April 13, 2020
Manitoba Government to Connect Businesses, Non-Profit and Charities to Support Programs Impacted by COVID-19
– – –Better Position Manitoba Businesses to Rebound from Pandemic: Pallister
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The Manitoba government has engaged Manitoba-based business, 24-7 Intouch, to help businesses, not-for-profits and charities facing economic challenges due to COVID-19 connect with support programs, Premier Brian Pallister announced today.
“Manitoba’s small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of our economy and they are facing pressures in ways we’ve never seen before because of the global pandemic,” said Pallister. “We want to help organizations navigate and leverage the resources available to them so they can be in a better position to rebound from the economic challenges brought on by COVID-19, and continue offering services and creating jobs into the future.”
Pallister estimated more than 65,000 Manitoba businesses are eligible for federal support programs, such as the 75 per cent wage subsidy and Canada Emergency Business Account, which offers interest-free loans up to $40,000.
The Manitoba government recently issued a request for proposals (RFP) from organizations that could operate a secure call centre to help inform and guide stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic. 24-7 Intouch, a Winnipeg-based global leader in the inbound customer-care industry, has been awarded the contract.
The province is in the process of working with 24-7 Intouch to establish this important service in the coming days. Strict privacy protocols, including the use of personal and business information, will be in place. It will offer bilingual service with the capacity to offer assistance in other languages spoken in Manitoba.
The premier noted the centre will offer a two-stream process to identify and reach out to identified and prioritized businesses and stakeholders that have been impacted by COVID-19 to offer help, and answer incoming calls and questions. In order to protect the privacy and security of those using this service, outbound calls will not ask for confidential information as their purpose is to advise of the services available and encourage the use the inbound line.
Details such as call centre phone number and hours of operation will be available in the days ahead. Businesses are encouraged to regularly check the Manitoba government website to view an updated list of available federal and provincial supports at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/business/index.html.
A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:
https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.
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