Please scroll down to the bottom of this article for the full audio interview with Sandy Trudel to learn more about the BERP granting program.

  

The City of Brandon in partnership with the Brandon Chamber of Commerce launched the Brandon Economic Restart Program (BERP) back in August 2021 to stimulate growth-oriented investment by local businesses negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The deadline for the BERP has now been confirmed for the end of February.

‘With the province’s recently announced reopening path and a significant and prolonged slowdown in BERP applications being received by the City of Brandon’s Economic Development team, the BERP will close to applications at 5 p.m. on February 28, 2022,’ stated this week’s media release.

 “The BERP facilitated growth-oriented investments by a diverse group of Brandon businesses. The courage and optimism exhibited by our business community over the past two years has been unwavering.  We look forward to the positive impact their recent investments will have not only on their businesses but the economy as a whole” shared Sandy Trudel, Director of Economic Development for the City of Brandon.  

“The BERP is a one-time grant up to $2500 that has been designed to stimulate investment by Brandon businesses that have been negatively impacted by Covid yet want to make investments to help their business grow in the future,” explains Trudel.

‘Between today and 5 p.m. on Feb. 28th, 2022, applications will be evaluated on a first come, first serve basis as long as the approved program budget has unallocated funds available. BERP applications must meet both business and investment eligibility to be considered for a one-time grant.  

Business eligibility includes: 

·Legally operating within the City of Brandon on or before July 12, 2020 

·Be able to demonstrate that their net income has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic 

·Invest a minimum of 10% from their own funds toward the eligible investment  

 

Government organizations, post-secondary institutions, health authorities, craft home based businesses, or independent consultants are not eligible for this program. 

 

Eligible investments include: 

·Professional Services 

·Marketing 

·Technology Improvements 

·Furniture & Equipment 

 

Further information including the Application Guide and Application Form can be found at Brandon Economic Restart Program (BERP) - Economic Development Brandon. 

 

Go to http://economicdevelopmentbrandon.com/berp for more information