By Josh Hall

relief

Town of Ponoka creates grant for businesses hit hard by COVID-19

Dec 10, 2020 | 4:10 PM

The Town of Ponoka is lending a hand to local businesses hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This week, town council approved a new $50,000 Hardship Grant to those whose bottom lines are affected the most.

“It’s all about doing everything we can to help our local businesses that are struggling right now due to COVID-19,” said Ponoka Mayor Rick Bonnett. “Local businesses are the economic engine that drive our local economy by generating jobs and economic growth in our community. The Town wants to help these businesses that are struggling most during the pandemic to help reduce some of the financial stress they are experiencing and hopefully help them to survive the financial impacts of COVID-19.”

The $50,000 will be shared among eligible in-town businesses who apply, with requirements being the following:

-Must physically reside and operate in the town of Ponoka

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-Must hold a Town of Ponoka business licence for 2020

-Must be planning to hold a Town of Ponoka business licence for 2021, or be exempt from requiring one

-Must have been significantly impacted financially by COVID-19 by way of full or partial closure, permanent or temporary layoff of staff, reduced business hours, and decreased revenue.

According to the Town, 62 per cent of 2020 Town business licences issued are of the commercial, in-town variety, while others that may qualify for the gran are automotive, home office, home business and trade.

Apply on the Town of Ponoka website or request a paper copy by phoning 403-783-0127.