As many small businesses struggle during what’s normally their busiest season, promised supports from the Houston government are nowhere to be seen.

“Small businesses are the cornerstone of our economy, but if Premier Houston continues to neglect them, they’ll crumble,” says Economic Development critic Fred Tilley.

Three weeks ago, Houston government announced that applications would open in early January for the Sector Impact Support Program. These supports are needed now more than ever, as record-high case numbers of COVID-19 have forced extended restrictions and inevitable hardship on business owners across Nova Scotia.

The applications still haven’t opened – continuing to leave small businesses out in the lurch under the Houston government’s haphazard pandemic response.

“These grants were needed weeks ago and Premier Houston has shown zero urgency in helping to keep restaurants and gyms from closing under this wave. Business owners are banging the drum for immediate financial supports and the premier isn’t listening,” says Tilley.