The Manitoba government is introducing the Sector Support Program to provide up to $22 million in further support for businesses affected by the most recent COVID-19 public health orders.
“The year-end holidays are the busiest time of the year for many businesses and organizations across the province, and they may now be impacted by the latest public health orders put in place to protect Manitobans as we monitor the potential impacts of the new COVID-19 variant,” said Economic Development and Jobs Minister Jon Reyes. “To offset this impact, our government is pleased to provide financial support to help assist Manitoba businesses the flexibility to deploy resources where needed the most and sustain their businesses in the coming weeks.”
The ministers noted the support would help approximately 1,800 businesses through various levels of available funding, depending on the number of employees on their last payrolls before the public health orders took effect on Dec. 21.
“The restaurant industry province-wide has faced significant challenges in the past 20 months during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ravi Ramberran, owner, St. James Burger and Chip Co. in Winnipeg. “I am thankful to the government for this program and I encourage Manitobans to support local restaurants and other businesses in Manitoba moving forward.”
An online assessment tool will be available by the end of the busy holiday period, and until Jan. 31, 2022, to help business owners determine their level of eligibility for the Sector Support Program. Businesses can apply for grants based on the number of employees:
- one to nine employees – $3,000;
- 10 to 19 employees – $6,000;
- 20 to 49 employees – $9,000; and
- more than 50 employees – $12,000.
The program is available to businesses such as restaurants, hotels and bars that provide dine-in food services, fitness and recreation facilities, movie theatres, performance venues and museums.
Food service establishments will be encouraged to donate any surplus food to local food banks and other organizations that provide meals to Manitobans in need.
“Our government’s foremost priority is to protect the health and well-being of all Manitobans,” said Finance Minister Scott Fielding. “We remain committed to working with businesses provincewide to help them continue to provide employment and quality goods and services and we support their efforts when they face extraordinary challenges.”
To date, the Manitoba government has provided more than $650 million in various supports to businesses affected by the pandemic including:
- Bridge Grant program, $79 million;
- Healthy Hire program, $38 million;
- Essential Air Services, $9 million; and
- Pandemic Sick Leave program, initially $5 million, now $10 million with an extension to the end of March 2022.
More information on the Sector Support Program is available at manitoba.ca.
