Dear Accommodation Community and Stakeholders,
This past week has been a difficult one on so many levels. The work achieved with our industry partners, TIABC, ITBC, DBC and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport was significant. We also submitted for consideration several communications around the enormous hardship our accommodation sector remains under, as well as the lack of success accessing the SME Grant. We are pleased with the announcement today, but also acknowledge we have much additional work to do.
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 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
Additionally, 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.
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 with no cap on the number of employees.
To be eligible for the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant, a business is required to:
· confirm it has been affected by the recent provincial health officer’s orders and emergency order;
· provide electronic banking information;
· confirm that it is registered as a B.C. business;
· produce a business validation document, such as a business licence, liquor licence, notice of assessment or lease agreement; and
· confirm majority ownership and operations and payment of taxes in B.C.
The Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant is open to businesses of any size impacted by the March 31 to May 25, 2021, provincial health officer’s orders and the April 23 emergency order to restrict travel between B.C.’s regional zones.
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.
