Municipal District of Bonnyville Media Release
M.D. of Bonnyville, Town of Bonnyville and Lakeland Community Futures
Collaborate on Regional COVID-19 Relief Program
March 12, 2021 — The Municipal District of Bonnyville, Town of Bonnyville and Community Futures Lakeland are collaborating on a Regional COVID-19 Relief Program (RCRP) for small to medium-sized businesses based in the M.D. and Town.
The partners have allocated $66,000 for small and medium-sized businesses to help offset some costs associated with operating in the current pandemic such as expenditures related to marketing, accounting, other business services, and personal protective equipment (PPE). In addition, the program is looking to the future by providing funding for businesses to become more e-commerce ready, and helping small farm producers and local artisans with an annual membership to a new Community Futures Farm-to-Table initiative.
The M.D. and Town financial contributions to RCRP is being funded through a grant from the Government of Alberta’s Municipal Operating Support Transfer (MOST) program.
“Businesses in our region are struggling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the many additional costs placed upon them” said M.D. Reeve Greg Sawchuk. “In addition, the multi-year slowdown in the oil and gas industry has compounded problems for many businesses. This program is not just for storefront businesses — agricultural operations are also eligible to apply.”
“This fund will assist businesses with their operational costs at the end of a difficult year, and also allow some companies to transition a portion of their business to an online platform,” added Town of Bonnyville Mayor Gene Sobolewski.
The recently launched program is open until March 26 and will operate on a first come, first served basis.
Application forms can be found here.
Completed application forms can be sent to Mark Laver, Economic Development Officer.