C-K’s Small Business Recovery Grant open for applications
Jenna Cocullo, Local Journalism Initiative
There is no word yet on when Stage 3 of Ontario’s reopening strategy will commence, according to Chatham-Kent’s medical officer of health.
At a press briefing on Thursday, Dr. David Colby said when Stage 3 does happen he wants residents to remain vigilant and respect social distancing “until we get a vaccine.”
“My only concern is that this pandemic is not over and I don’t want people to get the idea that it is over,” Colby said. “Remember that this all started with a very small number of cases at the beginning. And we had quite a situation to deal with for a while there. Nothing compared to some other jurisdictions, but still very concerning.”
Meanwhile, some gyms across the region have been taking advantage of looser COVID-19 restrictions by offering outdoor classes with 10 people or less. Currently the only people allowed indoors at gymnasiums are serious competitive athletes.
Several Chatham-Kent gyms said they are focusing on getting ready for Stage 3 of reopening which includes recreation and fitness facilities.
“We’re not looking to do outdoor stuff in the initial phase,” said Amy Wadsworth, general manager of Chatham-Kent’s YMCA. “We’re looking to get facilities as ready as possible for when we get to Phase 3, like enhanced cleaning, safety and glass protection.”
Josh Blair, owner of Blairs’ Bootcamp Fitness & Training, said outdoor classes are just not worth it from a business perspective. But the small company is providing free workout videos through their social media accounts.
“For us right now we decided that because there’s only a limit of 10, it does not make sense to open up. It would be very difficult for us to provide service that we would like to provide for people,” he said. “We will probably consider it if it (Stage 2) carries on longer. We do realize a lot of eyes are on the situation and want to make sure we are diligent in following all the protocols.”
In the meantime, Blair also recommends “going back to basics” for those itching to workout.
“Move outside, walk the dog, do things that people did before fancy gyms came into play,” he said.
As a small business owner Blair said they are definitely “feeling the pinch” of COVID-19’s financial impacts.
Recently the municipality launched a $200,000 grant program to help local businesses as they prepare to reopen during the pandemic. Applications opened on Thursday, July 2 and will last until July 16.
During this week’s council meeting Chatham Coun. Brock McGregor successfully entered a motion to make not-for-profits and charities eligible for the fund.
At the meeting, criteria for the Small Business Recovery Grant, which will provide owners with a maximum of $5,000, was also approved.
- Businesses must be located in Chatham-Kent;
- Business annual sales must be less than $5 million;
- Business has been adversely affected due to COVID-19 pandemic and were not experiencing financial hardship prior to March 17th, 2020;
- Applicants have been unable to access other forms of relief or supports, or were ineligible;
- Business has not previously claimed bankruptcy or if so, when and proof of discharge can be provided;
- Business is not party to any outstanding claims or lawsuits;
- Business must pay commercial taxes or rent;
- Is a sole proprietorship, partnership or a corporation where the applicant is a majority; shareholder (if incorporated and grant funding is in personal name); OR a not-for-profit or registered charity;
- Is a not-for-profit or other registered charity;
- If applicant owns multiple businesses, only one of the businesses may apply to be eligible for the grant;
- Locally owned franchises are eligible should they meet all other criteria;
- Maintains a separate business bank account separate from personal finances, follows government rules and regulations for operating a business.
