The Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant opens today

Applications are now being accepted for the spring 2021 payment from Alberta’s small business grant.

Earlier this month, the Alberta government announced that the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant program has been reopened for a new payment to businesses affected by the April 2021 public health orders. This means eligible organizations can now apply for this additional COVID-19 relief funding.

“We have to be there to help small businesses in Alberta get to the other side of this pandemic,” Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation said. “With the expansion of the relaunch grant, we are helping small businesses make it through the third wave of COVID-19. We know the past year has not been easy and are grateful for what all small businesses in Alberta have done to help protect the lives of Albertans in their communities.”

The Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant (SMERG) offers financial assistance to Alberta businesses, cooperatives, and non-profit organizations with fewer than 500 employees that have faced restrictions or closures due to COVID-related public health orders, and have experienced revenue losses of at least 30 per cent. Hotels, taxis, and ride-sharing services are also now eligible for this payment.

As of April 22, Alberta’s government has provided more than $527 million to more than 40,400 small businesses through the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant.

Eligible organizations will receive a payment of up to $10,000, which follows the previous intake that provided up to $20,000. Funds can be used to:

• Cover costs of items that help prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies.
• Pay rent, employee wages, or replace inventory.
• Help businesses expand their online presence or e-commerce opportunities so that they can continue to serve customers.

Application intake for the Small and Medium Enterprise Launch Spring 2021 Payment opens today April 23 and will be open until May 31 with a budget of $350.

Money received under SMERG does not need to be repaid.

arthur@lakelandconnect.thedev.ca