The province is introducing a relief fund of up to $10,000 for businesses impacted by shut-downs due to current restrictions. (CFJC)

By Dave Berry

relief fund

Province announces support program for businesses ordered to close by latest health orders

Dec 23, 2021 | 11:16 AM

VICTORIA – The provincial government has announced a grant program to support businesses that have been shut down by public health orders around COVID-19.

The COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant will provide impacted businesses with a one-time grant of up to $10,000. It is meant to supplement federal support programs and alleviate financial pressures arising from rent, employee wages, insurance, maintenance and utilities.

“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.”

Impacted businesses include gyms, fitness centres, adult dance centres, bars, lounges, nightclubs and event venues that can no longer hold events.

“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,” added Kahlon.

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Grant amounts provided to businesses will range between $1,000 and $10,000 and be based on the number of employees. The government estimates the cost of the program will be approximately $10 million.

The provincial government says the grant program was fast-tracked following new restrictions announced Monday.

Applications for the grant open in January and will remain open until the end of February. The province said information on how to apply would be made available over the next few weeks.

The provincial COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant program is in addition to the federal government’s expansion of its Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit and the Local Lockdown Program for workers and employers across the country who are affected by new capacity restrictions and closures.

The new fund is in addition to the federal government’s expansion of its Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit and the Local Lockdown Program for workers and employers impacted by new capacity restrictions and closures.

— Courtesy CFJC Kamloops

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