Province extends small business support program

The Government of Saskatchewan announced they would once again be extending the Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment (SSBEP) program.

The program, originally launched in April 2020, was renewed in December, and with the extension, businesses will be eligible for an additional payment for January 2021.

Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison says the government realizes that small and medium-sized businesses in the province continue to face challenges brought on by the pandemic.

“Our government believes support for businesses is vital, and the extension of this program for the month of January, as well as the other programs available, will help as we continue to move through this challenging period and towards economic recovery,” said Harrison.

The province is encouraging businesses to re-evaluate their eligibility for both December and January payments as public health restrictions have expanded since the SSBEP program was renewed

So far, $5.9 million has been provided to 1,521 applicants for the December period. With public health orders being extended, more businesses have been impacted. Applications for this phase of the program will be accepted until March 2nd, 2021

Applicants will be eligible for up to $5,000 per month in funding, and those who qualified for the December intake of the SSBEP will not have to re-apply for January.  However, businesses will be contacted to attest that they remain eligible for the January payment.

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