The Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment (ITI) was at Javaroma on Monday for an open house aimed at helping business sign up for Emergency Business Relief Funding and Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development (SEED) Fund, which is designed to help business recover from both the pandemic and evacuation.
It offers businesses up to $5,000 to help with expenses.
SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檝e been communicating that weSA国际影视传媒檝e had this program, but not everybody goes on the web looking for these things, and itSA国际影视传媒檚 also difficult for people to come during standard office hours,SA国际影视传媒� said Kris Johnson, ITISA国际影视传媒檚 North Slave region superintendent. SA国际影视传媒淲e thought weSA国际影视传媒檇 help by making ourselves as accessible as possible.SA国际影视传媒�
Johnson said that the idea for this open house come together quickly after ITI Minister Caroline Wawzonek attended a business community meeting. During the meeting, it became evident that many businesses were struggling and needed help.
Johnson added that the budget for SEED currently stands at $1 million with additional support being sought to top up that amount, mainly from the federal government.
She acknowledged that while they are doing their best to provide support, itSA国际影视传媒檚 going to be a tough journey.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 expected that the effects will continue to be felt for a while,SA国际影视传媒� she said.
Rami Kassem, JavaromaSA国际影视传媒檚 owner, said that having GNWT representatives on site and in person was a nice change.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 very interesting to see them talking to businesses and just not (having people) go to the office, or connect with somebody by email,SA国际影视传媒� he said. SA国际影视传媒淣ow you have the (personal) touch. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 very important and I just loved it, so that definitely has a better kind of feeling.SA国际影视传媒�
Kassem was surprised by the turnout, noting that people started gathering before it all began.
SA国际影视传媒淏y that, you can tell how much people are eager to get this support,SA国际影视传媒� he said.
Kassem revealed that his business have been significantly affected by the evacuation. All four of his locations have seen a drop of between 30 to 50 per-cent and said the situation has gone worse than the pandemic.
Kassem also urged the territorial government to provide more support.
SA国际影视传媒淚t still doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 scratch the surface, even for lots of businesses, so weSA国际影视传媒檙e looking for more help,SA国际影视传媒� he said.
Johnson said that ITI was planning to host the open house once again either this week or next week, but no specific date has been confirmed.
She suggested that when business owners apply for SEED funding, they should include some of their bigger bills in their applications as these would likely get them close to the $5,000 support limit.
