Provincial funding available for businesses ordered to close

NORTHERN BC- Funding relief is coming to BC businesses that have been ordered to close from the new restrictions until January 18. The province has established a one-time COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant for the gyms, fitness centres, dance studios, banquet halls, nightclubs, lounges and bars affected.

Beginning in January, businesses can apply for a grant between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on how many people they employ. It will be distributed similar to the Circuit Breaker Relief Grant last spring. This funding can be used in a number of ways including wages, rent, and insurance. Businesses already receiving government funding through programs like the Circuit Breaker Relief Grant will have their applications streamlined. More information on how to apply will be made available over the next few weeks, with the application process open until the end of February 2022.

The province says the program can be extended if needed, and will cost around $10 million.

“We’re all exhausted by COVID-19, but unfortunately COVID-19 is not done with us,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “As we have done since the beginning of the pandemic, we are coming together to ensure those hardest hit businesses will receive much-needed support. The COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant will directly help businesses through these difficult times. I encourage everyone in B.C. to support impacted local businesses, including businesses that have been forced to close by buying gift cards and memberships for future use.”