The government has announced a new program designed to help businesses adapt to new COVID-19 public health guidelines and protect employees and customers.
The new short-term Northern Ontario Recovery Program (NORP) was announced this morning by Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines.
"There is no denying that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on businesses throughout northern Ontario and this program will deliver targeted funding so they can continue to serve their communities," said Rickford.
"It's intended to be targeted funding to allow businesses to fund the necessary upgrades as we adapt to what everybody is calling a new normal, or a new reality," Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli told CKAT.
Companies can apply to NORP for assistance with projects that help them adjust to the impacts of COVID-19, such as:
- Building renovations and new constructions
- Customer and employee safety installations
- Equipment purchases, including personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Marketing for new business initiatives
- Restructuring of business operations
Applications will be open from October 1, to December 31, with the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) administering the new program. The current NOHFC program streams will close for applications as of September 30, 2020, to allow the NOHFC to focus exclusively on NORP funding applications.
"This funding announcement may mean the difference for many businesses in the north, who have weathered the past six months and need to get through the next six months," said Peter Chirico, CEO, North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce.
