MONTREAL, April 8, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Starting tomorrow, owners of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and managers of non-profit organizations (NPOs) who are National Bank clients will be able to submit their applications online for the Canada Emergency Business Account. This program is guaranteed by the Government of Canada and aims at helping businesses cope with the economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 crisis. It will be used to grant $40,000 loans that are interest-free until December 31, 2022 to SMEs and NPOs.

"Being the Bank of entrepreneurs means prioritizing advice based on needs, be it day-to-day or in exceptional situations, such as what we're currently experiencing. Our employees are working tirelessly to assist our clients during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to help them obtain support measures to deal with the crisis," stated Stéphane Achard, Executive Vice-President – Commercial Banking and Insurance at National Bank.

To apply for an emergency loan, you must complete the online form, which will be available tomorrow. Here are a few steps to follow before you apply.

1.  Check if you are eligible

The Canada Emergency Business Account is for SMEs and NPOs. The conditions of the federal program require that:

• Organizations have paid $50,000 to $1 million in salaries in 2019, as declared on their T4 Summary
• NPOs have submitted a T2 Corporate Income Tax Return for the 2019 tax year
• Registered charities have submitted a T3010 Registered Charity Information Return for the 2019 tax year

Moreover, to submit your emergency loan application to National Bank, please make sure that:

• You have an active business account (business current account) at National Bank, in Canadian dollars, opened no later than March 1, 2020
• The enterprise was not in arrears on existing borrowing facilities, if applicable, with National Bank by 90 days or more as at March 1, 2020
• National Bank is your primary financial institution

2.  Have the right information on hand

You will need the following information for your application:

• Your National Bank business account number (indicated at the bottom of your cheques)
• The transit number of your branch (5 digits, indicated at the bottom of your cheques)
• The sum of salaries paid in 2019 (see box 14 of the 2019 T4 Summary for your business)
• Your business number or employer account number (15 characters, see the 2019 T4 Summary for your business)

3.  Consult our FAQ

To learn more about how the emergency business loan works, consult our FAQ.

Additional support measures

Some businesses could also already be eligible for the following support measures. We ask that they contact their Account Manager and consult nbc.ca/business where we regularly update information on relief measures and available government programs.

• Concerted Temporary Action Program for Businesses from Investissement Québec: This program is only for businesses operating in Quebec and gives access to a working capital loan of a minimum of $71,500. For more information, go to the Investissement Québec website.
  
• Export Development Canada's Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP): This measure is aimed at direct exporters, indirect exporters, and future direct exporters. It allows them to obtain an operating line of credit or cash flow loan of up to $6.25M in CAD, USD or another currency. For more information, go to the Export Development Canada website.

National Bank Insurance Auto | Home: Support measures for retail clients

National Bank Insurance Auto | Home would also like to remind clients who are experiencing financial difficulties that they could be eligible for various relief measures, including:

• Payment deferrals
• Premium adjustments to reflect reduced vehicle use
• Flexibility offered to clients who use their vehicle for certain types of deliveries
• Claims may be submitted online or by phone

Clients must call 1-877-871-7500 to find out if they are eligible for relief measures. Further details are available on National Bank Insurance's website. Using the Client Centre or app, policyholders can access documentation, start a claim or obtain proof of insurance.

Related links

• National Bank – Update on COVID-19
• National Bank Announces New Support Measures and a Special Approach for Seniors
• National Bank Encourages its Clients to Stay Safe and Use Digital Banking Solutions

About National Bank of Canada
With $289 billion in assets as at January 31, 2020, National Bank of Canada, together with its subsidiaries, forms one of Canada's leading integrated financial groups. It has more than 26,000 employees in knowledge-intensive positions and has been recognized numerous times as a top employer and for its commitment to diversity. Its securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA). Follow the Bank's activities at nbc.ca or via social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

SOURCE National Bank of Canada

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