The B.C. government is topping up a grant program that helps businesses set up an online presence to sell their products.

The Online Launch Grant program has had $30 million added to it, after $12 million was injected into it on Feb. 3. Of that, $9 million will be dedicated for businesses owned by black or Indigenous residents or other persons of colour, as well as for rural businesses.

Premier John Horgan says all $12 million from the first round of funding has been used.

He also says the program will also now help businesses that sell services, when the first intake was only for businesses that sold goods.

“I know, in my own household, there’s an apprehension about online shopping. We like to go to into the local businesses in our community. But those local businesses are now going online to keep alive. And I want to encourage people to always shop locally of course, but you don’t have to go into the storefront anymore to do your shopping. You can go online.”

Each business can access up to $7,500 to start or expand their online business presence, meaning this new funding commitment could support up to 4,000 businesses in the province.

More than 3,500 businesses applied for the first round of funding.

Business owners interested in the program can apply for funding by clicking here.

(Photo: B.C. Government)