Expanded Regional Relief and Recovery Fund continues to support jobs in Newfoundland and Labrador  

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Approximately $12 million of RRRF top-up earmarked for ACOA will go to small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Newfoundland and Labrador to help them continue operating and keep their employees

 October 14, 2020 · St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunties Agency (ACOA)

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan has helped to protect millions of jobs, provide emergency support to families and keep businesses afloat as they deal with the impact of COVID-19. A central part of this is the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, which helps support those who may not be eligible for other programs. A lifeline for businesses that might otherwise not have survived, the RRRF has been vital in helping them keep their employees, pay bills and get access to capital.

Since launching the RRRF in May, more than 1,500 jobs have been protected in Newfoundland and Labrador through ACOA investments totalling $20.6 million in 99 projects at SMEs and business support organizations. However, many SMEs are still struggling as entrepreneurs try to position their firms for recovery while the economy safely reopens.

Funding allocated to support Newfoundland and Labrador economy 

On October 2, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, announced that ACOA was receiving an additional $42.2 million to further support businesses through the RRRF. Today she announced that approximately $12 million of that amount will go to SMEs in Newfoundland and Labrador that still need extra cash flow to deal with the ongoing economic impacts of COVID-19.

Minister Joly also met virtually with Jeff LeDrew, CEO of Jumping Bean Coffee Inc., today to hear first-hand how his business has been impacted by the pandemic. Jumping Bean received a repayable investment of $200,000 through the RRRF as working capital assistance to mitigate economic hardships resulting from COVID-19. The support will help improve the prospects of business survival and better position the company for recovery.

Eligible businesses and organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador that require additional help to recover from the pandemic are encouraged to apply for the RRRF through ACOA or their local Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC).  

Quick facts

  • On October 2, Minister Joly announced an additional $60.2 million through the RRRF to support Atlantic Canadian businesses. Of that, ACOA is receiving $42.2 million to deliver to SMEs across Atlantic Canada. The remaining $18 million is going to the network of 41 CBDCs to distribute to businesses and retailers in small, rural and remote communities throughout the region.

  • The RRRF provides working capital to finance the everyday operations of a business.

  • Distributed by ACOA and the CBDCs in Atlantic Canada, RRRF complements other federal relief measures and COVID-19 supports provided by other levels of government and takes into account regional needs and realities. 

  • Businesses in Atlantic Canada that have applied for other federal COVID-19 programs, but were unable to access sufficient relief, are encouraged to review RRRF eligibility requirements or contact ACOA for more information. If you have already applied and are waiting for a response, no further action is required. 

  •  ACOA is also delivering $38.1 million of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund (CSSF) in Atlantic Canada.  

  • The $62.5 million Fund is helping fish and seafood processors in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Western Canada get through the crisis and prepare for the economic recovery, so that their communities can continue to thrive.  

  • ACOA continues to invest in projects that promote sustainable local economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation through its regular suite of programs.  

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Contacts

Catherine Mounier-Desrochers
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Economic
Development and Official Languages
Catherine.Mounier-Desrochers@canada.ca

Paul McGrath
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
709-689-5731
paul.mcgrath@canada.ca

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