Media Release: Town of Paradise implements COVID-19 Business Support Plan

Recognizing the challenges and issues businesses are facing due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Paradise today launched its Business Support Plan. The plan outlines a number of initiatives designed specifically to support and assist the Town’s business sector.

“We understand that 2020 is proving to be a very challenging year for our business community,” said Mayor Dan Bobbett. “Businesses of all sizes and across all sectors are being challenged

right now. We feel it is important to find ways to help all businesses, from home-based through to large companies, navigate the situation they are facing.”

Businesses have indicated that they are facing pressures in many areas and the Town of Paradise Business Support Plan is designed to provide a multi-faceted response. It includes:

Business Tax Payment Plan – to help alleviate cash flow challenges
Infrastructure Improvement Fee Reduction - to encourage investment / development
Chamber of Commerce Memberships - to facilitate access to peer support and networking resources
Business Outreach – to enable the Town to connect directly with businesses
Working with Industry Partners – to ensure all sectors are aware of Town operations and programs
Digital Procurement – to enable Town procurement opportunities to continue.

Details on the initiatives are provided in the backgrounder below.

“Being responsive to all our stakeholders, including our business community, is in keeping with our new strategic plan, Your Paradise: Plan 2022, and we are pleased we are able to implement these measures. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust this plan as needed, as we are with all our response measures to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Bobbett. “While Town facilities may be closed, the Town is indeed open to support businesses and residents. We are providing essential, core, and business continuity services during this pandemic, so please don’t hesitate to contact the Town, staff are available.”

Businesses can visit the wesbite for details and the necessary application forms for the Town of Paradise Business Support Plan.

Backgrounder: Town of Paradise Business Support Plan Initiatives

Business Tax Payment Plans

To help alleviate cash flow challenges on businesses, the Town is offering to extend payment plans for the 2020 business tax into 2021, with no interest charged on 2020 Business Tax accounts. Businesses who want to avail of the pre-authorized payment plan must apply (application form available on the website).

Reduction of Infrastructure Improvement Fee

The Town has reduced the Infrastructure Improvement Fee by $500, effective immediately it is now $2000. This is to stimulate construction and development, which in turn will help generate associated employment and economic activity.

Chamber of Commerce Membership

It is important for businesses to have access to various resources, networking, and peer-to-peer support opportunities which the local chambers of commerce provide. To enable businesses to avail of these services, the Town will cover the 2020 membership fee for any Paradise business wishing to join either the Mount Pearl–Paradise Chamber of Commerce or the Conception Bay Area Chamber of Commerce. Businesses interested in a membership can contact the appropriate chamber of commerce directly and apply for membership.

Business Outreach

Town staff are engaging with local businesses to keep apprised of the sector’s needs and challenges being faced at this time. Staff are also available to provide information, share best practices, and ensure local businesses are aware of all available resources provided by all levels of government.

Working with Industry Partners

Town staff are liaising with industry associations and partners to provide information on how the COVID-19 pandemic is altering operations and how companies can continue to do business with the Town. The Town is committed to continuing with planned infrastructure projects and procurement opportunities that can be completed within current public health guidelines.

Digital Procurement

The Town’s tendering and procurement process has moved to a fully digital process, offered securely through the Town’s website. The Town had identified the need for online procurement and was reviewing available options to be implemented within the next year. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, implementation was moved up to enable procurement to continue within all public health guidelines. Digital procurement provides vendors with a platform to both access and respond to procurement opportunities; paper copies are no longer distributed or received. Vendors interested in responding to the Town’s procurement opportunities are required to create an account on the online system. All registered vendors will receive automatic notifications on relevant opportunities.

Media Contact:

Diane Keough, Communications Manager

Town of Paradise

C: 709.769.4212