Sask. small businesses can begin applying today for provincial aid

Saskatchewan businesses impacted by COVID-19 can begin applying for provincial aid today.

Saskatchewan Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison told Gormley on Monday the government will start taking applications at 2 p.m. for the Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment.

The $50-million program announced Thursday targets small- and medium-size enterprises under 500 employees who have been forced to close or scale back operations due to the pandemic.
“Businesses will have to attest to having seen a revenue decline, which for most will not be a significant issue given the challenges out there, ” said Harrison.

“Up to 15 per cent of monthly revenue will be what that business is eligible for as far as the emergency payment.”

Businesses can choose revenues from either April 2019 or February 2020 and can receive up to a maximum of $5,000. Harrison says the objective is to move money quickly with as little red tape as possible.

“Smaller businesses that are really facing acute issues. We heard many of those to do with rent, lease payments. We did look at having very specific tailored programs to rent and lease, but we felt giving businesses the flexibility to deploy those resources how they felt would best advance their business was the right way to go.”

Businesses can apply online at Saskatchewan.ca.