Manitoba has announced $120 million to support small and medium-sized businesses across the province.
Manitoba businesses that might not qualify for federal support can apply for the new Manitoba Gap Protection Program (MGPP).
Premier Brian Pallister says small businesses will be the key to Manitoba bouncing back from this crisis.
The MGPP program will offer each eligible business the non-interest bearing forgivable MGPP loan of $6,000.
To be eligible for the MGPP funding, a business must:
• have been operational on March 20, 2020, the date the Manitoba government declared a province-wide state of emergency under The Emergency Measures Act because of COVID-19;
• have temporarily ceased or curtailed operations as a result of a COVID-19 public health order and have been harmed by the health order;
• be registered and in good standing with the Manitoba Business and Corporate Registry;
• have not qualified for federal government COVID-19 grant support; and
• have an email address and a bank account.
Pallister acknowledges the concerns of non-essential businesses that hope to reopen as soon as possible, but could not yet offer a timeline.
“Small businesses that haven’t been on the essential services list are itching to get back open. In terms of reopening, that’s what we’re wanting to develop and share with Manitobans. I think we’re nearing a point where we can share this information with Manitobans.”
With today’s announcement addressing “gaps” in support for Manitoba’s small businesses, the premier told CKDM the agriculture industry, and specifically potato farming, is another key area of focus.
