Qalipu First Nation is pleased to announce the launch of the COVID-19 Business Support Fund for member-owned businesses. $150,000 in funding is available and the Band will distribute the funding as non-repayable grants of up to $10,000 for small businesses that qualify. The fund, made available through Indigenous Services Canada, aims to support small businesses that have been negatively impacted by the pandemic.

Economic Development Officer Kellie Kerpan will receive and process applications starting on Monday, October 26. She noted that the application is straight forward and that the Band hopes to help as many as possible with the funds available.

“To be eligible, the business has to have been in operation for a year, still financially viable and expecting to continue operations, and be able to use the fund to prevent layoffs or other negative impacts due to the pandemic. We also stipulate that the business has not already received any other non-repayable COVID-19 business funding.”

Kerpan added, “We look forward to approving as many grants as possible with this fund and supporting Band members who are working so hard to keep their businesses going during this challenging time.”

The application and guidelines are now available online. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications received before the starting date of October 26 will be returned.

For additional information, including application and guidelines, please click here (https://qalipu.ca/covid-19-small-business-support-fund/)

To discuss, please contact kkerpan@qalipu.ca or call 709-489-2898