Just eight days after Northern Development adjusted the former Forestry Affected Business Consulting Rebate program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Opa Sushi successfully applied to the new Small Business Recovery (SBR) Consulting Rebate program on April 16, 2020.
Seeking a grant to assist with the costs of hiring a professional consultant to help guide the sushi restaurant through the drastically changing business landscape, Opa Sushi was approved for a $16,320 rebate for the $19,200 consulting project.
“The consultant supported us through a very tough time in the entire restaurant industry,” said Kristi Farrell, president, Opa Sushi. “We were able to accomplish an incredible amount of work for the business in a very volatile time. The strategic work we did helped ensure Opa Sushi continued to thrive during the pandemic and after.”
Completed over the course of one year, the consultant provided guidance and support for the implementation of an inventory management system, leadership development and recruitment, training sales and marketing initiatives. As a result, Opa Sushi realized increased average guest checks for both dine-in and take-out. They also improved the cost of goods by three per cent and improved staff retention.
The SBR Consulting Rebate continues to be available to businesses in a variety of industries, including hospitality, retail, energy and manufacturing. Eligible businesses can access a rebate of up to 85 per cent, to a maximum of $25,000, for the cost of hiring a consultant to assist with business efforts.
