As businesses try to recover from the months of downturn due to the pandemic, training costs are subsidized in full for a limited time. (Glenn Hicks/paNOW Staff) 

By Glenn Hicks

training to ease COVID challenges

Full training subsidy for businesses amid pandemic

Jul 28, 2020 | 4:00 PM

It has been a very tough time for businesses but there’s some help for those seeking new skills and training amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The province has temporarily upped its subsidy towards the cost of training from 75 per cent to 100 per cent up to $10,000.

In a media release, Elise Hildebrandt with the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce shared info with local businesses regarding new grants available until July 31, 2020.

They include the Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (RSTS) program that normally covers 75 of the costs, but — subject to meeting certain criteria — will now cover 100 per cent of the cost.

In offering examples of training opportunities Hildebrandt said digital marketing was one area that could be a boost for local businesses looking to up their game or grab a share of the online market.

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“If [a business] is thinking about going in a bit of a different direction, or they’re thinking there’s a second wave coming in the fall and they need to master online business, here’s an awesome opportunity to learn it,” Hildebrandt told paNOW.

She encouraged every business to apply for the training subsidy and noted a lot of local businesses have spoken about needing to embrace more digital marketing skills as others have to help weather the periods of shutdown.

“Those who were able to adapt and get online in some form were able to keep – maybe not the business they would have had if everybody came in – but it allowed them to still have a sales market area they wouldn’t have had before this [pandemic],” she said.

In her media release Hildebrandt recommended a few training programs:

• Blue Moose Media – Digital Marketing Certificate. You will learn how to use Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for your business
• BBB Get Found Digital Marketing Certificate. You will learn to use Google to get your business found.
• Carla Gradin – Carla teaches you how to be confident in your presentation skills.
• All of them qualify for this RSTC program.

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glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow