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Yesterday, the provincial government announced it is adding more than $75 million to the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant, bringing the amount available for hard-hit B.C. businesses to more than $125 million.
“This is great news,” said Karen Mason, President of the Sooke Region Chamber. “Businesses owners are shouldering the impact of the pandemic. The curve appears to be flattening, which is a great sign that we are moving toward an eventual relaxation of restrictions which will in turn allow businesses to open and stay open this summer.”
With the increased funding, eligible businesses will receive up to $20,000 to help with expenses like employee wages, rent, maintenance and utilities. The individual amount a business receives will be based on the number of employees.
Businesses that previously applied for, or received the grant that opened on April 12, 2021, do not need to apply again. They will automatically receive the additional funding. Applications will be accepted until June 4, 2021, or when the funds are disbursed.
The reaction from the provincial chamber office was equally appreciative.
“The BC Chamber of Commerce applauds the provincial government’s continued efforts to support businesses severely impacted by this pandemic,” said BC Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Fiona Famulak. “The addition of $75 million – that is new money – to the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Fund not only provides further relief to businesses impacted by the restrictions that took effect on March 30, 2021, but also helps accommodation providers who are making enormous sacrifices in the weeks ahead, to support the efficacy of the emergency order to restrict travel announced on April 23, 2021.”
To be eligible for the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant, a business is required to:
- confirm it has been affected by the recent provincial health officer’s orders and emergency order;
provide electronic banking information; - confirm that it is registered as a B.C. business;
- produce a business validation document, such as a business licence, liquor licence, notice of assessment or lease agreement; and
- confirm majority ownership and operations and payment of taxes in B.C.
The Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant is open to businesses of any size impacted by the March 31 to May 25, 2021, provincial health officer’s orders and the April 23 emergency order to restrict travel between B.C.’s regional zones.
[Please note that the links to the grants have expired. -SRCoC]
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