Skip to content
Français

Support to Small Businesses Program

The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting people and communities impacted by the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires. We know from experience that support for small businesses is essential to the recovery of people and communities affected by a disaster.

The Canadian Red Cross, thanks to funding from the Government of Manitoba, is offering financial assistance to eligible small businesses that were directly impacted by the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires. Communities eligible for this support were determined in collaboration with the Government of Manitoba.

We encourage you to apply if you feel you meet the eligibility requirements listed below.
 

Funding Available

Small businesses impacted by the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires that are located or operating in a community that was required to evacuate for 72 hours (3 days) or more on or after May 7, 2025, may be eligible to receive $2,000 to assist with emergency costs.

Please note that this program is not intended to fund loss of revenue or income.

 

Application Period

The Support to Small Businesses Program began accepting applications on January 27, 2026. Please note that the application deadline has been extended until June 30, 2026.

 

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for this program, small businesses must:

  • Be located or operating in a community that was required to evacuate for 72 hours (3 days) or more on or after May 7, 2025, due to the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires.
  • Have an active and valid Business Number as of April 1, 2025, that is still active and valid and be in good standing with the Manitoba Companies Office.
  • Be financially vulnerable as a result of the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires.
  • Have resumed or are intending to resume operations.
  • Have 50 employees or less.
  • Have the business be their primary source of income.
  • Have a net income of less than $350,000.
  • Have experienced a decrease of at least 30% in gross income in 2025 compared to 2024, as a result of the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires (if applicable).

How to Apply?

To apply for the program:

  1. Click on the “Apply Now” button below.
  2. Create an account on the SM Apply platform.

Applicant Support 

If you need additional support in creating an account or with the application, please contact us by emailing MBSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca or by calling us at 1-833-966-4225 between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday to Friday (closed on weekends and Statutory Holidays).

Apply Now


Applicant Resources: 

 

FRAUD ALERT: Unfortunately, there are some people who may try to take advantage of those impacted by a disaster through fraudulent tactics. The Canadian Red Cross communicates only via email, phone, or in person and would never send a link through a text message for a person to click on to receive funds. We will never ask for your social insurance number, bank account information, or credit card number during your registration or to receive assistance. The Canadian Red Cross encourages people to stay informed from credible sources, such as the Government of Canada’s website for fraud prevention tips. If you suspect you have been a victim of fraudulent activity, please contact your local police authority.

We want to hear from you

The mission of the Canadian Red Cross is to help those in times of need. We are always trying to improve our systems, processes, and programs to better serve you. We encourage you to provide feedback on your experience or interactions with us. Please email us at CRCfeedback3@redcross.ca if you would like to share any feedback or have questions.

If you would like a response to your email, please ensure to include your full name, address, current phone number and as much detail and specifics as possible. These details will help us to better respond to your email.

Your feedback is important to us. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive, we will respond to your email as soon as possible. For journalists and media outlets, please find a listing of all media contacts.