RBC thanks the Federal Government for its
$12 million contribution to the
Canada United Small Business Relief Fund and recognizes the more
than 70 corporate brands and 40 municipalities, the national
Chamber of Commerce network, and Canadian business associations who
came together to support Canadian small and local
businesses
TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2020 /CNW/ - Royal Bank of Canada today announced the results of Canada
United, a nationwide movement to support Canada's local and small businesses during
COVID-19.
The movement featured more than 70 corporate brands, the
national network of the Canadian Chambers of Commerce, and Canadian
business associations who rallied together in support of
Canada's small and local
businesses. Cities across the country also did their part, with 44
municipalities making official proclamations in honor of the
Canada United Weekend, which took place August 28 - 30.
"While the pandemic has undoubtedly challenged us in many ways,
it's also highlighted Canadians' unwavering commitment to
supporting one another during difficult times," said Neil McLaughlin, Group Head, Personal &
Commercial Banking, RBC. "We are incredibly grateful for the ways
Canadians have supported their local businesses when they really
needed it, and for the commitment of our partners who helped bring
Canada United to life. And, now, with the Federal Government's
support, we are confident that the Small Business Relief Fund will
make a significant difference in helping businesses prepare for the
road ahead."
The Canada United movement, with the support of the Federal
Government's $12 million
contribution, also raised more than $14
million for the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund.
The fund will provide thousands of eligible small businesses with
grants of up to $5,000 to cover
expenses related to personal protective equipment (PPE),
renovations to accommodate re-opening guidelines and developing or
improving e-commerce capabilities.
"Small businesses are at the heart of our communities and have
been faced with incredible challenges due to the pandemic," said
the Honourable Mary Ng, Canada's
Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International
Trade. "That's why we've teamed up with RBC and the Canada United
campaign to give yet another lifeline for small businesses. On the
road to economic recovery, we will continue to do whatever it takes
to support small businesses and entrepreneurs across Canada."
Small business owners who are interested in the program can
visit GoCanadaUnited.ca to learn more about the grant and
eligibility criteria.
During the Canada United Weekend, RBC clients directed
more than $1 billion in credit and
debit card purchases to businesses across the country. RBC helped
drive this engagement through Points for Canada, an RBC-funded campaign that gave
RBC Rewards clients the opportunity to enjoy significantly more
value when they shopped, travelled and dined locally.
"When businesses across Canada
began re-opening after the lockdown, we wanted to rally our
clients' support to help stimulate the recovery of Canada's local economies," said Sean Amato-Gauci, Executive Vice-President,
Cards, Payments & Banking at RBC. "Points for Canada played an important role in the
Canada United movement by giving clients exceptional value during
these challenging times. Just as important, Points for
Canada garnered outstanding
feedback from Canada's small and
local businesses, and generated increased engagement among clients.
We are very excited to continue evolving this program and building
on the unmatched travel, dining and shopping offers."
Through Points for Canada, RBC clients have received more
than $30 million in incremental
benefits from the RBC Rewards program during the period, and will
continue to benefit from more offers throughout the year.
Lastly, as businesses continue to respond to the uncertainty
caused by COVID-19, there are a number of RBC resources available
that can help clients prepare for the new normal. To learn more,
business owners are encouraged to explore RBC's Small Business
Navigator hub online at
https://www.rbcroyalbank.com/business/small-business-navigator/index.html.
About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with
a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading
performance. Our success comes from the 86,000+ employees who bring
our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients
thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank, and one of the largest
in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified
business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional
experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn
more at rbc.com.
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives
through donations, community investments and employee volunteer
activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.
About Canada United
Supporting local business has
never been more important and will be critical to moving
Canada's recovery forward. Canada
United is a national movement to rally support for local businesses
and deliver grant relief to help small businesses as they re-open.
Created by RBC in partnership with more than 70 leading brands, the
national Chamber of Commerce network and business associations
across Canada, it gives every
Canadian the chance to show their support through actions big and
small. Visit gocanadaunited.ca to learn more.
SOURCE RBC Royal Bank