The city of Regina continues to help businesses hit hard by COVID-19 by offering financial support so they can reshape their operations and services.

Phase 2 of the Regina Economic Grant Recovery program is underway after Phase 1 saw $688,000 in funding handed out to 185 businesses of all sizes.

“Many businesses are finding a way to adapt so they can operate safely”. Deborah Bryden, the director of assessment and property revenue services said. “It is not a life-saver, but I certainly think it has been helpful when it comes to jobs, financial sustainability, diversification and other things.”

One business that has benefitted is Cathedral Social Hall in downtown Regina.  Owner Mike Tate says if it weren’t for this program and others, he wonders if he would still have a business today. Knowing that he had to adapt, Tate says they have started doing something which has become popular since the pandemic started.

“With the success of take-out business right now with people  staying at home and ordering delivery or having pick-up, we decided to start a Brooklyn-style thin crust pizza business called Peaks Pizza.” Tate said.  “We needed a pizza oven to make that happen so that is where our grant money has gone to.” It is something we need to do to adapt and stay relevant which is what all businesses need to try and do these days if they are to survive.

Applications can be submitted online each week. A new intake period begins every Tuesday, which enables the City to award funding in a timely manner. Turnaround time is typically no more than two weeks after all applications are completed and verified each week. Grants are awarded in the amounts of $1,000, $2,500, $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000. These are matching grants, which means the recipient is required to contribute an equal amount of funding toward the eligible expense or project.