The Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce is welcoming the government support. (file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Business and Covid-19

Province rolls out support for businesses

Apr 14, 2020 | 5:01 PM

Businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will soon receive economic support from the provincial government.

On Monday the province began accepting applications for the Small Business Emergency Payment. The program aims to provide support to businesses with less than 500 employees forced to shut doors or curtail operations due to COVID-19.

Prince Albert Carlton MLA Joe Hargrave said he and other government officials are hopeful the payment will help businesses cover costs while the fight against the pandemic continues.

“We’re optimistic that this [will] just give them a little bit of revenue to help pay some of the bills when obviously they have no revenue coming in,” he said.

In total, the province set aside $50 million for those who meet the requirements. The maximum amount any business is eligible for is up to $5,000. Hargrave said he expects many applications. He’s also hoping federal funds will also provide some support.

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As the program has just started accepting applications, Hargrave has not heard much about it yet from constituents. He plans to do some outreach to let more people know about the program.

“That’s what I am doing this afternoon. I am phoning local businesspeople that I know that have small businesses that have been affected,” he said.

The province’s move to support businesses is getting support from the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce. CEO Elise Hildebrandt said the help is welcome news. She said she was particularly impressed with the provincial government’s quick rollout.

“A huge [applause] to our province,” she said.

Currently the chamber is asking members and area businesses to fill out a survey. When they have the information, Hildebrandt said her organization will have a better idea on which businesses have been hit the hardest by the virus.

The chamber CEO stressed during these times it is more important than ever for people to support P.A.-based businesses.

“Shop local,” she said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn