GOOD NEWS! Expanded relief grant for hospitality businesses

Dear ABLE BC members and industry colleagues,

This afternoon, government announced they are adding $75 million to the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant, bringing the amount available for hard-hit BC businesses to over $125 million.

The grant remains open to bars, pubs, restaurants, breweries, wineries, gyms, and fitness facilities impacted by the March 31, 2021, provincial health officer’s orders. The orders remain in place until May 25.

The grant is now also open to hotels, motels, and other short-term accommodations impacted by the April 23 emergency order to restrict travel between BC’s regional zones.

With the increased funding, eligible businesses will receive up to $20,000 (double the original grant amount) to help with expenses like employee wages, rent, maintenance, and utilities. The individual amount a business received will be based on the number of employees.

Businesses that previously applied for or received the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant that opened on April 12, 2021 do not need to apply again. They will automatically receive the additional funding.

We strongly encourage you to apply now, if you haven’t already. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, and applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be accepted until June 4, 2021, or when the funds are disbursed.

Learn more and apply here.

The expanded grant criteria and increased funding is a direct result of work by ABLE BC and our industry association colleagues over the past week. Since the ban on indoor dining was extended, ABLE BC has been working tirelessly behind the scenes, pushing for urgent financial support for BC’s beleaguered hospitality industry.

ABLE BC expresses our immense gratitude to Minister Kahlon and his team for making these changes to the grant. This is exactly the type of support our industry needs to help weather the direct financial costs of this ongoing crisis.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact ABLE BC: info@ablebc.ca.