The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation says 429 businesses in the Cariboo have received 8.7 million dollars in financial supports.
That total is part of what the Provincial Government calls a pandemic support milestone during the kickoff to Small Business Week in BC.
It says province-wide, Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery grants and Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grants has now topped the half billion dollar mark.
“The pandemic has tested each and every small business in every part of this province,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “This week allows us to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the significant efforts and determination of our small businesses. From shifting sales to online platforms to the successful implementation of the B.C. vaccine card, small businesses continue to support their communities through these difficult times. I encourage everyone to show your appreciation this week, and all weeks, by supporting local businesses in your community.”
The province says to date, more than 90 percent of successful grant recipients and more than 99 percent of the successful Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant recipients have received their one-time payment to help keep staff working, and to implement safety protocols and to adapt or innovate their services.
When it comes to supporting local business, the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant will provide approximately 1,250 B.C.-based professional service providers with almost $20 million through the grant program, to assist applicants with the development of recovery plans.
“We built these grant programs with input from the business community,” Kahlon said. “I want to thank everyone who came to the table to make these grant programs a success. As we continue to recover from this pandemic and build a stronger B.C. for everyone, we are committed to continuing to invest in people, B.C. businesses and our communities.”
Small Business Week runs through October 23rd.