Council approves addition of $3 Million to grant program supporting businesses and organizations forced to restrict public access due to recent public health restrictions
The City of Winnipeg has opened a second intake of the COVID-19 Economic Support Grant Program in order to assist Winnipeg small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that have been forced to restrict access to their premises due to COVID-19 public health restrictions that came into effect on May 9, 2021 or thereafter.
On May 27, 2021, Council approved the addition of $3 million to the COVID-19 Economic Support Grant Program, which doubles the support made available to local businesses and organizations through the program. The Council approved 2021 Budget had included $3 million for eligible applicants impacted by public health restrictions effective November 12, 2020.
Small businesses and not-for-profit organizations can now apply online for a non-repayable grant of $1,500 through the second intake of the COVID-19 Economic Support Grant Program. Recipients of the first intake of the program will need to re-apply to participate in this current intake. The grant can be used for rent, utilities, wages, personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitizing equipment, or other business expenses incurred.
“I am very pleased to see an additional $3 million made available to support local businesses and organizations impacted by the most recent provincial health orders,” said Councillor Scott Gillingham, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Finance. “Businesses and nonprofits are doing their part in the community’s fight against COVID-19 but many of them have been financially hurt by public health orders. For some, the City’s COVID-19 Economic Support Grant Program can help them survive another month and increase their chances of making it through the pandemic.”
“The Cre8ery is not able to open because of the current public health restrictions and it’s a bit scary for us, having operated for almost 15 years now while supporting over 200 local artists a year,” said Jordan Miller, Executive Director, Cre8ery Gallery and Studio. “Doing what we do is challenging even without a pandemic. This grant program is needed to cover what we’ve lost in studio rentals and we hope it helps keep our doors open when restrictions end.”
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.
Program application deadline for the second intake is July 31, 2021. Eligible applications will be prioritized on a first come, first serve basis.
