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mall businesses may be the engine of the the Helpline to all small businesses, not just our
economy, but they’re often overlooked by members. As a result, we have answered more than
Sgovernments and big businesses. That 50,000 inquiries from business owners since the
is why the Canadian Federation of Independent beginning of the year, almost double the amount for
Business (CFIB) was founded—to represent the all of 2019.
interests of small businesses, provide information
and advice when they need it and negotiate with All business owners can now get free one-on-
big providers on their behalf with the might of its one advice from CFIB’s team of experts, as well as
110,000 members. Still, over its 50-year history, access our exclusive webinars and savings programs
CFIB has never seen its members face a challenge simply by registering at cfib.ca/introductoryoffer.
as devastating as COVID-19.
Getting answers: At the start of the pandemic, the Influencing governments’ response to COVID-
situation was changing so quickly and profoundly 19: With information changing by the hour and
that it was difficult for business owners to keep governments rushing to respond to an evolving
track and stay on top of the news, let alone figure situation, CFIB reached out directly to our members
out how to restructure their business to protect with weekly surveys to find out what they need most
staff and comply with new rules. CFIB’s Business and conveyed the information to the government
Helpline was so in-demand that we pulled in staff through briefing calls, letter and the media. Our staff
from other departments working in near round- were on the phone with senior government officials
the-clock shifts to ensure our members got the daily, pushing for measures that could support the
help they needed fast. Quickly, CFIB opened up needs of small businesses.
SEP 2020 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA 67
