It is going to be a long road back for many businesses after COVID-19, but a recent survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business finds New Brunswick is leading the way for small businesses.
Forty-four per cent of Canada’s small businesses are now fully open, up from 38 per cent two weeks ago.
In New Brunswick alone, that percentage stands at 59 per cent.
The concern is, only 17 per cent have returned to normal sales level.
CFIB president Dan Kelly says he is very worried about sectors like transportation, health and social services, arts and recreation and restaurants/hospitality.
Across Canada, only 13 per cent of of hospitality and restaurant businesses have reopened with the new COVID-19 restrictions.
Agricultural and Construction has the highest percentage.
Newfoundland has the lowest number of small businesses that have reopened at only 24 per cent.
Kelly adds for many recovery is another question as just opening your doors does not guarantee your customers will return.
% fully open and sales by province
NB |
AB |
SK |
MB |
QC |
NS |
BC |
ON |
NL |
|
% fully open |
59 |
54 |
51 |
50 |
49 |
47 |
47 |
37 |
24 |
% normal sales |
17 |
15 |
25 |
20 |
16 |
21 |
17 |
12 |
5 |
% fully open and sales by sector
% open |
% normal sales |
|
Agriculture |
73 |
36 |
Construction |
73 |
20 |
Manufacturing |
63 |
16 |
Professional services (e.g. law firms) |
62 |
26 |
Wholesale |
56 |
17 |
Enterprise management |
56 |
18 |
Finance, Insurance, Real Estate |
52 |
27 |
Transportation |
50 |
4 |
Retail |
44 |
22 |
Personal services (e.g. hair salons) |
44 |
13 |
Social services (e.g. chiropractors) |
29 |
5 |
Arts and recreation (e.g. gyms) |
21 |
3 |
Hospitality (e.g. restaurants) |
13 |
5 |