WELLINGTON COUNTY – The County of Wellington’s economic development department is offering to help local business owners find relief and support programs to deal with the impact of the current provincial COVID-19 lockdown.
In a special bulletin issued on Dec. 24, the department notes shutdown measures impacting businesses include:
– in-person shopping is prohibited for most retail settings (curbside pickup/delivery is allowed);
– discount/big box retailers that sell groceries will be limited to 25% capacity for in-store shopping;
– supermarkets, grocery stores and similar stores that primarily sell food and pharmacies will continue to operate at 50% capacity for in-store shopping; and
– indoor/outdoor dining is prohibited (take out/drive-through and delivery allowed).
A wide range of other measures impacting specific types of business are also in force, the county notes.
More detailed measures and information can be found on the Ontario COVID-19: Province-wide Shutdown website.
County economic development officials state the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) will be a key “lifeline to support businesses and not-for-profit organizations affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19, that are unable to access other federal relief measures, or require additional support.”
Through the program, loans of up to $40,000 are available for businesses and social enterprises. Loans are interest free for two years with the opportunity to have 25% (up to $10,000) forgivable.
Business Training and Consulting Grants are also now available.
This grant funding focuses on providing technical and professional training/consulting services to help businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Businesses located in Centre Wellington, Mapleton, Guelph-Eramosa, Erin or Puslinch can access information or apply to the RRRF or Business Training and Consulting grants through Wellington Waterloo Community Futures.
Businesses located in Minto and Wellington North can apply through the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation.
Local officials note details on an Ontario Small Business Support Grant program are expected to be released soon.
The grants will provide help for small businesses that are required to close or significantly restrict services under the current shutdown.
Currently available business assistance includes:
– Ontario’s Main Street Relief Grant, which provides small businesses with assistance with unexpected PPE costs; and
– property tax and energy bill rebates available through the province.
More information
Wellington County businesses looking for information on business resources or support can contact director of economic development Crystal Ellis at 519-837-2600 ext. 2525 or crystale@wellington.ca.
