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$5,000 grant for small businesses in Nunavut

Small businesses can apply for up to $5,000 in support in the form of a non-repayable contribution explains Minister of Economic Development and Transportation David Akeeagok. Rajnesh Sharma/NNSL

A one-time grant of $5,000 for eligible small businesses is being offered through the Small Business Support Program.

“We’ve been hearing a lot from our small businesses that they are suffering and that they are looking for help,” said Minister of Economic Development and Transportation David Akeeagok.

Akeeagok defined a small business as typically having less than $500,000 in gross sales or it has fewer than ten employees. This may include Nunavut artists, who “make all or part of their income through the sales of their products they produce or plan to produce,” he explained.

Renewable resource harvesters, who earn all or part of their income from the sales of renewable resource products they harvest or plan to harvest may also be eligible.

Qualified businesses can apply for up to $5,000 in support in the form of a non-repayable contribution.

Small businesses who are interested in more information, should visit https://gov.nu.ca/edt/programs-services/small-business-support-program.

Other Updates

150 people are currently under investigation for COVID-19, while 57 people have been cleared.

“To anyone currently self-isolating, I want to make something very, very clear: coming out of self-isolation does not mean that you do not have to practice social distancing and staying at home as much as possible,” said Premier Joe Savikataaq, during today’s press conference.

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Michael Patterson also emphasized, individuals, who are under investigation for COVID-19 and are waiting for test results are required to stay home.

All residents of Nunavut must self-isolate for 14 days in Yellowknife, Edmonton, Winnipeg or Ottawa before returning to the territory.

Nunavummiut returning to Nunavut by way of land travel to Sanikiluaq, Arviat, and the Kitikmeot region must self-isolate for 2 weeks upon their return.

Critical workers need the permission from the Office of the Chief Public Health Officer to enter the territory. Critical workers, who have travelled internationally recently or are coming from areas with high risk of COVID-19 transmission will not be permitted into Nunavut.

Residents of Nunavut and critical workers are asked to email CPHOTravelRequests@gov.nu.ca for more information.

Nunavut Arctic College is extending their suspension until May 4. The college however, aims to resume courses for the Spring semester. The courses may be delivered through course packs sent to students, online offering and programming using local resources. Graduations and convocations have been moved to September 2020.