The Manitoba government is hoping a Winnipeg-based call centre will help speed up the process of connecting the estimated 65,000 businesses eligible for federal support programs during the current health situation.

Two new programs designed to get funds to small businesses and their employees are opening soon: a 75 percent wage subsidy, as well as the Canada Emergency Business Account, which offers interest-free loans up to $40,000.

Premier Brian Pallister says the programs will help answer most of the concerns of small businesses, calling the initiatives, "bridges to recovery."

"We want to put... Manitobans in a position where they can get back to providing the services and creating the jobs as soon as possible."

The Manitoba government recently issued a request for proposals (RFP) from organizations that could operate a secure call centre to help inform and guide stakeholders during the COVID-19 pandemic. 24-7 Intouch, a Winnipeg-based global leader in the inbound customer-care industry, has been awarded the contract.

The province is in the process of working with 24-7 Intouch to establish this important service in the coming days. Strict privacy protocols, including the use of personal and business information, will be in place. It will offer bilingual service with the capacity to offer assistance in other languages spoken in Manitoba.

The premier noted the centre will offer a two-stream process to identify and reach out to identified and prioritized businesses and stakeholders that have been impacted by COVID-19 to offer help, and answer incoming calls and questions. In order to protect the privacy and security of those using this service, outbound calls will not ask for confidential information as their purpose is to advise of the services available and encourage the use the inbound line.

Details such as call centre phone number and hours of operation will be available in the days ahead. Businesses are encouraged to regularly check the Manitoba government website to view an updated list of available federal and provincial supports online.