Intake period set to begin for small business recovery grants

The intake period for the small business recovery grants in Chatham-Kent is set to begin on Thursday, July 2, 2020.

Applications will be accepted until July 10 and they can be submitted online through www.investCK.ca once the program opens.

“The small business recovery grant committee recognizes the financial strain the COVID-19 pandemic has had on all forms of businesses, not-for profits, and all levels of government,” a Municipality of Chatham-Kent information report says.

“Given the limited resources of this program and the expected high demand, the committee is recommending that the program be targeted to small, for profit businesses operating within Chatham-Kent.”

Chatham-Kent Council gave the go ahead to the $200,000 COVID-19 small business recovery grant program at their last meeting, held electronically on June 15, 2020.

Council is set to receive the information report at their Monday, June 29, 2020 virtual meeting.

“The focus of the program is small for-profit businesses with sales less than $5-million per year which were viable, with no going concern issues, prior to the declared state of emergency on March 17, 2020,” the information report states.

“The business must own or lease a property within Chatham-Kent in the Commercial tax class. For applicants who own multiple businesses, only one business may apply and be eligible for the grant. Businesses must be able to demonstrate the financial hardship that the COVID-19 emergency has had on their business. Supporting documentation may be requested and reviewed by the committee in evaluating the application.”

The full requirements, eligibility criteria, and application process are attached included in the information report, which can be read, here.

The committee consists of the following members: Jamie Rainbird, manager of economic development services; Matt Torrance, director of financial services; Audrey Ansell, manager of community attraction and promotion; and Donna Pollock, executive director for the Community Futures Development Corporation of Chatham-Kent.

“The Chatham-Kent Economic Recovery Task Force Chairs were consulted during the preparation of this report,” the information report states.

The Council meeting begins at 6 p.m.

A livestream of the electronic meeting will be available at:

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