Businesses can apply for B.C. government's COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant

Companies that have been forced to close temporarily due to COVID-19 can now start applying for provincial grants of between $1,000 and $10,000.

The program was created as a result of December 22, 2021 provincial health orders shuttering non-meal-serving bars, nightclubs and lounges, as well as gyms, fitness and adult dance centres, and event venues.

The $10-million B.C. program supplements federal programs, including the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit and the Local Lockdown Program.

“This is not the way any of us wanted to start the new year with more strain on our businesses, families and communities,” Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation Minister Ravi Kahlon said. “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. We can get through this together as quickly as possible by going back to the basics—bringing back our COVID-19 safety plans for all businesses, recommitting to our daily health checks and continuing to follow all public-health measures.”

The B.C. government expects more than 3,000 businesses will apply for the COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant.

It's been welcomed by Sara Hodson, president of the Fitness Industry Council of Canada.

"The fitness and health industry has been committed to doing everything we can to keep people healthy and safe throughout this pandemic," Hodson said in the release. "We look forward to reopening and being able to once again provide the essential physical and health benefits of exercise to all British Columbians.”