Prince George Chamber of Commerce CEO Todd Corrigall believes a little bit more could have been done to revamp the Business Recovery Grant from the province.
The previous requirement for a business to have experienced at least a 70% revenue loss at some point in March or April of last year has been adjusted.
Now, a business is required to demonstrate only a 30% revenue loss in any one month between last March to the point of application.
Corrigall told MyPGNow.com while the application process remains cumbersome for many businesses, there is one adjustment that could make life a lot easier.
“There is two thousand dollars of support within the grant to be paid to a bookkeeper or an accountant or a professional services firm to help put that application together. So, that is an important piece.”
“What we had heard from members was the challenges in acquiring the information that was required through this application process was quite cumbersome and presented some other challenges.”
Downtown Prince George President Eoin Foley believes the reduced revenue loss threshold should make a big difference to many local businesses.
“It will be a greatly welcomed addition to them especially the lowered barriers to access this grant. There were previously major detours and barriers in accessing this grant so far and that why is we have seen such a low intake on this recovery benefit.”
“It’s going to be able to reach a hell of a lot more businesses than it has when compared to some of the other federal grants and loans that have been available and have had a huge impact. This provincial grant has not taken off because of certain barriers.”
“Hopefully, this will reach a lot more bank accounts for businesses who really need it.”
The time to apply for the grant program has been extended from March 31st to August 31st.
Grants of up to $30,000 are available with an additional five to fifteen grand up for grabs for tourism-related businesses.