
CBDC NB Small Business Emergency Working Capital Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
NS, Canada
Financial help for small businesses in NB
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $100,000
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Loans and Capital investments
Eligible Industries
- Retail trade
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
Get a loan of up to $100,000 to increase working capital and help your company respond to the COVID-19 economic challenges.
Financing terms and conditions
This grant offers structured financing options to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19, focused on loans with specified interest rates and payment schedules.
- Working capital loans available up to $100,000 for eligible small businesses.
- No interest required for the first six months of the loan period.
- Interest payments at a rate of 4% per annum required from months 7-12.
- Principal and interest payments begin in month 13.
Activities funded
This grant supports small businesses in New Brunswick impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing working capital loans. The eligible activities focus on maintaining business operations and ensuring sustainability through financial relief.
- Maintaining day-to-day operations through accessible working capital.
- Mitigating the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on business activities.
- Supporting liquidity for businesses in need of immediate financial assistance.
- Ensuring long-term viability and stability of affected small businesses.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 100,000
Cover operational expenses for a seasonal tourism operator struggling due to COVID-19 restrictions
$ 100,000
Support operational expenses for a non-profit organization providing essential services amid the pandemic
$ 100,000
Adapt business operations for a self-employed photographer impacted by COVID-19 regulations
$ 100,000
Expand kitchen operations for restaurant to include more delivery options amid COVID-19 pandemic
$ 100,000
Enhance digital presence for a service sector business adapting to COVID-19 changes
$ 100,000
Cover revenue losses for a seasonal ice cream shop impacted by COVID-19 restrictions
Eligibility
Eligibility for the Small Business Emergency Working Capital Program is determined by specific requirements related to the business's status and impact from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The business must be engaged in commercial enterprises employing 1 to 49 employees.
- The business must have sales for the most recent fiscal year of less than $10 million.
- The business must have experienced adverse effects from the COVID-19 pandemic on or after March 15, 2020, and have a reasonable plan or prospect to remain viable after the pandemic.
- The business must be a corporation, proprietorship, partnership, joint venture, or First Nation enterprise.
- The business must be registered with Service NB and have its primary place of operations in New Brunswick.
- If a corporation, the business must be in good standing as of January 1, 2020.
- The applicant must have been in good standing and current with their financial institutions and government remittances prior to the COVID-19 crisis, with no prior history of bankruptcy or default.
- The applicant must have explored options with their financial institution and federal support programs.
- The business must have been viable and not experiencing liquidity or other financial difficulties as of March 15, 2020.
- The business must not be engaged in an enterprise substantially funded directly or indirectly from public sources.
- The business must have been current as of March 1, 2020, to entities that extended financing to it and under any lease of premises or asset.
Who is eligible?
The grant is aimed at small business owners in New Brunswick who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible applicants include small businesses engaged in commercial enterprises with 1 to 49 employees and sales of less than $10 million for the most recent fiscal year. Applicants must be registered with Service NB, in good standing as of January 1, 2020, and have been financially viable as of March 15, 2020. Only businesses not substantially public-funded and with operations primarily in New Brunswick are eligible. Furthermore, applicants should have no prior history of bankruptcy or default, and must have first explored other financial institutions and federal support avenues.
Who is not eligible
This grant details mainly eligibility criteria but does not explicitly mention specific industries or company types that are ineligible. However, restrictions may implicitly exist based on the nature of funding and the historical financial standing required.
Eligible expenses
This grant provides financial support to small businesses in New Brunswick that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible activities are focused on sustaining operations and addressing immediate financial challenges brought about by the pandemic.
- Acquisition of working capital to maintain business operations.
- Relief from immediate financial strain due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Support for maintaining employment and operational capacity during and after the pandemic.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to small businesses located in specific areas within the province of New Brunswick. It aims to support the regional small businesses that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing financial relief.
- CBDC Chaleur
- CBDC Charlotte/Kings (greater Saint John area)
- CBDC Kent
- CBDC Madawaska
- CBDC Northumberland
- CBDC Peninsule acadienne
- CBDC Restigouche
- CBDC Southwest (greater Fredericton area)
- CBDC Victoria-Madawaska (Grand Falls)
- CBDC Westmorland Albert (greater Moncton area)
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Government of New Brunswick Small Business Emergency Working Capital Program. Small businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Employ 1 to 49 employees with sales less than $10 million
- Impacted by COVID-19 on or after March 15, 2020
- Have a viable plan to remain operational post-pandemic
- Be registered in New Brunswick and in good standing
- No history of bankruptcy or default
- Explore financial institution and federal support options
- Not substantially funded by public sources
- Current with financial obligations as of March 1, 2020
How to apply
1
Determine Eligibility
- Ensure your business is registered with Service NB and operates primarily in New Brunswick.
- Verify that your business meets the employee size and sales criteria as outlined (1-49 employees, less than $10 million in sales).
- Prepare a reasonable plan to remain viable post-pandemic.
- Ensure your business was in good standing with financial institutions and government remittances before March 15, 2020.
2
Explore Other Financial Options
- Talk to your financial institution about available options.
- Investigate federal support programs available to your business.
- Prepare cash flow projections for the next six months to assess working capital needs.
3
Prepare Application
- Compile necessary documentation, including financial statements and cash flow projections.
- Ensure your business and financial status align with the program requirements.
4
Contact Local CBDC
- Identify the appropriate Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) for your area.
- Contact the CBDC to acquire specific application instructions and forms.
5
Submit Application
- Complete all application forms accurately and thoroughly.
- Submit the application along with the required documents to the appropriate CBDC.
- Receive confirmation of application receipt via email.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Interest will be charged at 4% per annum after a six-month interest-free period.
- It is available only to businesses in New Brunswick, excluding those in the public sector.
- The business must have been financially viable and not struggling with liquidity or financial distress as of March 15, 2020.
- Applicants should not have any prior history of bankruptcy or default and must have been in good standing prior to the pandemic.
- Principal and interest payments are required to start from the thirteenth month onwards.
- Applicants should have exhausted financial support options through their financial institution and federal programs before applying.
Contacts
1-888-303-2232
Frequently Asked Questions about the CBDC NB Small Business Emergency Working Capital Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the CBDC NB Small Business Emergency Working Capital Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the CBDC NB Small Business Emergency Working Capital Program?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the CBDC NB Small Business Emergency Working Capital Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the CBDC NB Small Business Emergency Working Capital Program?
Who is eligible for the CBDC NB Small Business Emergency Working Capital Program program?
Who can I contact for more information about the CBDC NB Small Business Emergency Working Capital Program?
Where is the CBDC NB Small Business Emergency Working Capital Program available?

Expert AdviceOpen
Tourism Digital Assistance Program
Government of Nova ScotiaFunding for digital marketing in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, Canada

Other SupportOpen
Experience Nova Scotia: A Toolkit
Government of Nova ScotiaHow to grow your N.S. business by developing tourism experiences
Nova Scotia, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
Business Energy Rebates
Efficiency Nova ScotiaRebates on energy efficiency equipment in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
Efficiency Nova Scotia — Pay-for-Performance
Efficiency Nova ScotiaIncentives for reducing electricity use in commercial and institutional buildings
Nova Scotia, Canada

Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingExpert AdviceClosed
Atlantic Canada Travel Trade Market Readiness Program
Government of Nova ScotiaAdvice for tourism operators in Atlantic Canada
Nova Scotia, Canada

Expert AdviceOpen
Business Navigators - NS
Government of Nova ScotiaHelp understanding business regulations in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) — Business Scale-up and Productivity — ACOA
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)Financing to accelerate growth in Atlantic Canada
Nova Scotia, Canada

Grant and FundingOpen
Aboriginal Business Loans — General
UlnoowegLoans for Indigenous entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada
Nova Scotia, Canada

Other SupportExpert AdviceOpen
Launch Export Atlantic Incubator
Government of Nova ScotiaSupport from subject matter experts for export capacity
Nova Scotia, Canada

Tax CreditsOpen
Nova Scotia digital media tax credit
Government of Nova ScotiaRefundable tax credit for interactive digital media development in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, Canada