More types of businesses are now eligible for the Small Business Real Property Tax Rebate Program, which opened to applications today, May 14.

The program has expanded to include live performing arts organizations and independent retailers with a physical location, such as bookstores or clothing stores.

“We have been consulting with the business community and listening to their concerns. The changes that we are announcing today are one way we are responding to that feedback,” said Labi Kousoulis, Minister of Inclusive Economic Growth. “We will continue to engage with our local businesses and work with our federal partners to support those in need.”

The Small Business Real Property Tax Rebate Program, administered by the Nova Scotia COVID-19 Response Council, provides eligible businesses with a one-time rebate of a portion of their paid property taxes. They can choose a rebate of $1,000 or 50 per cent of the commercial real property taxes paid for the final six months of the 2020-21 tax year.

Quotes:
“Nova Scotia Business Improvement Districts appreciates the government’s continued willingness to work with the business community to adapt its supports to meet the needs of small businesses facing financial hardship throughout the pandemic. The Small Business Real Property Tax Rebate Program and its expansion to include retail and the performing arts will assist small businesses to cover many of their fixed costs through the lockdown. We look forward to continue to work with the provincial government to support small business and plan for the economic recovery.”
     – Tim Rissesco, chair, Nova Scotia Business Improvement Districts

Quick Facts:
–expanding the eligibility criteria is estimated to cost $4 million, bringing the total cost of the program to $11 million
— the program is funded through the Nova Scotia COVID-19 Response Council fund
— the program is available to gym and fitness establishments, hair salons and barber shops, spas, nail salons, body art establishments, restaurants offering in-person dining service, bars and licensed drinking establishments, independent retailers with a physical retail location and organizations offering live performing arts

Additional Resources:
More information about the Small Business Real Property Tax Rebate Program and the online application can be found here: https://nscrc.ca/programs/

More information on support for businesses can be found at: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/support/#support-for-business

Source: Release