The Province has opened applications for two programs to address financial impacts related to the latest wave of COVID-19.

Sector Impact Support Program

Businesses impacted by the latest public health restrictions in Nova Scotia can now apply for support through the Sector Impact Support Program.

The Sector Impact Support Program will provide a one-time grant to help small business owners in industries such as restaurants, bars, gyms, live performing arts facilities and recreation facilities. Eligible businesses can receive a grant of $2,500, $5,000 or $7,500 based on gross payroll cost or gross revenue in November 2021.

For more information on eligibility and to apply, visit: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/sector-impact-support-program/ 

To be eligible, businesses must have had a minimum gross monthly payroll of $1,000 or a minimum of $2,500 of gross monthly revenue for November 2021; be registered to do business in Nova Scotia; have an active Canada Revenue Agency business number; and have gross revenue of $5 million or less in its most recently filed tax year

Incorporated businesses that operate more than one eligible business location under a single corporate entity may claim a rebate for each business location

Paid Sick Leave

The Province’s Paid Sick Leave Program is open to employers and self-employed workers. It is consistent with the previous Nova Scotia COVID-19 Sick Leave Program and covers up to four sick leave days for employees, including self-employed workers, up to a maximum of $20 per hour or $160 per day. The maximum payment over the 15-week period is $640 per worker. 

For more information and to apply, visit https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/paid-sick-leave-program/ 

Eligible businesses that continue to pay their employees during their leave, and self-employed workers who miss time, may be reimbursed as quickly as five business days from their application.

The program covers workers who miss less than 50 per cent of their scheduled work time in a one-week period (for example, 15 hours or less in a scheduled 32-hour work week) who need to self-isolate due to exposure, close contact, or because they are experiencing symptoms or getting tested. They may also qualify if employees are going to a vaccine or booster appointment. 

The program complements the federal Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, which is available to employees and self-employed workers who have missed 50 per cent or more of their scheduled work week as a result of COVID-19. The federal program runs until May 2022.

Additional Resources

More information on provincial support for businesses can be found at:  https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/support/#support-for-business 

For information about federal support for businesses, see https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html#businesses