The Nova Scotia government will offset revenue loss for small business operators forced to shut down during and in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona. Contractors, independent retailers, private daycares, accommodations and hospitality businesses, performing arts venues and fitness facilities can qualify for a one-time $2,500 grant if they were closed for five or more customary business days between September 23 and October 7 and do not generate more than $5 million in gross annual income.

Eligible recipients can apply online and are promised a cheque within two to four weeks.

“We will continue to work with the business community to understand the ongoing impacts on their operations,” Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston says.

The grants are in addition to the up to $200,000 in disaster financial assistance available to help private and not-for-profit enterprises cover repairs or replacement of uninsurable essential property. Eligible recipients have until January 31, 2023 to apply for the latter relief, which will be dispersed to qualifying fulltime operators with at least a 50 per cent ownership stake in a business generating yearly gross revenues between $10,000 and $2 million.

Homeowners and tenants can also apply through a separate portal for similar types of Fiona-related relief. As well, households can receive $100 to compensate for food spoilage resulting from power outages of 48 hours or longer and $250 toward the cost of removing felled trees from their property.