Applications open for COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant

Jan 12, 2022 | 11:55 AM

Businesses affected by recent COVID-19 restrictions and measures that forced them to close can now apply for some provincial funds.

B.C.’s COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant program opened applications Wednesday morning.

“This means businesses currently ordered closed, like bars, lounges, nightclubs, gyms and fitness centres, can apply for grants starting today to help pay for some of the bills such as rent, employee wages, insurance, maintenance and utilities,” said Ravi Kahlon, the Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation.

Business owners can apply for non-repayable grants, which will range from $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the number of staff a business has.

Businesses that have accessed other provincial relief programs in the past will be fast tracked and could receive their grant within a few weeks.

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Kahlon said a majority of businesses have followed the health orders, but added that those who refused to close will not be eligible for the grants.

“We have built in an auditing system to ensure those businesses that have defied orders will not be able to get access to the supports.”

The B.C. government has allocated $10-million for the grant program, and Kahlon said it is intended to compliment existing federal government programs.

“For instance, a gym with five employees could receive up to $5,000 of non-repayable grant with the COVID Relief Grant program and, because of the recent changes of the federal government, could also receive wage and rent supports for up to 75 per cent through the federal government’s local lockdown program,” said Kahlon.

“Employees can now apply for the federal Worker Lockdown Benefit, in which they can receive up to $300 a week for income support.”

Kahlon also reminded B.C. businesses that a provincial health order requires all businesses to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan to reduce the risk of transmission and the impacts the virus could have on a business.

by Liam Verster

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