The Manitoba government has expanded its Bridge Grant program to now include home-based businesses.

The program first announced on November 10, 2020, would provide $5,000 upfront to businesses, not-for-profits and charities that were ordered to close under public health orders.

Initially the program covered businesses with physical storefronts like restaurants, bars, recreation and sports facilities, museums, theatres and organizations such as charities, not-for-profits and faith-based organizations.

“The Manitoba Bridge Grant is being expanded to help even more of our small businesses make it through this critical time and bridge to the future by covering some of their business costs and financial pressures created by public health orders,” said Premier Brian Pallister.

The expanded program recognizes that not all small businesses operate out of a storefront and is designed to help those businesses who were left out of the first round of funding with up to $5,000.

Businesses like event planners, photographers, artists and tradespeople, as well as other types of businesses who do not operate a retail location can receive up to 10% of their most recent calendar year revenue to a maximum $5,000.

Intake to the program begins on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at noon.

Those eligible can apply at http://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/programs/bridge-grant.html

© News4.ca 2020