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Every year Small Business Week offers an opportunity to celebrate Canada's hard working entrepreneurs and their invaluable contributions to the community.
From Oct. 17-23, BC is recognizing the more than 500,000 small businesses who continue to adapt throughout the pandemic to keep people safe and provide services that the public can rely on.
“The pandemic has tested each and every small business in every part of this province,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation.
“This week allows us to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the significant efforts and determination of our small businesses. From shifting sales to online platforms to the successful implementation of the BC vaccine card, small businesses continue to support their communities through these difficult times. I encourage everyone to show your appreciation this week, and all weeks, by supporting local businesses in your community.”
Throughout the pandemic, the province has provided financial support to industries and businesses that have faced financial challenges and hardships.
The Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery and the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grants alone has now committed more than half a billion dollars to support BC businesses.
More than 90% of successful Small and Medium Sized Businesses Recovery Grant recipients and 99% of the successful Circuit Break Business Relief Grant recipients have received their one-time payment to help keep staff working, implement safety protocols and adapt or innovate their services.
The average grant amount from the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery is approximately $19,000, with more than $437 million committed to helping 22,639 businesses in BC.
With the Circuit Breaker Business relief grant being a little less, averaging about $9,000 per grant to nearly 10,000 businesses.
“We built these grant programs with input from the business community,” Kahlon said. “I want to thank everyone who came to the table to make these grant programs a success. As we continue to recover from this pandemic and build a stronger BC for everyone, we are committed to continuing to invest in people, BC businesses and our communities.”
We want to thank business owners for their continued support in implementing the BC Vaccine Card and other safety measures. This Small Business Week, show your gratitude by supporting the business owners who have helped us through these difficult times. https://t.co/PBbkJFeGer pic.twitter.com/xQDUTAtIhI
— BC Government News (@BCGovNews) October 18, 2021
To further support people adapting to the post pandemic economy, the province is funding business owners and staff to take the Alacrity Canada’s Digital Marketing Bootcamp. An online course that provides information on enhancing digital marketing skills, and learning to connect with consumers.
Nearly 6,000 people will have completed the course by March of 2022, and the program remains open to applicants.
Over the course of the Small Business Week, entrepreneurs can also take part in free webinars offering educational tools to help businesses rebuild and recover from the pandemic.
Learn more about the loans and grant disbursements for BC businesses here.