Businesses that were affected by the collapse of the Algo Centre Mall roof in Elliot Lake are starting to recover thanks to the $2-million Business Continuity Fund set up by the provincial government.

Alpine Flowers and Gifts, which was formerly located in the mall, will be receiving support to make significant leasehold improvements to its new storefront, saving three local jobs in the process.

Owner Luc Morrissette is currently operating the store out of his home, but hopes to be in his new location by early November.

“I want to thank our local business partners for supporting us while we prepare for the big move,” he said in a news release.

To date, the City of Elliot Lake has approved 12 applications under the Business Continuity Fund, allowing 74 people to return to work.

“As any entrepreneur will tell you, establishing a business takes a lot of perseverance and hard work; now imagine that you have to take on that challenge all over again,” Mayor Rick Hamilton said in the release. “I can’t thank our business owners enough for reinvesting their time and money into making our community stronger.”