Created by RBC in collaboration with the national network of Chambers of Commerce  and more than 50 corporate partners, the Fredericton chamber to support local businesses as part of the nationwide movement 
 

July 30, 2020 (FREDERICTON) – The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce announced today that it has joined Canada United, a national movement to support local businesses in communities across the country. As part of the movement, RBC has brought together more than 50 of Canada’s leading brands, business associations and the national chamber network to rally Canadians to “show local some love” by buying, dining and shopping local. 
 

“The Fredericton chamber is pleased to support the Canada United movement and help bolster businesses in and around our community. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economies and key to thriving communities,” says Krista Ross, Fredericton chamber CEO.  
 

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for businesses in the Fredericton region and across the province. We need to continue to support SMEs who create jobs, drive innovation, and generate wealth for communities across the province – they will play an integral role in helping the province bounce back. 
 

Canadians are invited to join the Canada United movement by buying and dining local, including celebrating and supporting local businesses through the upcoming weeks and months – and in particular during the Canada United Weekend from August 28 to 30, 2020. 
 

Canadians are also encouraged to watch the Canada United videos online at GoCanadaUnited.ca, like posts from @GoCanadaUnited on social media and use #CanadaUnited to demonstrate their support. For each of these actions until August 31, 2020, RBC will contribute 5 cents up to a maximum contribution amount of $2 million to the new Canada United Small Business Relief Fund, while working with government and corporate partners to source additional contributions to the fund during the course of the campaign. The fund will provide small businesses from coast to coast to coast 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 Canadian businesses across the country will be able to apply for up to $5,000 in grant funding. The program intends to support small Canadian businesses of all kinds from across the country. The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund will be administered by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the national Chamber network. Small business owners who are interested in the program can visit GoCanadaUnited.ca to learn more about grant application details, including eligibility criteria, and to apply. 
 

“We are excited to welcome the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce to Canada United to help local businesses and Canada’s economy come back strong,” said Neil McLaughlin, Group Head, Personal & Commercial Banking, Royal Bank of Canada. “Canada United was created to kick-start an economic rebound by rallying consumers to give local businesses the support they need to re-open during these uncertain times. By bringing together government, business associations and corporate Canada, we are looking to start a movement to get Canadians to buy local and support businesses across the country. We are genuinely excited by the energy all of our partners are bringing to this effort.” 
 

The fund will build until 31 August 2020 (to a maximum of 2 million dollars), at which point small businesses will be able to apply for the $5000 grants. 
 

About the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce 

The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, a nationally accredited organization with more than 1,000 members, is an active business organization engaged in policy development and advocacy that affects the competitiveness of our members and the Canadian business environment. The Chamber’s vision is ‘Stronger Community Through Business Prosperity’ 
 

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 84,000+ 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. 

For more information, please contact: 

Krista Ross, CEO, Fredericton Chamber of Commerce                           

Kristar@frederictonchamber.ca; (506) 458-8006