MHBIG

City of 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 support local businesses through the Medicine Hat Business Innovation Grant (MHBIG).

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

Applicants must work with Community Futures Entre-Corp to ensure that grant applications are complete and that all required supporting documents are provided to confirm grant eligibility. Once an application is deemed complete it will be timestamped and eligibility determined by Community Futures Entre-Corp.

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 experienced 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 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 January 1, 2021 which have been operating within the City of Medicine Hat;
• Operating with a valid business license issued by the City of Medicine Hat since January 1, 2021;
• 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 January 1, 2021; except if you are an owner/operator of a retail storefront or participant in the ShopHERE and/or ShopYXH 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.). 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.
   1.3 Alarms which monitor coolers, water levels, etc. and protect the business in the event a business owner could not gain access due to COVID, thereby assisting with insurance requirements.
   1.4 Video cameras which help monitor isolated workers, provide building security, and, general remote management of the assets of the business.
   1.5 Automated gate / door locks which control access, limit risk, and function as a time clock / employee tracker.
    
2. Hard costs related to business innovation to create or enhance revenue streams for business operations.
   2.1 Technology costs including the implementation of Customer Relationship Management (“CRM”) software and systems to be able to operate remotely or in a manner deemed to be more efficient or safe for employees and customers.
   2.2 Costs associated with expanding into a new line of business which is reasonably expected to result in increased revenue and employment.
   2.3 For ShopHERE and ShopYXH participants up to $1500 for local, professional photography for products to be displayed on e-commerce website and/or local marketplace. 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
• Costs not identified with receipts
• Laptops, cell phones or other equipment required for normal day-to-day operations
• Subscription fees
• Training costs not associated with expanding into a new line of business
• Expenses reimbursed under other Municipal, Provincial or Federal grant programs
• Advertising purchases

Criteria for Eligible Purchases

• Up to 70% of the eligible cost of purchases made between January 1st, 2021 and April 9th , 2021, based on receipts
• Up to 70% of the eligible cost of purchases made after January 1st, 2021, 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 April 12th, 2021, based on quotes received
• One (1) local quote must be submitted (or two (2) quotes if services contracted are outside Medicine Hat), and subsequently supported by receipts, for costs of purchases for the work done after April 12th, 2021

Application Considerations

• There will be a 30% hold back until proof of work is completed and receipts are provided, and exit survey is completed
• Funding will be granted based on the lower of the two quotes provided for costs of purchases. Successful applicants will be required to complete an exit survey to provide relevant information to Invest Medicine Hat. Failure to complete the survey will result in the applicant not receiving their full amount

Thank you for your interest in the Medicine Hat Business Innovation Grant.

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.