Help yourselves by helping small businesses
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/12/2020 (911 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
These past few months have been difficult for us all as we navigate these challenging times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We recognize that small businesses and organizations have sacrificed greatly in order to help fight the spread of the virus. Since the very start of the pandemic, our government’s top priority has been to protect the health and safety of all Manitobans while supporting small business and the economy.
In order to help businesses bridge these unprecedented times, our government has recently established the Manitoba bridge grant program, which provides $5,000 one-time grant for businesses, not-for-profits and charities that have been required to close due to the pandemic lockdown measures.
Businesses and organizations that were actively conducting business in the province immediately prior to the implementation of Manitoba COVID-19 prevention orders are able to apply for one immediate $5,000 grant per business number.
Should the public health orders remain in place past Jan. 1, 2021, the Manitoba bridge frant may be extended to provide an additional $5,000 to eligible organizations.
The program’s application deadline is Dec.15. For more information on how to apply, please visit: www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/programs/bridge-grant.html
In addition, the province recently announced that it will advance payments through the Back to Work in Manitoba wage subsidy, which encourages employers to bring back employees or make new hires.
Eligible employers that applied to the program on or before Nov. 9 can receive an advance payment of $1,500 per eligible worker hired or rehired under the program. Employers can also now use the subsidy to rehire workers laid off because of public health restrictions.
Continuing to support our small business community is paramount at this time. That’s why Sat., Nov. 28 was designated Small Business Saturday to help encourage Manitobans to support small businesses online and using curbside pickup wherever possible.
Local businesses are finding creative and innovative ways to safely offer products and services to customers through online storefronts, curbside pickup and delivery. There are still plenty of ways to shop local and support local this holiday season.
We know that ultimately the best thing we can do for our community and local businesses is to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Please follow the advice of Dr. Roussin and our healthcare leaders and stay home in order to protect our most vulnerable Manitobans, and if you are able, please consider shopping local to support our small businesses during these challenging times.
Jeff Wharton
Red River North constituency report
Jeff Wharton is the PC MLA for Red River North.