In this episode of Conversations that Matter, Jim Csek and Sarah Jones sit down with one of the co-owners of Iron Energy Gym, Brett Godin, as he speaks on how their business has been impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over the course of two years, provincial and federal grants have been offered by the government to help individuals who have been directly impacted due to COVID-19 closures, but are they as helpful as they appear?

The latest COVID-19 Closure Relief Grant from the BC Government is providing grants between $1,000 to $10,000 for businesses that were ordered to close on Dec. 22, 2021. That includes bars, nightclubs, lounges that do not serve meals, gyms, fitness and adult dance centres. 

Godin said that a cheque of $10,000 is an 'embarrassment and a slap in the face’ as costs of rent, insurance, utilities, and paying for employee wages far exceed the $10K being offered. 

As a result of that, along with other issues, the business decided to stay open despite a provincial health order. 

This has grown them a large social media following in just a few weeks, with many individuals and businesses agreeing that a change is needed. 

Godin hinted that many other businesses will be taking a stand in the coming weeks as ‘Operation Green Light’ will come into effect on Jan.18. 

Listen now on any streaming service where you get your podcasts.