Navigate Resources & Programs
Confused about the programs available and how to access them? Get support navigating government programs and resources.
Both the federal and provincial governments have put policies, programs and initiatives in place to assist businesses that are facing hardships due to COVID-19. These resources are here to help you in navigate these new supports and stay informed.
The Government of Canada has created a COVID-19 Economic Response Plan with new programs and measures to support businesses facing hardship.
The Province of Nova Scotia has several supports for businesses including grant programs, special measures, fee deferrals and more.
Financial Support
Contact your financial institution
They will assess your financial situation to provide tailored, flexible solutions including access to the Canada Emergency Business Account, Co-lending Program, and Business Credit Availability Program.
Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)
This program provides bridge financing to Canada’s largest employers, whose needs during the pandemic are not being met through conventional financing, in order to keep their operations going.
Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program (HHBRP)
As a business, charity, or non-profit in Canada who has faced deep losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for a wage subsidy, a rent subsidy, or both through the HHBRP.
Wage and Hiring Support - Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP)
You may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of your employee wages. This subsidy will enable you to re-hire workers, help prevent further job losses, and ease your business back into normal operations.
Rent and Property Support - Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program
You may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of your commercial rent or property expenses.
Jobs and Growth Fund - Administered through ACOA
In Atlantic Canada, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is investing $70 million to help job creators and the organizations that support them.
Work-Sharing Program
A Work-Sharing agreement helps employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary decrease in the normal level of business activity, and the decrease is beyond the control of the employer.
Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP)
The Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program provides businesses heavily impacted by COVID-19, access guaranteed, low-interest loans of $25,000 to $1 million to cover operational cash flow needs.
Federal Government Extends Loan Forgiveness Repayment
The Federal Government announced that the repayment deadline for CEBA loans to qualify for partial loan forgiveness is being extended from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2023, for all eligible borrowers in good standing.
Small Business Loan Guarantee
The Small Business Loan Guarantee Program supports provincial business owners with creating and maintaining rewarding careers for Nova Scotians each year.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Sector Impact Support Program
The Sector Impact Support Program provides a one-time grant of up to $7,500 to help small business owners that have been impacted by the new province-wide public health restrictions.
Federal Government Temporarily Expanding Two Bill C-2 Programs
The federal government announced its intention to temporarily expand eligibility for the Local Lockdown Program and Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit. This will help to ensure Canadians are protected and workers and businesses get the help they need to sustain them through new and necessary public health restrictions.
Support Your Employees
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Paid Sick Leave Program
Nova Scotia’s COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Program is now open, helping to support Nova Scotians when they need to stay home because of COVID-19. The program allows workers, including those who are self-employed, to take up to four paid sick days when they need to miss less than 50 per cent of their scheduled work week.
Employment Insurance (EI)
The one-week waiting period for EI has been waived. Plus, a medical certificate for sickness benefits is no longer required. Workers can apply online through Service Canada.
Reach out to us
Minder Singh
Senior Account Executive, Commercialization, SmartBusiness Program
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