Mazda Canada Inc. announced its commitment to support the rebuilding of small businesses across Canada that have been significantly affected by the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Together with their Retail partners and Scotiabank, Mazda will provide support to make Canadian small businesses top of mind for the holiday season, including up to $1 million in financial grants from Mazda to help them and their employees get back on their feet.
Among the hardest hit by the pandemic, thousands of small businesses have struggled to stay open, with many closing their doors permanently.
A recent Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) report said the burden for small businesses continues to mount, estimating the average business owes close to $177,000 due to pandemic related causes. Mazda saw an opportunity to help support businesses and restore community spirit across Canada.
To kick off the program, Mazda is selecting three beloved community Legends to help revive this fall. The first small business to receive support from Mazda is Port Hope’s iconic Capitol Theatre, a mainstay in Northumberland County for more than 90 years. Surviving a multitude of setbacks during its lifespan, COVID-19 became another obstacle, with the theatre having to close its doors for months, losing revenue and threatening the livelihood of many performance groups and employees. Mazda’s financial support will play a crucial role in assisting the theatre’s re-emergence this season.
“The Capitol plays a central role in the cultural, artistic and economic life of our community. The pandemic has threatened the viability of the arts and cultural sector as well as the financial stability of the artists and tradespeople that serve as the foundation of what we do. Recovery is still a long way away for us all,” said Erin Peirce, managing director of the Capitol Theatre, in a press release.
The two other recipients will be revealed by December.
Mazda Canada is also calling on Canadians to nominate small businesses that are Local Legends in their own communities that they want to see supported. Whether it’s a favourite restaurant, bookstore, gallery or gym, Canadians can submit their nominations by visiting this site and Mazda will select up to three additional businesses across the country to support. Nominations will be open until November 18, 2021.
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