The Canadian Federation of Independent Business says monthly bills and mounting debt are at the top of a list of concerns for small business. Executive vice-president Laura Jones says, “Saskatchewan entrepreneurs are scared that the economics of the ongoing shutdown are unsustainable.” She says the three big challenges right now are: Relief that is slow in coming, people falling through government eligibility cracks, and too much of the relief is in the form of deferrals and loans. 38 per cent of Saskatchewan small businesses plan to use the Canada Emergency Business Account. 17 per cent want to use it but aren’t eligible. Eight per cent say they don’t need it. Marilyn Braun-Pollon, vice-president Western Canada and Agribusiness says, “If we don’t do a good job helping Saskatchewan businesses survive this today, the cascading effect will be felt for years to come.”

Across Canada, small business confidence edged up at the start of April after a historic descent in March. The index rose seven points to 37.7 on the CFIB’s Business Barometer. An index level nearer to 65 indicates the economy is growing at its potential. Saskatchewan’s index level was 42.6. Agriculture dropped to the lowest optimism level of any sector at 23.9. Transportation was the most optimistic at 56.6.