Some N.B. business owners express concern they won’t qualify for a new fund to help those who are self-employed
For the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government of New Brunswick is offering financial supports specifically aimed at helping self-employed business owners.
A one-time $2,000 grant is being offered to those who are unable to work in Level 3 lockdowns.
To be eligible for the Self-Employed Lockdown Fund, businesses must meet the following criteria:
- be a permanent New Brunswick-based business or organization physically operating in the province
- had been actively operating or conducting business before being ordered to close
- possess an active and valid CRA Business Number
- be in good standing with the provincial government and with the Corporate Registry of New Brunswick
- provide evidence of annual gross business income of more than $30,000
While support of any kind is welcome, some business owners are concerned about the eligibility requirements.
Kimberley Herron-Horncastle, a tattoo artist in St. Stephen, says she will not meet the criteria needed to benefit from the fund.
“It actually felt like I was drowning for a minute, because you’re kind of out of options,” said Herron-Horncastle.
A new mom, Herron-Horncastle says she only works weekends when childcare is available for her young son. She says she won’t hit the $30,000 gross income necessary to qualify for the fund.
“Where I don’t work very often, I specifically budget my income to my payments. So it could be a missed car payment, it could be me talking to my landlord asking for help with rent, it’s that much of a fine line,” said Herron-Horncastle
The grant requirements also caught the eye of members of the Cap-Pelé-Beaubassin-East Chamber of Commerce, who wrote an open letter sharing their disappointment.
“It’s the issue that keeps popping up,” said Gilles Cormier, a member of the Cap-Pelé-Beaubassin-East Chamber of Commerce.
“Sometimes when these government programs come along it seems to be a quick fix and they don’t really pay attention to make sure that the people who really, really need the help, that they’re eligible to get it.”
CTV News reached out to the province for comment, but was told no one was available for an interview.
In an email, a spokesperson for Opportunities NB says the grant was introduced to provide support complementary to other resources. Those include the federal government’s Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit, which temporarily provides roughly $270 a week to individuals who cannot work due to lockdown restrictions.
Those interested in applying for the Self-Employed Lockdown Fund can do so online beginning Feb. 1.
Eligible businesses should expect payment within 10 business days following receipt of a complete application.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.