The St. John’s Board of Trade is partnering with the provincial government to reprise a wage support program for local business owners.

The program helps small and medium-sized businesses with labour costs, particularly in light of recent increases to the minimum wage.

Board of Trade CEO AnnMarie Boudreau says last year’s program saw a tremendous response.

All the funds available last year were allocated within a week. “We received hundreds of applications,” says Boudreau. “We heard from so many businesses that just so appreciated the support that this was able to provide.”