British Columbia is now accepting applications for the B.C. circuit-breaker relief grant for foodservice and hospitality businesses hurt by the recent COVID-19 restrictions.
Eligible businesses include restaurants, pubs, bars, coffee shops, cafes, cafeterias, lounges, nightclubs, breweries, wineries, and tasting rooms.
The grant is repurposing $50 million from the province’s $345 million Business Recovery Grant to offer eligible businesses $1,000 to $10,000, depending on their size:
- Businesses with zero employees or contracted staff in B.C. are entitled to $1,000
- Businesses with 1 to 4 employees or contracted staff in B.C. are entitled to $2,000
- Businesses with 5 to 99 employees or contracted staff in B.C. are entitled to $5,000
- Businesses with 100 or more employees or contracted staff in B.C. are entitled to $10,000
The one-time grant can go toward fixed expenses like rent, insurance, wages, and utilities. It can also cover unexpected costs arising from the restrictions.
The B.C. circuit breaker relief grants do not need to be repaid.
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To be eligible, a business is required to:
- Confirm it has been affected by the March 30, 2021, provincial health orders
- Provide electronic banking information
- Confirm it’s registered as a B.C. business
- Produce a business validation document, such as a business licence, liquor licence, notice of assessment, or lease agreement
- Confirm majority ownership and operations, and payment of taxes in B.C.
Businesses that have been sanctioned for violating public health orders will not be eligible for the program.
On the first day of open applications, April 13, Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon said the program received more than 100 applications within the first half hour.
To apply, visit gov.bc.ca/business-relief.
Applications will be accepted until June 4, 2021, or until funding runs out.
