Eligibility of Small Business Recovery Grant Program Expanded to Include Tourism Operators

Last month, a non-repayable grant of up to $5,000 was introduced to help owners of businesses cope with the impact of COVID-19. The program was originally open to small businesses located in zones that faced elevated Public Health measures (Orange, Red or Lockdown) for at least one week between Oct. 10, 2020, and March 31, 2021. Changes have been made to the program to expand its eligibility and improve access for sectors impacted by changing Public Health measures and restrictions.

Under the new expanded criteria, tourism operators are now eligible within all zones in the province. Non-essential retail businesses are eligible if they were in a zone that experienced a lockdown.

Enhancements to the program include extending eligibility to:

-Non-essential retail in Lockdown zones. This is defined as retailers that were forced to close due to Public Health measures and restrictions, as defined by the state of emergency mandatory order.

-Tourism operators which is defined as businesses in one of the following categories: Accommodations, Outdoor Adventure Businesses, Festivals and Events, Tourism Recreational Facilities, Receptive Tour Operators and Outfitter Services.

For further details regarding eligibility for each of these categories, consult the FAQs on Opportunities NB’s website or contact their Business Navigators. To support businesses throughout the application process, the Business Navigators are available and can be reached at nav@navnb.ca or by calling 1-833-799-7966.

Our government remains responsive and committed to addressing the needs of our business community. By expanding eligibility, we have broadened the program to ensure it continues to benefit our most vulnerable businesses, including tourism operators. This support will give them greater potential to get beyond the challenges associated with COVID-19.

Full news release: https://www2.gnb.ca/.../news/news_release.2021.03.0155.html