Nearly 400 small businesses already registered for govt’s economic stimulus grant
Trade Director Karia Christopher
Almost 400 businesses across the British Virgin Islands have already registered to receive the government’s economic stimulus grant, which is designed for small and medium-sized businesses affected by COVID-19.
This is according to the Director of the Department of Trade, Karia Christopher in a recent media release commissioned by the Office of the Premier.
She said: “The department has received 387 applications thus far and my dedicated staff has started the review process and continue to assist persons with completing the online application form.”
While businesses have the option to register using government’s online application process, Christopher said businesses which are uncomfortable with using that medium can either contact the department via phone, WhatsApp, email or by Facebook messenger for assistance.
“Applicants are to ensure that the information provided is accurate and include the necessary supporting documentation as part of their application. This will definitely accelerate the processing of applications and ultimately lead to a faster turnover of grant allocations once the application process has concluded,” she explained.
Businesses encouraged to apply before deadline
Junior Minister for Trade & Economic Development, Shereen Flax- Charles also encouraged affected businesses to apply for the grant before the August 21 deadline.
She described the grant programme as an integral component of the government’s economic stimulus response.
“[It] is structured to assist affected businesses to meet their operational expenditure, while stimulating economic activity within the territory,” she stated.
Requirements to qualify for grant
According to the said media release, the required criteria for businesses to qualify for the grant include having a valid trade licence, proof the business has been in operation before January 31, 2020, as well as having a Certificate of Good Standing from the Social Security Board and National Health Insurance.
Business owners must also show their business has already resumed operations or plans to resume business once the borders reopen for visitors.
The application form is to be completed and submitted electronically on the government’s official website.
Government had announced that $6.5 million was allocated through a grant provided by the Social Security Board for this programme.
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Yup get ready your application so that *** and his cronies can turn down your request. Filling out these forms is a total waste of time however if your a relative then you will get money. But in reality the relatives don’t need to fill out the form. Please post how much help you get from these worthless people. Do you really believe they are going to give you money? They will post that they gave out millions only the money headed to their own offshore bank accounts. Watch the money trail!!
Tried this after Irma and your right this was a complete and total waste of time. Lets just face it, there is no help from the Government only false promises as usual. Im not sure where the money goes but it is certainly not going to the general population.
But the laid off and non working people still waiting on theirs.??? Whats going on.
You will wait forever before the government releases a penny to you. If you haven’t figured this out by now then you really stupid
Throw that “local creamery” application in the trash.
WELL IF ITS THESE SO WHO YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH OR GO THRU, YOU AINT GONNA GET A DOGGONE DIME
only those in the VIP circle will get
Bankrupt BVI coming your way! Look at St Lucia, doors wide open, ZERO new covid cases and have been open a month. The reason safety procedures are put in place! Other wise keep borders closed and implement no safety. You cant have both! St Lucia PM needs to call Fahie to tell him how its done.
Stimulus checks??!!?? Weve been ignored since Irma! STILL NO WATER!!! And you expect us to believe your bullsh*t?!
I applied for the stimulus Cheque from security and they said I am not qualified so won’t even waste my time to apply for the small business grant always the ones who need the most help that will never get the help so why bother.
Ms.Christopher please don’t get caught up in this web. That grant should be given Only when our islands are open. We are only robbing ourselves. Social Security needs to hold off on this incentive. You guys don’t understand. When all of our resources are used up what will we do next.
Money contributed in bulk from deductions from a 70% expat workforce.