To help make it easier to navigate policies and processes for small businesses, the Provincial Government has officially launched a new Business Navigator initiative. The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology, announced that, beginning today, the Business Navigator Program will assist businesses in dealing with the Provincial Government by providing a one-on-one, personalized service for inquiries related to requirements to establish and operate businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Budget 2024 allocated $500,000 for business navigators to ensure businesses connect with the correct resources to help streamline processes. The role also includes identifying unnecessary and impeding regulations and red tape to determine what can be eliminated or improved to ensure a more timely, efficient and effective regulatory environment. An online portal, dedicated email (businessnavigatornl@gov.nl.ca) and phone line (1-833-404-2283) for the submission of inquiries is now available for businesses to use to connect with the navigators and request information.
Business navigators can provide information for businesses related to:
- Provincial Government regulations and programming.
- Identifying licences, permits and inspections needed to operate your business.
- Providing support information for additional requirements like financing, taxes and staffing.
The team of three business navigators are located in St. John’s, Clarenville and Corner Brook. They will work with key points of contact within Provincial Government departments to facilitate engagement with a business to provide clarity or resolve any items related to the inquiry and maintain engagement to ensure issues are resolved. Additional information on the program can be found on the website.
Quotes
“Our government is committed to ensuring businesses in this province are successful and sustainable. We have heard from Chambers of Commerce, Boards of Trade and other stakeholders of the importance of having a navigator program in Newfoundland and Labrador similar to those in other Atlantic provinces. We encourage anyone with questions on operating a business in the province to contact this team so we can help your business grow and thrive.”
Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC
Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology
“We are delivering on our commitment to reduce red tape and other unnecessary burdens for business through such initiatives as the Business Navigators Program. The new navigators will help facilitate and support business to ensure a strong economy. Other measures we are taking to help business include reducing the small business corporate income tax rate and offering tax credits to support manufacturing and processing as well as film, video, and green technology. All with the vision of building a stronger, smarter, self-sufficient, and sustainable province.”
Honourable Siobhan Coady
Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance
“We’re excited to see this program launch. The Board of Trade has been advocating for this type of support for quite some time and we will continue to work alongside the Provincial Government to shape initiatives like the business navigators. Operating a business is incredibly challenging right now and anything that can be done to reduce the burden is welcomed and necessary. Our province needs a thriving business private sector.”
AnnMarie Boudreau
St. John’s Board of Trade
“I am pleased to see the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador launch the business navigators. Helping businesses navigate bureaucracy is a step in reducing red tape as time is money. Our 19 chambers across Newfoundland and Labrador are committed to supporting this initiative and working together to create a stronger, more efficient business environment.”
Rhonda Tulk-Lane
CEO Atlantic Chamber of Commerce
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Business Navigators
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