The B.C. government has extended the program of giving grants of $1000 – $10,000 for hotels, motels and other short-term accommodation providers affected by the Apr 23 emergency order to restrict travel. The businesses impacted by Mar 31, 2021, Public Health Officer order on gatherings and events and liquor and food serving premises can also apply.
- Grants are available until Jun 4, 2021, or until funds are fully expended, whichever comes first.
- The grants do not have to be paid back. The grant amount is based on the number of employees. The grant can be used for expenses like employee wages, dent and utilities, insurance, maintenance and cost of perishable food loss,
The following types of food and beverage businesses are eligible to apply-:
a)Restaurants, pubs and bars
b)Coffee shops, cafes and cafeterias
c)Lounges and nightclubs
d)Breweries, wineries and tasting rooms.
The grant is open to eligible businesses of any size that have been in operation since Feb 1, 2021.
To become eligible, a business is required to:
a)Confirm it has been affected by the recent provincial health orders
b)Provide electronic banking information
c)Confirm it is registered as a B.C. business
d)Produce a business validation document, such as business license, liquor license, a notice of assessment or lease agreement
e)Confirm majority ownership and operations and payment of taxes in B.C.
Businesses closed or had their licenses revoked due to provincial health order non-compliance are not eligible for this grant.
On Apr 20, jobs minister Ravi Kahlon said the program has already received more than 100 applications within the first half an hour. Application information and eligibility criteria are available here.
