Beginning immediately, businesses that were ordered to close Dec. 22, in a measure intended to limit the spread of COVID-19’s Omicron variant can now apply for a grant of up to $10,000, the provincial government announced Jan. 12.
All bars, lounges and nightclubs that do not serve full meals, as well as gyms and event venues that are no longer holding events that had been ordered to fully shut down can apply for relief grants between $1,000 and $10,000, depending on the number of employees on staff at the time of closure.
"This is not the way any of us wanted to start the new year with more strain on our businesses, families and communities," said British Columbia Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation Ravi Kahlon.
"Our government will be there to help hard-hit businesses that have had to shut down and get them some necessary support to help pay their bills."
More than 3,000 businesses are expected to receive funds from the $10 million grant program. They may use the proceeds to pay such expenses as rent, wages, utilities and insurance.
The amount of funding available for the each business is based on the number of employees and contracted staff at the time of closure, as follows:
- No employees or contracted staff: $1,000
- 1 to 4 : $2,000
- 5 to 99: $5,000
- 100+: $10,000
Applications will be accepted until Feb. 28. Businesses can apply online .
