The grant is part of the Access by Design strategy that seeks to make the province accessible by 2030.

The program will provide funding for businesses looking to upgrade their accessibility for customers, employees or both.

The Nova Scotia Accessibility Act passed in 2017 states that six standards need to be met to make Nova Scotia more accessible. The standards are: goods and services, information and communication, transportation, employment, education and built environment.

“Probably around 80 per cent of our applications come in for improvements to the ramp, the entrance, the doors, the washrooms inside, maybe some of the parking or pathways to the business” Paul Tingley, recreation consultant for the province of Nova Scotia says.

Although other accessibility measures such as devices and even staff training on accessibility can also be covered.

The grant covers around two-thirds of the costs for businesses that apply. The business must be in good standing with the Registry of Joint Stocks.

“This helps alleviate some of those expenses,” Tingley says.

Some examples of this year’s projects that the province has shared was Mersey River Chalets, who will receive a $15,306 grant for shower and pathway upgrades. As well as the Town of Lunenburg that is receiving a $14,003 grant to support improvements to the Lunenburg Arena.

Business ACCESS-Ability’s second round of applications are due September 29.

“It’s a good economic move to be accessible,” Tingley says.

If a customer can’t access a business that means they won’t visit it and could also mean those they are with won’t either, Tingley explains.