Moncton 
New Brunswick closed indoor dining, gyms, entertainment centres, spas and salons to curb the rise of hospitalizations as part of the COVID-19 winter plan last week.
Today, the provincial government has announced a financial support program called Self-Employed Lockdown Fund which offers non-repayable grants to self-employed business people who had to close their businesses due to the restrictions.
According to the press release, businesses eligible for this new one-time grant of $2,000 include those who do not have employees but were ordered to close under the COVID-19 Winter Plan.
“I am proud that we are launching a program benefitting self-employed business people,” said Minister responsible for Economic Development and Small Business Arlene Dunn announcing the program. “This is another example of how the government is listening to the business community in its handling of the response to COVID-19.”
Yesterday, the province also announced a temporary wage increase for some essential workers.
Businesses must meet the following criteria to become eligible for the program:
- be a permanent New Brunswick-based business or organization physically operating in the province;
- had been actively operating or conducting business before being ordered to close;
- possess an active and valid CRA Business Number;
- be in good standing with the provincial government and with the Corporate Registry of New Brunswick; and
- provide evidence of annual gross business income of more than $30,000.
How to apply:
Those who want to apply for the support will need to submit recent tax documents, like a T2, HST, or a copy of form T2125, Statement of Business or Professional Activities, from their personal income or corporate tax return.
Applications can be made online through the Opportunities NB website beginning Feb. 1, 2022.
The province says more information, including application requirements, is available by contacting Opportunities NB’s Business Navigators by email at nav@navnb.ca or phone at 1-833-799-7966.
As per the new release, eligible businesses can expect payment within 10 business days following receipt of a complete application.
