Town Launches COVID Relaunch Fund

The Town of Essex launched a grant program this week to assist local business owners in adapting their operations and facilities to deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.

Town Council supported the creation of a $100,000 fund for the Business Relaunch grant program at a Special Meeting on Monday, June 29. The program will provide up to $500 to each business to offset the costs of reopening.

“As we move into reopening, this grant will ensure local businesses can do so safely,” said Nelson Silveira, Economic Development Officer. “The program is designed to reduce the burden on local businesses who provide valuable goods and services to our community.”

Under the program, grants will cover up to $500 of the costs associated with implementing measures to minimize the risk of virus transmission, such as physical barriers and protective shielding, in order to comply with the recommendations set out by the Windsor Essex County Health Unit. Businesses who have already undertaken protective measures may also be eligible for reimbursement.

“This is an investment not just in our local businesses, but also in the safety of our community,” said Mayor Larry Snively. “All of us, as members of this community, have a responsibility to do everything we can to stop the spread, and we appreciate all the hard work that has gone into getting us where we are today.”

To be eligible, businesses must be located in the Town of Essex; be a registered business (sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation); be a business assessed in the commercial class or a non-profit, charitable, cultural organization with a physical location. Franchises, home-based businesses, and online-only stores are not eligible.

Businesses will also be required to submit documentation related to their purchases.

Local businesses are invited to apply for the grant at www.essex.ca/RelaunchGrant.