City of Regina launches recovery grant program for businesses

A new program came into effect Monday to help Regina businesses cover expenses created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The City of Regina’s Economic Recovery Grant program started accepting applications at 9 a.m. Businesses can apply to receive matching grants from the city to help pay expenses related to the pandemic.

The city is to provide up to $2 million in funding from its general fund reserve.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a clear impact on every business in Regina and beyond,” Mayor Michael Fougere said in a media release. “Vibrant local businesses are essential to our city’s growth and economic diversity, and I am proud of council’s commitment to providing this much-needed assistance as they make changes to respond to this new reality.”

Phase 1 of the program offers grants of $1,000, $2,500 and $5,000. That money is to go toward short-term needs and the resumption of operations, such as the purchase of personal protective equipment and other supplies. That phase is to run until Dec. 31.

Phase 2 is to begin in January and is to focus on what the city called “longer-term diversification initiatives that will support business sustainability.” The matching grants are up to a maximum of $25,000.

Applications are available online and will be received every Monday starting at 9 a.m. for 24 hours or until 40 have been submitted.

For more information or to apply, click here.