Dear Downtown Winnipeg BIZ Member,

We know the pandemic continues to be challenging for downtown businesses, especially following the announcement of further restrictions that went into effect last week. It can be tough to remain optimistic but we want to assure you that the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ is in your corner, and we’re here to help. One of the ways we’ve been providing support is through our advocacy efforts. The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ worked with several other business groups to advocate for increased financial support from the Province. We’re pleased to share the news that applications are now being accepted for the Manitoba Bridge Grant.

Keep reading for information about the supports available to you, how programs have changed, and how you can apply to receive funding. Also, if you have 5-10 minutes, please fill out our survey so we can better understand how we can help through this challenging time, and where to focus our advocacy efforts.

Apply now for the Manitoba Bridge Grant

Applications are now being accepted for the Manitoba Bridge Grant program.

The program provides an immediate one-time payment to small and medium-sized businesses, not-for-profit and charitable organizations that were directly ordered to close due to the public health order that went into effect on November 12, 2020. (Restaurants and retail businesses offering takeout, delivery and pickup are eligible.)

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Restaurants
• Retail
• Personal services (hair and nail salons, esthetic services, tattoo studios)
• Gyms, fitness centres
• Bars, beverage rooms, brewpubs, microbreweries, distilleries
• Casinos
• Recreation and sport facilities
• Museums and galleries, theatres and concert halls
• Charities, not-for-profits and faith-based organizations that have been adversely impacted.

The Manitoba Bridge Grant will be extended automatically to Jan. 1, 2021, to provide an additional grant to each organization should these public health orders remain in place. This means, if the restrictions continue, the grant will provide additional funding to each organization in 2021.

You have until Dec. 15 to apply. If you need assistance with the application, please reach out to us.

COVID-19 survey #6: Let us know what you need right now

We’re listening and we’ve got your back. We’re asking members to fill out a short 5-10 minute survey to understand how you’re doing and how the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ can help. We’ll use the results to share with government as part of our advocacy efforts and help us develop our next grant programs. Please fill out the survey by Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 4:00PM.

Everyone who fills out the survey can enter a draw for a gift card to any downtown Winnipeg business. It’s another great way to support your neighbour!

GoodLocal.ca is waiving fees for vendors

To help connect local businesses with their customers through the pandemic, Winnipeggers, Obby Khan and Ali Esmail created GoodLocal.ca, a one-stop shop for everything local. Customers can purchase whatever they need and have it delivered from Manitoba makers and sellers right to their door. The idea is that together, you can help “grow the pie” for Manitoba business by making it easy for customers to find and access local goods all in one place.

If you’d like to offer your products on GoodLocal, you can sign up on their website. From there, GoodLocal will work with you to gather information about your products and figure out the details. To help during this challenging time, they’re not charging commission to any of their vendors and are offering the platform until December 1, 2020.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions:
204-958-4640
info@downtownwinnipegbiz.com

Thank you,
Kate Fenske, CEO
Downtown Winnipeg BIZ