The Town of Paradise on Thursday announced its plans to support businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We understand that 2020 is proving to be a very challenging year for our business community,” said Mayor Dan Bobbett in a news release.
“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 can now extend 2020 business tax payment plans into 2021 and incur no interest on their 2020 business tax accounts.
As well, the infrastructure improvement fee is reduced by $500 to $2,000.
The town is also covering the 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.
“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,” reads the news release.
The news release also says the town is committed to continuing with planned infrastructure projects and procurements that can be completed within the public health guidelines. The town’s tendering and procurement process has now moved completely online through the town’s website.
“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 Bobbett.
“While town facilities may be closed, the town is indeed open to support businesses and residents.”
