Businesses that were subject to the closure order, which began on December 20 in order to protect the health of the population in the context of the pandemic, may once again apply for financial assistance. They can do so under the Assistance for Businesses in Regions on Maximum Alert (AERAM) section of the Emergency Assistance Program for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (PAUPME) program.
As well, Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec Minister of the Economy and Innovation and Minister responsible for Regional Economic Development, and Lucie Lecours, Quebec delegate minister for the Economy, announced new financial assistance for restaurants to help mitigate the impacts associated with the closure of dining rooms on December 31, 2021.
Restaurants that receive a financial contribution under the AERAM component are eligible for an additional non-refundable contribution of up to $10,000 per establishment, to cover the costs of unused perishable items.
The MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent is now inviting business owners within its territory to learn more about the programs currently available from the minister of the economy and innovation, and to sign up for the MRC’s mailing list for more information on assistance programs. They can contact the economic development officer, Katherine Simard, either by phone at 450-264-5411 extension 251, or by email at katherine.simard@mrchsl.com for more information. (RP)