Smoke from the wildfire in Tantallon. (Photo credit: Communications Nova Scotia).

If you own a small business that was impacted by the wildfires in HRM and Shelburne County, you can now apply to the Small Business Wildfire Relief Program that provides a one-time grant of $2,500.

The program has now expanded to include business outside of the mandatory evacuation zones, and that were forced to close down for at least five days.

“We’ve heard from businesses that were outside of the wildfire evacuation zones, but were faced with unexpected closures,” said Premier Tim Houston. “We know that an unexpected closure can have a significant impact on small businesses. Expanding the program will help alleviate some of that financial stress for even more small businesses.”

Types of eligible businesses include:

-restaurants and licensed drinking establishments

-fitness, recreational and leisure facilities

-independent retailers

-wholesale operators

-manufacturers

-licensed fish processors

-personal services; repair services

-accommodations

-independent gas retailers

-self-regulated and unregulated health professionals

live performing arts venues

-construction

-private daycares

-active charities may also apply

Applications and information on eligibility are at: https://beta.novascotia.ca/small-business-wildfire-relief-program . Business owners with questions can email SBWRP@novascotia.ca