The federal budget proposed increasing the level of taxable capital at which a business can still access the small business rate
But with no adjustment to the passive income rules, some companies will remain shut out
Omicron restrictions, inflation and rising interest rates are top concerns for businesses and consumers
The program has provided loans worth almost $50 billion to more than 898,000 companies
CFIB calls for further support from federal government
Even before the new variant, only about one-third of small businesses were back to normal sales
Business is improving in Toronto’s underground mall system, but lags street-level activity
The average salary increase for women at SMEs was 5.3% in 2021, while men received 10.3%
Business owners' investment plans and sales expectations exceed pre-pandemic levels, the research says
Meanwhile, other businesses received more money than was needed while some were excluded altogether