(apexalberta/shopHere)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Economic activity and support spurred through MHBIG

Mar 15, 2021 | 11:55 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — An injection of nearly $1.5 million to support local businesses during the pandemic has yielded economic generation and support, Invest Medicine Hat told Council on Monday.

Since the Medicine Hat Business Innovation Grant launched last year, 151 approved businesses received funding for new construction, equipment, and PPE. The funds were also used to help restricted businesses get online through the ShopHere Powered by Google initiative.

According to Invest Medicine Hat’s report, every dollar spent through the grant generated $3.08 in additional economic activity. It is also indirectly and directly supported 175 jobs.

Speaking to CHAT NEWS, Mayor Ted Clugston said the return on investment wasn’t what he expected.

“ I was actually hoping for more to tell you the truth. I’m not disappointed and I’m not pointing fingers. A lot of equipment had to purchased outside of town.” Clugston said.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

3h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

23h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

“When we used to have the downtown incentive program, we were getting 10:1 on that one. So we were giving the land owners money to do apartment suites and upgrade their businesses,” he added.

Approximately $500,000 in grant funding is left for dispersal. Jon Sookocheff Invest Medicine Hat’s economic recovery officer said there have been discussions to focus the grant funding.

“The one change I think we are looking at making is digitization. Small businesses, supporting them in their efforts to run an online store. The more that you do it, it becomes another line of business,” Sookocheff said.

The MHBIG grant has also spurred interest with other communities. Sookocheff said three other municipalities have contacted him with interest in adopting similar programs in their own regions.

The MHBIG is part of a larger $8.2 million COVID-19 assistance package, that was introduced in May of 2020.

During Monday’s Council Meeting Coun. Hirsch expressed his gratitude towards the council approving the assistance package.

“When you do the 2020 review in hindsight, I think there were a few naysayers in the community that said ‘what are you doing? But at the end of the day, I think it was thoughtful, it was well-placed well timed at a time when our community needed it most and that arguably accomplished exactly what we hoped,” Coun. Hirsch remarked.