Government’s economic support plan added two new programs today that will put more than $40 million in the pockets of those out of work and small businesses affected by COVID-19.

Covid-19 Worker Emergency Bridge is for those laid off or out of work on or after March 16, because of COVID-19, and are not eligible for Employment Insurance. The $1,000 payment to help meet basic needs can be combined with the federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The Bridge will provide quick access to support for those who have nowhere else to turn for government help. We will provide a simple, online application to help expedite getting people this help.

Covid 19 Small Business Sustainability Grant is for businesses ordered to close or substantially curtail operations by Public Health orders. The one-time grant that can be used for any purpose. Eligible small business can get an upfront grant to a maximum of $5,000. The grant can be combined with all federal and provincial small business support. The province has partnered with Dalhousie University so they can implement the two new programs announced today. The application portals will be ready next week.

Also today, a new extended-hours phoneline has been set up for people wanting information on income assistance eligibility from the Department of Community Services. Call toll-free 1-833-722-1417 from Monday to Friday 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During regular business hours, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. call the regular toll-free line at 1-877-424-1177.

Introducing #TheNewRegular from CreatedHere⬇️

The routine of our days is anything but regular. It feels important to capture this unique moment in our shared history. Artists and makers, send us images and words about your new routines, your reinvented studio practice, your coping through creativity. Tell us how you are transforming fear into purpose.

Tag your content with #TheNewRegular @createdheremag on Facebook & Instagram. Starting this Saturday and running for as long as the need is there, we'll be featuring our favourite stories through social media features, artist interviews, online articles, video tutorials and virtual exhibitions. Just because we can't gather, doesn't mean we can't connect.

We have no doubt that the artists of New Brunswick will still be here through this, and so will CreatedHere. We’ll keep creating, keep cultivating creative thought, keep promoting creativity as a way of life in all times.

Has your craft business or practise been impacted by COVID-19? Craft NB, Craft Alliance Atlantic, along with the other provincial crafts councils of Atlantic Canada are asking craftspeople, and craft related businesses to fill out one of the forms linked below with estimates of potential loss of revenue in the upcoming months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

DOWNLOAD NOW:
Loss of Revenue Spreadsheet for Craftspeople & Artists: bit.ly/lossofrevenue_craftspeople
Loss of Revenue Spreadsheet for Retail, Galleries, etc : bit.ly/lossofrevenue_retailshops

Completed estimates should be forwarded to info@craftalliance.ca. We will continue to advocate for more support from all governments for craftspeople and artisans across Atlantic Canada. Together, we can compile accurate data on the impact of COVID-19 and relay that information to the provincial and federal governments.