The province has launched a program to provide emergency financial assistance to eligible small businesses through the Red Cross.
BC is making a $1,500 emergency grant available to eligible small businesses, First Nations whose livelihood is based on cultural practices, and not-for-profit organizations that are located in areas that have been under an evacuation order or alert.
BREAKING: @DonaldsonDoug Launches new program w/@redcrosscanada; $1,500 grants to small businesses, First Nations affected by #BCWildfires
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) August 14, 2017
Minister of Forests Doug Donaldson says it’s in response to the devastation from the wildfires, and adds many businesses will be feeling the economic hit for a long time.
“This is an unprecedented wildfire season that has been very challenging for all those involved, including small businesses in the impacted areas. Coming from a rural area and as minister responsible for rural development, I know the important role small businesses play in rural communities. As a government, we’ll ensure we have the necessary programs in place to support recovery.”
Donaldson says the money is coming from the $100 million provided to the Red Cross earlier this summer.
He says they’ll be making adjustments to the eligibility criteria as required.
Learn how we can help small businesses, non-profits and First Nations cultural livelihoods impacted by #BCWildfire : https://t.co/09Ns2RhkkO pic.twitter.com/8n2Ep1WRSM
— Canadian Red Cross (@redcrosscanada) August 14, 2017
Eligibility has also been extended to areas directly impacted by closures along:
- Highway 20
- Highway 97, south of Prince George to areas covered by evacuation alerts
- Highway 26 to Barkerville
- Eastern Cariboo Regional District communities of Horsefly & Likely
Applicants must have 50 employees or less, been in operation on or before July 7th, been financially impacted as a result fires, a net income of less than $250,000 per year, and have resumed, or are intending to resume, operations as soon as possible.
– with files from Daryl VandenBerg, My Bulkley Lakes Now
Weekend rain left no dent in #BCWildfire suppression: @BCGovFireInfo | https://t.co/kLj3ls2PJg #NorthernBC pic.twitter.com/nHUf4iKXQT
— My Prince George Now (@mypgnow) August 14, 2017
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