Support for businesses

Our team at Opportunities NB (ONB) provides programs and services that help businesses during this challenging time. The province has implemented supports for businesses, which include: 

• Working capital loans of up to $5 million providing financial support to help maintain operations. 
• A new $40 million competitiveness and growth program to enhance the long-term sustainability of New Brunswick’s large export-intensive companies. 
• $4 million to support the New Brunswick Fisheries Fund – Recognizing that seafood producers will be among the hardest hit. 
• ONB will also leverage its existing $30 million strategic assistance budget in response to current challenges and, to help mitigate the impact of tariffs, support contingency planning, market diversification and productivity improvements. 
• A flexible labour market support program delivered through Working NB and the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour that will provide support and services to those whose jobs have been affected by the tariffs. A contingency fund will also be available through the Regional Development Corporation to provide support for impacted communities. 

The Labour Force Adjustment program provides support to individual employers to improve their capacity for dealing with human resources requirements. 

The program also supports the development of human resources management, policies, tools as well as human resources planning activities.  In addition, the program can provide support in addressing significant changes impacting human resources at their workplace such as company closures or downsizing. Generally, such approach involves the establishment of a committee.  

• One stream of this program is for those directed towards sectors (agriculture, ICT, manufacturing, etc.).  
• Another stream is for those directed towards specific employers.  

WorkingNB’s has offices across the province offer a variety of resources to individuals and employers. In addition to their regular resources, WorkingNB is involved with labour force adjustment committees. 

ONB’s Business Navigators can help businesses understand and adapt to tariff changes, connect businesses with the right resources to overcome trade challenges, and support business growth in new and existing markets.

If you are a New Brunswick business facing the uncertainty of tariffs, you can contact ONB’s Business Navigators to have their questions answered by

• calling 1-833-799-7966 
• emailing [email protected]

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Service Canada are hosting information sessions about work-sharing and other programs designed to help businesses avoid layoffs during periods of economic disruption. 

• Date: March 13, 1:30 PM AST (English) Register HERE! 

Join us for the third webinar of the ONB Export Series, at 11:45 AM (ADT) on Friday March 14, where we will address the recent tariff challenges impacting New Brunswick businesses. This session will cover provincial and federal resources available to help companies navigate trade disruptions and maintain global competitiveness.

Representatives from Opportunities NB (ONB), the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fisheries (DAAF), the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Global Affairs Canada will provide highlights on the various support programs in place for companies impacted by tariffs and uncertainties around it.