vehicles, etc. The Foot Patrol also recognize the impact of vagrancy and trespassing on downtown businesses and remain committed to working with the various social agencies to find shelter.
The London Police is offering a free audit of businesses with a Crime Prevention Officer in the hopes of deterring criminal activity. This service is free of charge. If you would like to book an audit, please contact Sgt Mike Pottruff below.
Our team is tracking incidents in our district. Please contact Louise at louise@downtownlondon.ca if you are experiencing issues with vandalism/crime. It is important that our data is up to date as we share it with the London Police and various social agencies in the City.
Know a business doing extraordinary things?
Nominations for the 2021 London Business Achievement Awards are now open. Nominate one of your neighbours using the link below.
Downtown Champion Task Force
In 2021, we have decided to merge the Marketing Committee with Public Realm/Activations. We will be calling this new program the Downtown Champion Task Force. This group will be made up of downtown business owners, community partners, and industry experts. We will work together to share ideas, create new marketing campaigns and events/activations. The task force will be action-oriented and all members will be encouraged to contribute ideas. The Downtown Champion Task Force is a positive platform where we roll up our sleeves to come up with exciting initiatives that add vibrancy to our community.
If you are interested in joining the task force please email colleen@downtownlondon.ca or lisa@downtownlondon.ca ASAP.
New, Financial Support Available to Downtown Businesses
Downtown London has launched the Endurance Grant in an effort to support members through this difficult time. This is a one-time grant to help members with costs incurred to improve business safety/security, beautification, cleanliness, health and safety requirements, COVID-19 related marketing costs, businesses signage costs, activations, restaurant take-out containers and restaurant delivery costs.
All questions and applications should be directed to Vicki via email at vicki@downtownlondon.ca
Downtown London Marketplace
E-commerce has become more and more popular in recent years, and with the unfortunate lockdown, it is more important than ever. Downtown London has built an online marketplace where downtown businesses can list their products (or gift cards!) free of charge. There is absolutely no cost to businesses to participate.