New Businesses that opened during the beginning stages of the COVID-19 pandemic could be eligible for some new funding.

The government of Alberta announced Thursday they’re expanding the small and medium enterprise relaunch grant to allow more businesses to apply.

The grant will cover 15 per cent of lost revenue up to $15,000 for businesses that can prove they’ve had at least a 30 per cent loss due to public health orders.

The expansion of the grant now includes businesses that opened in 2020 from March 1 to October 31.

“We’ve been listening, and new businesses need our support,” said Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation.

“We’ve already provided funding to more than 40,000 businesses, and we’re opening it up to more.”

If the business receives the grant funding, they are able to use the money to offset the costs of relaunching –  including helping to launch an e-commerce site, replacing inventory, employee wages or implementing new measures to ensure COVID-19 safety protocols are followed.

The application process will open on February 4t.