B.C. businesses like bars and gyms that were ordered to close until Jan. 18 will be eligible for a new COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant.

Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon says the one-time grant of up to $10,000 can be used for things like rent, wages, and utility costs.

“Since the outset of the pandemic, our government has said that we’ll be there for businesses and people. That is what this grant is all about, helping these businesses in time of need,” he said Thursday.

“Relief grants will be between $1,000 and $10,000 [and it] will be provided to eligible businesses based on their number of employees following the similar formula that we used for the previous circuit breaker relief grant programs which supported businesses in spring of 2021.”

Applications for the grant will begin next month, and Kahlon said businesses that have applied for other grants in the past will have their applications “streamlined”.

“I wanted to share this news with you today so that businesses know that financial support is on its way, and that we are committed to helping them through these very difficult times,” he said.

Kahlon says when fully expensed, this new grant program will cost the provincial government about $10 million.

More information on how to apply will be made available over the next couple of weeks.