Newfoundland and Labrador Wage Support Program

Helping Newfoundland and Labrador small- to medium-sized businesses affected by the recent increase in minimum wage.

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Newfoundland and Labrador Wage Support Program

The Newfoundland and Labrador Wage Support Program provides financial support to small- and medium-sized businesses affected by the recent increase in minimum wage. Funded through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement, the Wage Support Program provides a one-time payment of between:

$2,500 – $7,500

The deadline to apply is July 31st, 2025. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are distributed or until the program ends, whichever occurs first.

Who is eligible?

  • Is your business either:
    • a) a corporation registered and in good standing in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, or
    • b) not a registered corporation but registered as an employer with the Canada Revenue Agency?
  • Between April 1st, 2024, and March 31st, 2025:
    • Did your business have, at any point, fewer than 100 total employees within Newfoundland and Labrador?
    • Did your business have at least one employee paid at the minimum wage rate in Newfoundland and Labrador?
  • Is your business in good standing with the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Labour and WorkplaceNL?

If you have answered yes to all of the above, your business is eligible to apply!

Are you ready to apply?

This short application form will take you just a few minutes to complete. To apply for the Newfoundland and Labrador Wage Support Program, please choose one of the following two options:

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Program

The Newfoundland and Labrador Wage Support Program is a government initiative designed to provide financial support to small- and medium-sized businesses in the province affected by increased operational costs, including the recent increase in minimum wage.

Businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador that, between April 1st, 2024, and March 31st, 2025:

  • had fewer than 100 employees in Newfoundland and Labrador,
  • had at least one employee paid at the minimum wage rate in Newfoundland and Labrador, who is not supported by any form of government funding,
  • are in good standing with the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Labour and Workplace NL, and
  • have a CRA Payroll Account Number.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Wage Support Program offers a one-time payment of between $2,500 and $7,500.

Application Process

Yes, the Wage Support Program runs from May 21, 2024, to July 31, 2025, or until funds are distributed, whichever comes first. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the program ends.

You will receive an on-screen confirmation upon successfully submitting your Newfoundland and Labrador Wage Support Program application.

Decisions on Newfoundland and Labrador Wage Support Program applications will be made within 30 business days of submission. All applicants will be notified via email of the decision made regarding their application.

Payment

The one-time Newfoundland and Labrador Wage Support Program payment will be deposited electronically based on the bank account information provided upon approval.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Wage Support Program is intended to help offset the costs associated with increased wages and operational expenses. We encourage businesses to use these funds in ways that will support their stability and growth.

Yes, the Newfoundland and Labrador Wage Support Program one-time payment is taxable and must be included in the income of the business in the year in which it is received.

Additional Support

For assistance, please contact us at info@nlwagesupport.ca.

Yes, there are various other support programs and resources available for businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador. Please visit For Employers – Immigration, Population Growth and Skills (gov.nl.ca) for more information.

Providing false or misleading information is a serious offence and could result in the rejection of your Newfoundland and Labrador Wage Support Program application, the requirement to return any disbursed funds, and possible legal action.

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