Program offers one-time $1,500 grant to qualified businesses and organizations
Released: 10:50 a.m.
Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg has launched the Winnipeg COVID-19 Economic Support Grant Program in order to assist Winnipeg small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that have been forced to prohibit access to their premises due to COVID-19 public health restrictions effective November 12, 2020 or thereafter.
The City will be distributing a total of $3 million to eligible local businesses and organizations with funding provided by the federal Safe Restart Agreement. Small businesses and not-for-profit organizations can now apply online for a non-repayable grant of $1,500. The grant can be used for rent, utilities, wages, personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitizing equipment, or other business expenses incurred.
“So many of Winnipeg’s small businesses and not-for-profit organizations have faced immense operational challenges during the pandemic,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “We have been fortunate that a portion of them have found ways to continue to provide their valued services, while that hasn’t been an option for others. We hope this grant will provide some relief as businesses continue to navigate the challenges of the pandemic and we work toward an economic recovery.”
“The jobs, services, and opportunities provided by small business and not-for-profits are essential to the success of our economy,” said Councillor Scott Gillingham, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance. “I am pleased that through the federal Safe Restart Program, we will be able to provide up to $3 million in assistance to a very important and challenged sector of our economy. We encourage all businesses and organizations affected by the current public health restrictions to apply for support through the Winnipeg COVID-19 Economic Support Grant Program.”
Grant applications are now being accepted and must be submitted online, with eligibility requirements and the online submission form available at winnipeg.ca/covid-19economicsupportgrant.
Eligible applications will be prioritized on a first come, first serve basis until the $3 million funding is fully expended. Program application deadline for the first intake is February 28, 2021. If funds remain, a second intake of applications will be accepted with application deadline of April 30, 2021.