Small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic will be eligible for more support from the provincial government.
Opportunities NB is launching the second phase of its Small Business Recovery Grant program as of April 1.
The program allows small businesses to apply for a non-repayable grant of up to $5,000 to help cover losses incurred due to the pandemic.
As part of the changes, businesses will be able to apply for grants under yellow, orange, red or lockdown Public Health levels.
Previously, businesses could only access the grants under the orange, red or lockdown levels.
The year-over-year drop in revenue threshold has also been reduced to 20 per cent from 30 per cent.
Phase 2 of the program, which will begin taking applications on June 1, will remain open to eligible businesses until New Brunswick reaches the green level of recovery.
Businesses that accessed the grant under the first phase remain eligible to apply for the full amount available under Phase 2.
Eligible business types include restaurants (excluding businesses with drive-thru options), caterers, drinking establishments, personal services (barbers, hairstylists and spas), gym and fitness facilities, amusement centres, bingo halls, arcades, cinemas, large live performance venues, eligible tourism operators, and non-essential retail businesses located in lockdown zones.
