The City of Regina is stepping up its support of local small businesses that are struggling to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Starting Tuesday, businesses can start applying for the second phase of the Regina Economic Recovery Grant, which was created in August to help businesses adapt to COVID restrictions.
The fund helps support changes in businesses models, such as purchasing computers to allow employees to work from home or upgrading a website, as well as costs related to the COVID restrictions, like personal protective equipment or cleaning supplies.
“Since initiating the program with Phase 1 in August, approximately $278,500 has been distributed to 127 local businesses to assist with expenses related to COVID-19,” Mayor Sandra Masters said in a media release.
“Now, Phase 2 will focus on supporting longer-term initiatives and larger investments that businesses are undertaking to become more sustainable or significantly alter their operations for the future.”
The second phase will see the level of support from the city increase, from a maximum of $10,000 to $25,000. The funds are matching, so the city will be helping split the business’ costs.
This second phase was originally supposed to start in January, but the city bumped it up to recognize the ongoing financial hardship small businesses are facing. New applications will be opened every Tuesday.