BC businesses can now apply for Circuit Breaker relief grant

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Eligible bars, breweries, wineries, gyms and fitness centres in BC can now apply for the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant.

The provincial government said today that the grant will provide affected businesses with one-time funding to help with expenses like rent, insurance, employee wages, maintenance and utilities. It can also help cover unexpected costs, such as the purchase of perishable goods, that resulted from COVID-19 restrictions.

Businesses affected by the March 30, 2021, provincial health orders will be eligible to receive between $1,000 and $10,000 in grant funding.

The Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant is open to eligible businesses of any size that have been in operation since February 1, 2021.

To be eligible, a business is required to:

Confirm it has been affected by the recent provincial health orders
Provide electronic banking information
Confirm it is registered as a BC business
Produce a business validation document, such as a business licence, liquor licence, notice of assessment or lease agreement
Confirm majority ownership and operations and payment of taxes in BC

In its announcement, the province noted that businesses that have been closed or had their licences revoked due to provincial health order non-compliance are not eligible for this grant.

Applications will remain open until June 4, 2021, or until the grant funds are disbursed, and further information as well as eligibility criteria is available on the government’s website.

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BC officials implemented three-week “circuit breaker” restrictions at the end of last month in an effort to curb surging COVID-19 cases in the province.

Among the restrictions: restaurants, bars, and pubs, all food and liquor-serving premises must be takeout only, except for patios. Indoor, adult group fitness activities of any kind are paused in gyms, fitness studios, and dance studios, as well.

The restrictions are in place until April 19.