Restaurant and Accommodations Online Bundle Launched for Businesses

Government has launched a new online tool to make it easier for restaurant and accommodations operators to start or grow their businesses in Nova Scotia.

The Restaurant and Accommodations Bundle will reduce the time business people spend accessing government information and completing transactions. New and existing operators can use the bundle to find the right information, services and forms for their business needs in one place.

"Business people in the restaurant and accommodations sector told us they want to spend less time navigating government departments to figure out which permits and licences they need. They want to spend more time focusing on making their businesses successful," said Service Nova Scotia Minister Mark Furey. "The Restaurant and Accommodations Bundle shows all of the steps in order, making it easier, faster and more convenient for businesses to work with government to get started and to grow."

The bundle includes an email notification service and tools to help operators identify what requirements apply to their business and in what sequence. Business operators can create a customized list of tasks for their specific needs, such as reserving a business name, applying for a food establishment permit and exploring funding opportunities.

"We have been pleased to work with the provincial government to advance this project as it will make a significant improvement in the business environment in Nova Scotia," said Glenn Squires, chair of the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia.

"The administrative burden placed on tourism operators has traditionally been quite substantial. Tools such as these allow operators to focus on growing their business; identified in the One Nova Scotia Report as key to our economic prosperity."

Nova Scotia's online service for business offers self-service options, with easy access to many programs and services in one online location. Starting with the Restaurant and Accommodations Bundle, government is taking a sector-by-sector approach to improve how services are delivered to businesses.

The Restaurant and Accommodations Bundle is available at www.novascotia.ca/mybusiness . Users can log into the online service or create an account, then select the 'Start or Grow My Business' button to get started.

Watch the video at https://youtu.be/BHJEDC-ej4E .