Thousands of job creators access relaunch grant
2020-07-31
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Funding has helped thousands of businesses safely open and hire and rehire staff since the program began accepting applications on June 29. In the first month of the program, almost 7,700 applications have been processed with more than 6,700 grants issued.

Businesses, cooperatives and non-profits across sectors have received funding, with the majority of applications so far coming from job creators in the retail, personal services, accommodation and food services, and health-care and social assistance sectors.

“We are supporting the jobs that depend on the successful relaunch and recovery of Alberta’s small and medium-sized businesses – they are the backbone of our economy, and they support jobs Alberta families depend on. Our focus remains on ensuring a safe relaunch to get Albertans back to work and our economy back on track.”

Tanya Fir, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism

The Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant offers financial assistance to Alberta businesses, cooperatives and non-profit organizations with fewer than 500 employees that faced restrictions or closures from public health orders, and experienced a revenue loss of at least 50 per cent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Job creators that meet the program’s eligibility criteria can apply for up to $5,000 in funding, which can offset the costs they are facing as they reopen their doors. This includes the costs of implementing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as physical barriers, PPE and cleaning supplies, as well as rent, employee wages, replacing inventory and more.

The program launched with a budget of up to $200 million.

Application intake will remain open until Aug. 31, or for four weeks following the start of Stage Three of Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy – whichever is later.

Full program details, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, are outlined on the program web page.

Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure we are benefitting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth. Alberta came together to save lives by flattening the curve and now we must do the same to save livelihoods, grow and thrive.

Alberta's Recovery Plan


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