MHBIG

Medicine Hat Business Innovation Grant (MHBIG)

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused great difficulties and strain on the small business community. As a result, the City of Medicine Hat is collaborating with Community Futures Entre-Corp to make funds available to provide support and assistance to local businesses through the Medicine Hat Business Innovation Grant (MHBIG).

The purpose of the MHBIG is to encourage business innovation, maintain or enhance new revenue streams, and reduce barriers for businesses to remain open as a result of increased costs associated with the new workplace guidelines from the Government of Alberta due to COVID-19.

Grant Amount

$500 to $15,000

• A limit of $15,000 can be accessed by any one business.
• Due to limited funds, submissions will be processed in order of fully completed applications received.

Eligibility

The MHBIG provides funding support to businesses who have experience a material adverse impact on their business operations on or after March 15, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mandatory Requirements

In order to the be eligible for MHBIG funding, all applicants must complete a Hazard Assessment of their business, conducted within 32 days prior to application date. If completed by an OH&S Certified Specialist, expense of up to $500 can be attached as receipt and be reimbursed.

Further information:

• Government of Alberta's "Workplace Guidance for Business Owners": CLICK HERE
• COVID-19 Hazard Assessment Checklist: CLICK HERE
• Government of Alberta's Sample Hazard Assessment: CLICK HERE
• To learn more about completing a Hazard Assessment, please WATCH THIS VIDEO

What organizations are eligible?

Businesses:

• Established on or before March 1, 2020 and have been operating within the City of Medicine Hat;
• Operating with a valid business license issued by the City of Medicine Hat since March 1, 2020;
• With an annual gross revenue of less than five million dollars ($5,000,000);
• Employing not less than two (2) full time equivalents as of March 1, 2020;  except if you are an owner/operator of a retail storefront or participant in the ShopHERE program.
• That have a reasonable expectation of success and ongoing viability (must not be the subject of an insolvency event or more than 6 months in arrears with CRA).
• Professional Services

What organizations are ineligible?

• Not-for-profit organizations

Eligible Use of Grant Funding

1. Any goods or services, modifications, or enhancements to business operations identified in the applicant's hazard assessment:
   
   1.1 That meet the provincial health requirements on "Personal Protective Equipment" and "Distancing and Gatherings in the Workplace"
   
   1.2 Including equipment, tools, devices, and signage to minimize contact (touchless payment devices, plexiglass shields, room design improvements, structural enhancements, labor costs of local certified contractors, etc.)

   1.3 Note: "Local Certified Contractor" is defined as a general contractor, a certified journeyperson in a relevant trade, or an apprentice registered in the trade and working under the supervision of a certified journeyperson, or equivalent.
   
   1.4 Alarms could monitor coolers, water levels, protect the business in the event a business owner could not get inside due to COVID and this helps with insurance requirements.
   
   1.5 Video cameras help monitor lone workers, building security, and general remote management of the business owners assets.
   
   1.6 Gate / Door access controls who comes and goes in certain areas, limits risk, works as a time clock and tracker.

2. Hard costs related to business innovations to create or enhance revenue streams for business operations.
   
   2.1 For ShopHERE participants up to $1500 for Local, professional photography for products to be displayed on e-commerce website. Local, marketing consultant to support the photography shoot and brand, promotional strategy going forward.

Ineligible Use of Grant Funding

• Owners or staff salaries
• Costs not identified in the quotes (if after June 1, 2020)
• Costs not identified with receipts (March 15 to May 31, 2020)
• Laptops, cell phones or other equipment required for normal day-to-day operations
• Subscription fees
• Training costs
• Expenses reimbursed under other Municipal, Provincial or Federal grant programs
• Advertising Buys

Criteria for Eligible Purchases

• Up to 70% of the eligible cost of purchases made between March 15, 2020 until present, based on receipts
• Up to 70% of the eligible cost of purchases made after June 1, 2020, based on receipts submitted for sundry items excluding GST
• Sundry items to a limit of $850
• Up to 100% of the eligible costs of purchases after June 1, 2020, based on quotes received
• One (1) local quote must be submitted (or two (2) quotes if services contracted are outside Medicine Hat), and subseqently supported by receipts, for costs of purchases for the work done after June 1, 2020

Application Considerations

• There will be a 30% hold back until proof of work is completed and receipts are provided
• Funding will be granted based on the lower of the two quotes provided for costs of purchases

Please click the below link to access our secure online Application Portal for the Medicine Hat Business Innovation Grant Application.

Once you follow the link you will find a button to 'Sign Up' for the Loan Application Portal. Enter your name, email address and desired password. You will then receive an email asking you to Verify your email address (make sure to check your Junk Folder or Spam Filtering if the email doesn't arrive in your inbox).

After you click the Verify button in the email, you will be able to login to the Loan Application Portal and complete your application.

*Receipts and Quotes must be attached.

Apply Now

Please note: Once you submit your application you will receive an email confirmation that we have received your application and are working on your request. Rest assured a CF representative will contact you as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.