Our Economic Development team is available at ecdevinfo@cityofgp.com for local businesses who would like assistance navigating ongoing provincial measures.
Businesses and self-employed people looking for the right programs and services to support their operations can use Federal government's Business Benefit Finder which can be accessed at this link.
Municipal (City of Grande Prairie)
Barrier-Free Grant
The Barrier-Free Grant is designed to promote a business environment that is accessible to all residents, visitors and employees, through financial incentives for commercial property and business owners to invest in Accessibility Improvement Projects. The Barrier-Free Grant is a matching grant that will provide 50% of project costs up to a maximum of $10,000 for eligible Accessibility Improvement Projects.
More information available here.
Beautification & Patio Grant
Businesses financially impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for a grant matching up to 50% of Project Costs to a maximum $15,000 for any Façade improvement, landscaping or patio project that improves aesthetic appeal, pedestrian access and safety according to the Program Guidelines.
More information available here.
Local Marketing Grant
Businesses financially impacted by COVID-19 may be eligible for a grant matching up to 50% of Project Costs, to a maximum of $2,500 for the creation of a marketing plan or marketing content.
A grant equal to 75% Project Costs, to a maximum of $7,500 for the creation of a collaborative marketing plan project promoting three or more businesses.
More information available here.
Training Grant
A grant equal to 25% of Registration Costs for owner and/or employee Training and Education Initiatives over $300 per person to a maximum grant amount of $2,500 per business; OR a grant equal to 50% of Registration Costs for owner and/or employee Training and Education Initiatives $300 or less per person to a maximum grant amount of $1,250 per business.
More information available here.
Change of Use Fee Waiver
A fee waiver for drinking establishments seeking to allow minors during the day is available. The fee waiver reduces costs for businesses diversifying their operations. The waiver may be applied retroactively as a reimbursement of fees for applications received after October 5, 2020. Download the Change of Use Fee Waiver Application Form
Provincial
Enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit
Starting in mid-April, the Enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit will provide payments of up to $10,000 to eligible small and medium businesses most affected by the pandemic and ongoing public health restrictions.
The benefit will provide funding to businesses that have experienced a revenue reduction of at least 60%. Payments will be calculated based on 15% of the eligible business’s monthly revenue, up to a maximum of $10,000.
Visit the Government of Alberta's Enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit page for more information.
Alberta Biz Connect
For other supports available from the Government of Alberta, visit Alberta Biz Connect.
Federal
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Canadian employers who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of your employee wages, retroactive to March 15.
More information available here.
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021.
More information available here.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) interest-free loans
The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) provides interest-free, partially forgivable, loans of up to $40,000, to small businesses and not-for-profits, that have experienced diminished revenues due to COVID-19 but face ongoing non-deferrable costs, such as rent, utilities, insurance, taxes and wages.
Business owners can apply for support until December 31, 2020 through their banks and credit unions.
More information available here.
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
For general information and other supports available from the Government of Canada, visit Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP)
The HASCAP Loans program is designed to provide guaranteed, low interest, loans between $25,000 to $1 million to Canadian small businesses that were heavily impacted by COVID-19 and who have seen their revenues decrease by 50% or more. These funds are intended to assist with operational cash-flow needs. Consult with your primary financial provider to see if you qualify and/or to apply.
More information available here.
The City of Grande Prairie, County of Grande Prairie and Grande Prairie and District Chamber of Commerce have launched a joint task force to support businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
The partners are meeting daily as the situation and business needs rapidly evolve. The coordinated regional response is aimed at business and economic recovery and will be introducing new initiatives as needs emerge.
View the full media release here.
For a list of supports available to businesses during the pandemic, visit www.grandeprairiechamber.com/covid-19-business-resiliency/.
Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region are now offering loans through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund to small and medium business owners impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund provides funding to support businesses that have not been approved for supports through the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) or the Emergency Loan Program delivered through Aboriginal Financial Institutions.
The Alberta Government is providing $30 million to municipalities, charitable and non-profit organizations to provide social services to individuals, seniors, families and other vulnerable Albertans who are isolated or impacted by measures to contain COVID-19.
These organizations will support a range of services needed from at-home help for seniors, crisis and helplines, food security issues, emotional and mental health counselling or any other identified community issues related to COVID-19.
Charitable and non-profit organizations are encouraged to connect directly with their local FCSS program to receive the funding guidelines and grant criteria. FCSS offices will accept the applications on behalf of Community and Social Services and forward them to the Province for deliberation.
On May 19, 2020, the Government of Canada announced a new Emergency Community Support Fund to provide support to charities and non-profit organizations serving vulnerable populations.
Funds are being distributed through three national networks: Community Foundations of Canada, United Way Centraide Canada and the Canadian Red Cross.
More information available here.
