Local and National Business Support
June 14, 2021
The Canada Recovery Hiring Program
Retroactive to June 6, 2021, this program will provide a subsidy of up to 50% of eligible salary or wages. This is available to employers who have experienced qualifying revenue declines to help them hire more workers, increase workers hours, or increase wages. This program is designed to interact with the Wage Subsidy. As the wage subsidy rates gradually decline, employers will still be able receive maximum support from the Hiring Program this summer. For the full news release, click here.
Update on Small Business Supports
The deadline to apply for the Small Business Impact Grant 3 and the Small Business Real Property Tax Rebate is July 9, 2021.
Questions about the programs and status of applications can be sent to SBIG3@novascotia.ca for the Small Business Impact Grant 3 and sbtaxrebate@novascotia.ca for the Small Business Real Property Tax Rebate. For more information on these supports, click here.
Contact Tracing Made Easier for Restaurant Sector
RANS in partnership with SimplyCast is providing Nova Scotian restaurants and dine-in locations with an automated, SMS check-in system. This will provide dine-in restaurants with a free service to the tracing system. Public Health will be able to access the system to track patrons to their location in order to meet restaurants’ mandatory requirement for COVID-19 contact tracing. If you are not currently using this system and would like to sign up, please click here for more information, including the sign-up form.
Savings with Efficiency Nova Scotia
Energy efficiency means more than just savings on bills - small businesses also gain a competitive advantage, with additional benefits such as: more comfortable space for employees and customers, savings on their bottom line, equipment that is more reliable, has a longer life and needs fewer repairs, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Until December 31, 2021, incentives for eligible small businesses have increased to cover up to 80% of the total project cost on select lighting and all Commercial Heating measures. Learn more about the energy efficiency upgrades available to Nova Scotia small business here
The Canada Recovery Hiring Program
Retroactive to June 6, 2021, this program will provide a subsidy of up to 50% of eligible salary or wages. This is available to employers who have experienced qualifying revenue declines to help them hire more workers, increase workers hours, or increase wages. This program is designed to interact with the Wage Subsidy. As the wage subsidy rates gradually decline, employers will still be able receive maximum support from the Hiring Program this summer. For the full news release, click here.
Update on Small Business Supports
The deadline to apply for the Small Business Impact Grant 3 and the Small Business Real Property Tax Rebate is July 9, 2021.
Questions about the programs and status of applications can be sent to SBIG3@novascotia.ca for the Small Business Impact Grant 3 and sbtaxrebate@novascotia.ca for the Small Business Real Property Tax Rebate. For more information on these supports, click here.
Contact Tracing Made Easier for Restaurant Sector
RANS in partnership with SimplyCast is providing Nova Scotian restaurants and dine-in locations with an automated, SMS check-in system. This will provide dine-in restaurants with a free service to the tracing system. Public Health will be able to access the system to track patrons to their location in order to meet restaurants’ mandatory requirement for COVID-19 contact tracing. If you are not currently using this system and would like to sign up, please click here for more information, including the sign-up form.
Savings with Efficiency Nova Scotia
Energy efficiency means more than just savings on bills - small businesses also gain a competitive advantage, with additional benefits such as: more comfortable space for employees and customers, savings on their bottom line, equipment that is more reliable, has a longer life and needs fewer repairs, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Until December 31, 2021, incentives for eligible small businesses have increased to cover up to 80% of the total project cost on select lighting and all Commercial Heating measures. Learn more about the energy efficiency upgrades available to Nova Scotia small business here
Support Organizations
Amherst and Area Chamber of Commerce
A good source of COVID related information for local businesses
Business Resilience Service
Call 1-866-989-1080 to connect with a business advisor from the accounting profession to help figure out what program is the best for your business.
The service is available 7 days a week from 8am – 8pm ET
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
If you require general business assistance, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business has a help line for businesses to call. This help line is now open to both members and non-members of the CFIB
CBDC -Cumberland
The CBDCs continue to lend to existing and new businesses at this time.
COVID-19 Employer Assessment Tool
To slow the spread of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia, some businesses and organizations are required to close. Others can stay open if they can meet certain public health requirements. Answering the questions on this employer self assessment clarifies which businesses can remain open, and what they need to do during this state of emergency.
eBay (Retail Revival program)
Over the past year, eBay has worked with a number of businesses in Nova Scotia on a program called Retail Revival. eBay has tools and information to help retailers get their products online to reach new domestic and export clients
Funding Tool Search
Funding portal is a snapshot of potentially available government support programs and services.
Ignite Labs
Industry Personal Protective Needs and/or Manufacturing Capability
Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
1-800-494-5651 Or apprenticeship@novascotia.ca
As the COVID-19 public health emergency continues, the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency is committed to support apprentices and trades workers in their training and journey towards certification. We remain open for business and can be reached by phone or email.
Nova Scotia Business Navigators
If your business needs help dealing with matters of provincial concerns, including if your business is allowed to be open or not, please contact the Province of Nova Scotia’s Business Navigators at 1-844-628-7347 from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
NSCC Virtual Hub
business@nscc.ca
This centralized online hub connects businesses with support programs available from post-secondary institutions and other regional organizations. Business support workers will help connect businesses with the programs they need.
Occupational Health and Safety Tips
The Canadian Centre for Health and Safety has developed a series of tip sheets to guide businesses when operating during pandemic, including COVID-19. Each document offers health and safety tips and good practices, for both employers and workers, specific to each industry or sector. Organizations and businesses can adopt this guidance to protect their workers and prevent the spread of infections. The tip sheets cover a range of occupations and industries from construction and trucking to healthcare and daycares.
Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre – COVID-19 support
Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre is offering free virtual one-on-one strategy sessions to Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs. The sessions aim to provide support, insight, and additional resources to help entrepreneurs overcome current challenges.
Small Business Virtual Training
NSBI is providing digital content to support businesses by allowing them to access programming at times that work for them. The virtual workshops and training courses provide companies with vital strategies and hands-on tips on how to deal with the current crisis.
A good source of COVID related information for local businesses
Business Resilience Service
Call 1-866-989-1080 to connect with a business advisor from the accounting profession to help figure out what program is the best for your business.
The service is available 7 days a week from 8am – 8pm ET
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
If you require general business assistance, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business has a help line for businesses to call. This help line is now open to both members and non-members of the CFIB
CBDC -Cumberland
The CBDCs continue to lend to existing and new businesses at this time.
COVID-19 Employer Assessment Tool
To slow the spread of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia, some businesses and organizations are required to close. Others can stay open if they can meet certain public health requirements. Answering the questions on this employer self assessment clarifies which businesses can remain open, and what they need to do during this state of emergency.
eBay (Retail Revival program)
Over the past year, eBay has worked with a number of businesses in Nova Scotia on a program called Retail Revival. eBay has tools and information to help retailers get their products online to reach new domestic and export clients
Funding Tool Search
Funding portal is a snapshot of potentially available government support programs and services.
Ignite Labs
Industry Personal Protective Needs and/or Manufacturing Capability
- Are you in need of personal protective equipment to keep your operations running but you are unsure of where to source it? If so, tell Ignite Labs what and how much you need. We will work with you to find the right source.
- Can you manufacture personal protective equipment? If so, sign up to join a list of local industries looking to supply others. We will connect with you and work to put resources behind you so that you can start or increase your production of PPE as soon as possible.
Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency
1-800-494-5651 Or apprenticeship@novascotia.ca
As the COVID-19 public health emergency continues, the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency is committed to support apprentices and trades workers in their training and journey towards certification. We remain open for business and can be reached by phone or email.
Nova Scotia Business Navigators
If your business needs help dealing with matters of provincial concerns, including if your business is allowed to be open or not, please contact the Province of Nova Scotia’s Business Navigators at 1-844-628-7347 from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
NSCC Virtual Hub
business@nscc.ca
This centralized online hub connects businesses with support programs available from post-secondary institutions and other regional organizations. Business support workers will help connect businesses with the programs they need.
Occupational Health and Safety Tips
The Canadian Centre for Health and Safety has developed a series of tip sheets to guide businesses when operating during pandemic, including COVID-19. Each document offers health and safety tips and good practices, for both employers and workers, specific to each industry or sector. Organizations and businesses can adopt this guidance to protect their workers and prevent the spread of infections. The tip sheets cover a range of occupations and industries from construction and trucking to healthcare and daycares.
Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre – COVID-19 support
Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre is offering free virtual one-on-one strategy sessions to Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs. The sessions aim to provide support, insight, and additional resources to help entrepreneurs overcome current challenges.
Small Business Virtual Training
NSBI is providing digital content to support businesses by allowing them to access programming at times that work for them. The virtual workshops and training courses provide companies with vital strategies and hands-on tips on how to deal with the current crisis.
Other Local & National Resources
Stay updated on national & local initiatives and resources.
The BDC has several resources to help with business continuity which can be found here. |
Business Organizations
CFIB has answers to many of your business questions, along with a business helpline for all businesses not just members, it can be reached at: 1-888-234-2232.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is also working on resources for business here. |
Nova Scotia Government
Latest health news from the
Nova Scotia Government. |
December 3rd, 2020
Tourism Nova Scotia has created a fact sheet of all the programs currently available for tourism businesses. This fact sheet was updated with the latest information as of December 1st and can be found here.
November 19th, 2020
Check out our latest update of programs available for businesses here.
October 16th, 2020
Please review our updated list of all supports currently available to small businesses. You can find it here.
July 8th, 2020
Check out our latest update of programs available for businesses, along with a summary of wage subsidy programs available to employers in Nova Scotia.
May 27th, 2020
Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health, today announced next steps to reopen Nova Scotia’s economy.
The announcement outlined businesses that can reopen on June 5 and a new grant program to support them. The full news release is available here. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the next steps can be found here.
The premier also announced 200 infrastructure projects across the province that will create up to 2,000 local jobs. The full news release is available here. A recording of the news conference is available here.
May 27th, 2020
Are you an agribusiness, or research group or organization specializing in agriculture? You could receive up to $14,000 to hire a Canadian youth! Check out the program details here.
May 26th, 2020
We've prepared a list of who provides PPE in Cumberland County so you can source your required materials locally (and efficiently)!
May 21st, 2020
Check out our latest summary of current Provincial and Federal programs available to support your business.
April 29th, 2020
In the Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector? Here's a great summary of programs for you.
April 24th, 2020
Here's a convenient summary of all Federal and Provincial programs currently available to small business.
April 16th, 2020
Please read our latest press release here on the newest resource announcements.
April 10th, 2020
The Nova Scotia Government has opened applications for their Small Business Impact Grant. You can find details on the grant and the application process here.
April 9th, 2020
Please read our latest press release here. You can find a detailed summary of Financial Relief for Canadians here.
April 7th, 2020
Have questions about your business insurance? Check out this webinar being held Thursday, April 9th at 2:00 pm. More information can be found here.
April 2nd, 2020
Check out our summary on the Federal Wage Subsidy and other Federal and Provincial measures for business.
Also, check out this summary from the Halifax Chamber on current resources available to businesses and individuals,
April 2nd, 2020
Please see an update from our CEO Jonathan McClelland on the continuing efforts in the forestry sector.
March 28th, 2020
Have questions regarding Dr. Strang's order? Take a look at this FAQ which clarifies many of the common questions.
March 27th, 2020
Please read our latest press release on local and national support for businesses here.
March 27th, 2020
Labour and Advanced Education has released a summary of resources and answers to common questions which may be useful to you and your business. You can find it here.
To help businesses forecast changes to projected Cash Flow, a spreadsheet has been developed by our consultant Jason Steele. You can find the Excel file, with instructions on sheet five, here.
March 25th, 2020
BDC has released an excellent Webinar on 'How to Cope with the impacts of COVID-19 on your Business'. You can find the recording here.
March 24th, 2020
Have questions around EI benefits for you and your staff? Take a look at this handy FAQ.
March 23rd, 2020
Please see our latest press release on Government supports for small business to date. You can find it here.
March 21st, 2020
Yesterday the Government of Nova Scotia announced Provincial supports for business and students, announcing loan deferrals and other measures. You can find more details on this here.
March 20th, 2020
If you are a Canadian manufacturer or business that can assist Canada in meeting the need for medical supplies, your help is needed. If you can say yes to the following, the Government of Canada wants to hear from you.
March 20th, 2020
We've compiled a list of valuable resources for you in this uncertain time. Please take a look through the links and resources below that may help answer some of your questions.
Information regarding employment insurance, labour program and federally regulated workplaces, and the work sharing program (Employment and Social Development Canada – ESDC):
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html
Additional information - Work-Sharing Program - Temporary special measures for the downturn in business due to COVID-19:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing/temporary-measures-forestry-sector.html
Information for Canadian exporters (EDC):
https://www.edc.ca/en/campaign/coronavirus-covid-19.html
Deloitte has a page of useful documents. And also the following resources:
COVID-19: Managing Supply Chain Risk and Disruption
COVID-19: Managing Cash Flow During a Crisis
COVID-19: Practical Workforce Strategies that Put Your People First
MarsDiscovery District has put together a ‘collection’ - a set of tools and tactics startups can use to prepare, plan and respond to the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19):
https://learn.marsdd.com/topic/covid-19-collection/
McInnes Cooper has some great information about employer obligations during COVID-19:
www.mcinnescooper.com/publications/coping-with-covid-19-work-19-employer-faqs/
Government of Canada - COVID-19 - Benefits & Services and how to access them:
www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html
Government of Canada - Resources for Canadian Businesses:
www.canada.ca/en/services/business/maintaingrowimprovebusiness/resources-for-canadian-businesses.html
Working Remote:
Notion has curated an incredible remote work wiki, with top reads, tools and resources all in one place.
Zapier's been remote since 2011 — their ultimate guide to remote work may be helpful.
Alice Goldfuss shared some tips for maintaining mental health as you may remote work in the time of corona.
March 19th, 2020
Press release from the Connector outlining several items from the economic plan released yesterday can be found here.
March 18th, 2020
Canada has released an Economic Response plan to help businesses and individuals through the COVID-19 crisis. Please visit the Government of Canada's website here for a full breakdown of their current plan.
Tourism Nova Scotia has created a fact sheet of all the programs currently available for tourism businesses. This fact sheet was updated with the latest information as of December 1st and can be found here.
November 19th, 2020
Check out our latest update of programs available for businesses here.
October 16th, 2020
Please review our updated list of all supports currently available to small businesses. You can find it here.
July 8th, 2020
Check out our latest update of programs available for businesses, along with a summary of wage subsidy programs available to employers in Nova Scotia.
May 27th, 2020
Premier Stephen McNeil and Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health, today announced next steps to reopen Nova Scotia’s economy.
The announcement outlined businesses that can reopen on June 5 and a new grant program to support them. The full news release is available here. Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on the next steps can be found here.
The premier also announced 200 infrastructure projects across the province that will create up to 2,000 local jobs. The full news release is available here. A recording of the news conference is available here.
May 27th, 2020
Are you an agribusiness, or research group or organization specializing in agriculture? You could receive up to $14,000 to hire a Canadian youth! Check out the program details here.
May 26th, 2020
We've prepared a list of who provides PPE in Cumberland County so you can source your required materials locally (and efficiently)!
May 21st, 2020
Check out our latest summary of current Provincial and Federal programs available to support your business.
April 29th, 2020
In the Agriculture and Agri-Food Sector? Here's a great summary of programs for you.
April 24th, 2020
Here's a convenient summary of all Federal and Provincial programs currently available to small business.
April 16th, 2020
Please read our latest press release here on the newest resource announcements.
April 10th, 2020
The Nova Scotia Government has opened applications for their Small Business Impact Grant. You can find details on the grant and the application process here.
April 9th, 2020
Please read our latest press release here. You can find a detailed summary of Financial Relief for Canadians here.
April 7th, 2020
Have questions about your business insurance? Check out this webinar being held Thursday, April 9th at 2:00 pm. More information can be found here.
April 2nd, 2020
Check out our summary on the Federal Wage Subsidy and other Federal and Provincial measures for business.
Also, check out this summary from the Halifax Chamber on current resources available to businesses and individuals,
April 2nd, 2020
Please see an update from our CEO Jonathan McClelland on the continuing efforts in the forestry sector.
March 28th, 2020
Have questions regarding Dr. Strang's order? Take a look at this FAQ which clarifies many of the common questions.
March 27th, 2020
Please read our latest press release on local and national support for businesses here.
March 27th, 2020
Labour and Advanced Education has released a summary of resources and answers to common questions which may be useful to you and your business. You can find it here.
To help businesses forecast changes to projected Cash Flow, a spreadsheet has been developed by our consultant Jason Steele. You can find the Excel file, with instructions on sheet five, here.
March 25th, 2020
BDC has released an excellent Webinar on 'How to Cope with the impacts of COVID-19 on your Business'. You can find the recording here.
March 24th, 2020
Have questions around EI benefits for you and your staff? Take a look at this handy FAQ.
March 23rd, 2020
Please see our latest press release on Government supports for small business to date. You can find it here.
March 21st, 2020
Yesterday the Government of Nova Scotia announced Provincial supports for business and students, announcing loan deferrals and other measures. You can find more details on this here.
March 20th, 2020
If you are a Canadian manufacturer or business that can assist Canada in meeting the need for medical supplies, your help is needed. If you can say yes to the following, the Government of Canada wants to hear from you.
- You manufacture in Canada and/or have ready access to necessary inputs through your supply chain.
- You have equipment or facilities that can be rapidly re-tooled to meet medical needs, including for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks and surgical gowns; sanitizers; wipes; ventilators; and other medical equipment and supplies.
- You have skilled workers who are able to respond and who could be available for work in the current circumstances.
March 20th, 2020
We've compiled a list of valuable resources for you in this uncertain time. Please take a look through the links and resources below that may help answer some of your questions.
Information regarding employment insurance, labour program and federally regulated workplaces, and the work sharing program (Employment and Social Development Canada – ESDC):
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html
Additional information - Work-Sharing Program - Temporary special measures for the downturn in business due to COVID-19:
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing/temporary-measures-forestry-sector.html
Information for Canadian exporters (EDC):
https://www.edc.ca/en/campaign/coronavirus-covid-19.html
Deloitte has a page of useful documents. And also the following resources:
COVID-19: Managing Supply Chain Risk and Disruption
COVID-19: Managing Cash Flow During a Crisis
COVID-19: Practical Workforce Strategies that Put Your People First
MarsDiscovery District has put together a ‘collection’ - a set of tools and tactics startups can use to prepare, plan and respond to the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19):
https://learn.marsdd.com/topic/covid-19-collection/
McInnes Cooper has some great information about employer obligations during COVID-19:
www.mcinnescooper.com/publications/coping-with-covid-19-work-19-employer-faqs/
Government of Canada - COVID-19 - Benefits & Services and how to access them:
www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html
Government of Canada - Resources for Canadian Businesses:
www.canada.ca/en/services/business/maintaingrowimprovebusiness/resources-for-canadian-businesses.html
Working Remote:
Notion has curated an incredible remote work wiki, with top reads, tools and resources all in one place.
Zapier's been remote since 2011 — their ultimate guide to remote work may be helpful.
Alice Goldfuss shared some tips for maintaining mental health as you may remote work in the time of corona.
March 19th, 2020
Press release from the Connector outlining several items from the economic plan released yesterday can be found here.
March 18th, 2020
Canada has released an Economic Response plan to help businesses and individuals through the COVID-19 crisis. Please visit the Government of Canada's website here for a full breakdown of their current plan.