NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT RESPONDS TO COVID-19 In order to assist independent businesses throughout the service region during COVID-19, Northern Development introduced two new programs during April and May of 2020. In addition, the Trust created a Business Resource page to provide online information resources for COVID-19 support.
SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY REBATE PROGRAM The Small Business Recovery (SBR) Consulting Rebate reimburses small and medium sized businesses (operators) for contracted consulting services. The program is designed to help businesses access the professional support they need to weather the economic downturn. SBR offers a rebate of up to 85 per cent, to a maximum of $25,000, for the cost of hiring a consultant to assist with business efforts.
Bugwood Coffee – Smithers Like many local businesses, Bugwood Coffee on Smithers’ Main Street was forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although Bugwood Coffee Incorporated roasting operations were able to continue, many of the cafes that Bugwood supplied were also required to close. “Coffee shops in the small-town corridors create and connect the community - that’s what we do,” said Nick Meyer, owner of Bugwood Coffee. “Seven days a week, season after season, members from all demographics in our town can be found cross-pollinating at our storefront. Our coffee shop is the social infrastructure for the core of downtown Smithers.”
He added that the support from Northern Development provided the tools to help the business pivot and thrive. “Six months after the pandemic started and in the middle of the project the conversations were no longer ‘duck and cover,’” he said. “The conversation became, ‘we need to hire more people.’”
Thanks to a $6,800 rebate through the SBR program, Meyer was able to work with a consultant on the development of an industrial customer base for roasted coffee products. The consultant developed a business plan and implementation strategy for Bugwood Coffee to expand into the industrial market, define a sales and marketing strategy and identify the marketing assets required for successful implementation. “A year ago, it felt like I was captain of a ship lost at sea speaking to his crew,” said Meyer. “’Weather the storm, duck, and cover till help arrives!’ Thinking to myself it may take a few years to recover but we’ll get through this.”
Photo: Bugwood Coffee
Northern Development Initiative Trust – 2020 Annual Report
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