The Government of Saskatchewan announced the new Strong Recovery Adaptation Rebate (SRAR), which will assist businesses as they adapt their business models to address the challenges caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our government continues to stand with our small business community as we work toward economic recovery, and this program is one more tool to help small businesses navigate the challenging situation we currently face,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Small businesses are continuing to do their part by not only protecting public health, but also helping to ensure a strong economic recovery in both the weeks and months ahead, and in the longer term as well.”
The rebate will assist businesses who have adapted to different business models, such as changing the use of square footage, installing physical infrastructure to comply with COVID-19 mitigation guidelines, and upgrading technology, such as websites, to enhance their business.
The program is for Saskatchewan businesses that employ less than 100 people, have or will incur expenses to adapt their business model between April 1, 2020, and February 28, 2021, plan to continue operating, and have experienced at least a 30 per cent revenue decline compared to 2019.
Eligible applicants will receive a rebate of 50 per cent up to a maximum of $5,000 for a $10,000 expenditure, with amounts being determined based on business expenditures for changing business models to adapt to the current environment brought about due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The SRAR program will be launched and applications will be available in the coming weeks.
For more information, including COVID-19 support for businesses and workers in Saskatchewan, please visit www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-businesses.
