$95 million announced to support businesses in western Canada

Most of the businesses supported have fewer than 100 employees, with the government noting some benefitting from this funding have fewer than five employees.

This is the first funding from WD to flow from the RRRF.

“We know that our businesses are really the backbone of our communities, they provide local jobs, but also they are a source of local pride,” Joly said.

“We’ve taken action to make sure that not only would they be able to keep their employees but also pay rent, and make sure that they have access to capital to pay costs.”

$55.3 million will help ‘main street businesses’ as well as small and medium-sized enterprises. The projects supported here include Steam 1 funding of up to $40,000 for 1,672 projects.

· 921 projects will be supported in Alberta, totalling $30,484,242

· 599 projects supported in B.C., totalling $19,959,551

· 92 projects in Saskatchewan at $3,013,284

· 60 projects in Manitoba at $1,866,653

RRRF support will also include $39.8 million for the broader business sector. The Steam 2 funding announced Tuesday includes 95 projects designed to support western Canada’s business ecosystem.

· 45 projects in Alberta, totalling $17,865,708

· 22 projects in Saskatchewan at $9,364,514

· 14 projects in Manitoba at $5,324,813

· 14 projects in British Columbia at $7,237,997

Tuesday’s announced funding will include $50.3 million to support very small businesses (those with four and under employees), $41.6 million to support small businesses (5-99 employees) and $3.1 million to help medium businesses.

Through these investments, the government says 6,829 jobs will be protected.

by Justin Goulet

$95 million announced to support businesses in western Canada

What's Happening