PRINCE GEORGE – The government has made the criteria for businesses hoping for some government help a lot more inclusive.
Businesses can now apply that have seen at least a 30% reduction in revenue, as opposed to the previous 50% reduction.
Additionally, the previous three-year operation requirement has been reduced to 18 months. This means businesses only need to have been in operation nine months before the pandemic to apply for the grant.
“It’s still going to be awhile to see any kind of rebound for some businesses,” says Tourism PG CEO, Tracy McBride. “Especially in the north, the fly-in lodges among other things that had heavily relied on American and International customers.”
Additionally, the previous three-year operation requirement has been reduced to 18 months. This means businesses only need to have been in operation nine months before the pandemic to apply for the grant.
McBride does say that the more open criteria in the benefit will benefit many businesses right now, but more will be needed before things start to improve.
Businesses impacted by the pandemic will be eligible to receive a grant up to $30,000. The grant for the tourism sector has been increased, meaning those hardest-hit businesses in the tourism sector will be eligible for a grant up to $45,000.
