News Updates
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Business grant allows local enterprise to keep team intact.
June 29, 2020Business grant allows local enterprise to keep team intact.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce recently announced Plan to Protect as a recipient of a $10,000 grant from the Canadian Business Resilience Network Small Business Relief Fund.
Melodie Bissell is the Founder and President of Plan to Protect, a social enterprise located in Stouffville that provides abuse prevention and protection to organizations servicing the vulnerable sector globally. The company services 12,500 volunteer-driven organizations in North America including care homes, sports clubs, churches, community clubs, municipalities, and transportation companies.
“On behalf of Plan to Protect we are so grateful for this grant,” says Bissell. “COVID-19 has impacted so many businesses, us included. It is devastating after spending so many years growing the business to have the phones stop ringing and witness revenue streams come to a halting stop. Our world has changed, business is no longer, business as usual, but the needs have not changed. Children, youth and vulnerable adults still need protection and safety. I am so grateful for the Chamber and SalesForce Canada recognizing the work we do. This grant will enable us to continue to keep our team intact, enabling us to meet ongoing needs within our communities.”
More than 1100 small businesses across Canada applied for the 62 grants available. The recipients were those that best demonstrated how the business will use the grant to change or innovate, how the change or innovation will sustain the business’s recovery and allow it to prosper, and how the grant will support the role each business plays in their community.
“We have seen businesses all over Stouffville working hard to adapt to this unprecedented time. Plan to Protect is a shining example of what a great organization can do, even when faced with significant obstacles. We are proud to have them as a member.” Karen Wootton, Executive Director, Stouffville Chamber of Commerce.
The fund was managed by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and made possible through the generosity of Salesforce.
“We saw how determined these entrepreneurs are to preserve their employees’ jobs and to serve their customers and their communities.” said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber.
“It has been incredible to see the resilience coming from Canada’s small business owners over the last few months. We know it hasn’t been easy,” said Margaret Stuart, Canada Country Manager, Salesforce. “The applicants have further demonstrated what we at Salesforce already knew to be true – that Canada is rich with innovation and entrepreneurial talent. We’re hopeful that these grants will provide essential support to small business owners as they return to work.”
A complete list of the winners can be found here.
Click here for the local press release.
