Applications open for new business relief

Expansions to the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant program announced in January are now included on the Government of Alberta’s application portal. New businesses that began operating between March and October 2020, as well as unregistered sole proprietors, can now apply for COVID relief funding.

The Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant offers financial assistance to Alberta businesses, cooperatives and non-profit organizations with fewer than 500 employees that have faced restrictions or closures due to COVID-related public health orders, and have experienced revenue losses of at least 30 per cent.

Businesses can use the funding as they see fit to offset the costs they are facing as they relaunch their businesses. This includes the costs of items that help prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies, as well as rent, employee wages or replacing inventory. The funds can also be used to help businesses expand their online presence or e-commerce opportunities so that they can continue to serve customers. These grants do not need to be repaid.

The program launched at the end of June 2020, and the government has committed $500 million to the grants. More details are on the program web page. Application intake will be open until March 31, 2021, unless otherwise communicated.

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