COVID-19: High demand leads B.C. to increase funding for Launch Online Grant program | FULL

The B.C. government is investing an additional $30 million to help local businesses transition to online and e-commerce business. The Launch Online Grant program provides up to $7,500 to businesses to help build or expand an e-commerce site. The province forecasts these changes will help approximately 4,000 more businesses market their products and services online. "Many small businesses have had to change the way they operate as more and more people shifted to online purchasing during the pandemic. Our government has been there to help these businesses adapt," Premier John Horgan said. "By expanding eligibility to our successful launch online program, more B.C. small businesses from the hardest-hit sectors will have access to the tools they need to boost their online presence, grow their e-commerce capacity and become more resilient as we build toward a brighter future." The provincially originally earmarked $12 million to help 1,500 businesses enhance or establish their online presence. Currently, more than 3,500 businesses from around the province have applied. Businesses in the hard-hit tourism sector, like tour operators or hotels, and businesses in the service industry, such as massage therapists, personal trainers and hairstylists, can now access the grants. The eligibility changes will ensure 30 per cent of grant funds will be reserved for businesses owned by Black, Indigenous and people of colour (BIPOC). This is expanded from the original 30 per cent of grant funds that were reserved for Indigenous and rural businesses. For more details: https://globalnews.ca/news/7702330/bc... Subscribe to Global News Channel HERE: http://bit.ly/20fcXDc Like Global News on Facebook HERE: http://bit.ly/255GMJQ Follow Global News on Twitter HERE: http://bit.ly/1Toz8mt Follow Global News on Instagram HERE: https://bit.ly/2QZaZIB #coronavirus #covid19 #bcpoli #cdnpoli #GlobalNews