On Wednesday (Feb. 17), Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced up to $10,000 for hard-hit businesses will be available through the Enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit.

The Premier said the province knows there will be some Albertan businesses that will still need help until the province receives the COVID-19 vaccine from the Federal government.

He said the benefit will ensure businesses hit hard by the pandemic continue to have access to critical support to help them survive in the pandemic.

“Business owners can use this money to support their needs, whether it’s paying wages, playing for cleaning supplies, inventory, or preparing for a safe reopening,” Kenney said.

The Premier noted that small and medium-sized businesses account for 99 per cent of all business and over half of the jobs in the province.

The new benefit will provide up to $10,000 for businesses that have experienced a 60 per cent or more drop in revenue.

Payments under the Enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit will be available in April 2021 following the conclusion of the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant program.

The benefit provides financial assistance to Alberta businesses, cooperatives and non-profit organizations with fewer than 500 employees.