More small businesses in Kamloops and across B.C. can now access COVID-19 relief funding.

Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon has announced the Recovery Grant program has been topped up with $300 million, between now and March 31 or sooner, if all the money is applied for by then.

Kahlon says businesses can now apply if they’ve lost 30 per cent of revenue and have been operating for 18 months. Before today, businesses had to have lost 50 per cent of revenue and been open for three years.

“We have one of the most comprehensive plans in the country in my opinion to support people and businesses. And we’re going to continue to do that. It’s a priority for us as government. And so in the next budget if we find there’s needs – which I suspect there will be – we’ll continue to find ways to support people along that way.”

Each business can access between $10,000 and $30,000, except for tourism businesses which can receive up to $45,000 under the current program.

Eligible businesses can apply for the grant money by clicking here.