Small and medium-sized businesses, including faith-based businesses, that were forced to close can now apply for a provincial grant.

Premier Brian Pallister previously announced a new grant fund, the Manitoba Bridge Grant, to help cover the costs after asking businesses to close its doors, potentially for four weeks, to in-person shopping.

“The best thing we can do for our businesses is to bend our COVID curve down," Pallister says. "Manitobans can safely show their support for our local businesses through online shopping and curb-side pickup and delivery options.” 

The Premier says the province will be giving a $5,000 grant to organizations, such as not-for-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, and registered charities if they qualify. 

This grant is for businesses that were forced to close due to public health orders enacted on November 12. The business must have been in operation on November 9.

The province says the grant is taxable income.

Those looking to apply must do so by December 15.