The Crossfield Chamber of Commerce is the proud recipient of more than $10,000 in federal grant money, which will be used toward invigorating local businesses that have struggled to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The federal shop-local initiative stemmed from a partnership between the Alberta Chamber of Commerce (COC) and the Federal Ministry of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade. The initiative will provide up to $7.2 million in funding toward local business in the prairies. According to a press release, Alberta is eligible to receive up to $4.95 million of funding, with $1.2 million being distributed in the first round.
“The Crossfield Chamber of Commerce is grateful for Shop Local funding to help promote and support our businesses and spotlight their important roles in what makes our community such a great one,” said Lani McLeod, executive director of Crossfield’s chamber of commerce in the press release.
She added the $10,620 awarded to Crossfield will be used to highlight and promote chamber members, but also non-member businesses that have struggled with slumping revenue during the pandemic.
“We have so many valuable businesses that offer so much in not only products and services but community sponsorship and support,” she stated in the press release. “Our board of directors are so excited about the chance to help promote the businesses that keep Crossfield a great place to live, work, and grow.”
Crossfield’s shop-local initiatives will include the creation of a promotional video encouraging residents and visitors to support the town’s businesses and organizations. The funds will also provide residents access to a province-wide online market place, which will be launched later this year.
According McLeod, the new e-commerce platform – called Chamber Market – will provide both chamber members and non-members a place to promote and sell their products or services.
“Crossfield has a strong business community that not only provides jobs, products and services, but also supports many of our local non-profit groups and events,” McLeod said in an emailed statement.
“We are planning to use some of our funding to cover initial costs and professional photography to businesses interested in on-boarding with Chamber Market this fall.”
