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Support to Small Businesses Program

We continue to support people and communities impacted by the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires. Support for small businesses is essential to community recovery.

Thanks to funding from the Government of Manitoba, we are offering financial assistance to eligible small businesses that were directly impacted by the wildfires.

This assistance is to help cover unexpected costs of evacuation. This can include:

  • Clean-up costs 
  • Insurance deductibles 
  • Storage and movement of inventory
  • Other urgent expenses  

Note: This program does not fund loss of revenue or income.

Details for applicants

Applications for this program opened on January 27, 2026. Please note that the application deadline is August 31, 2026 (extended from July 31, 2026).

Communities eligible for this support were determined in collaboration with the Government of Manitoba.

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).
     

Eligible applicants may receive $2,000 to assist with emergency costs.

To apply for the program:

1. Click on the “Apply Now” button below.

2. Create an account on the SM Apply platform.

3. Apply Now

Contact our team

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  and leave a message and we will return your call within two business days.

We are always trying to improve and serve you better.

If you want to share feedback on your experience with us, please email CRCfeedback4@redcross.ca. Please include as much detail as possible, such as your location and which emergency you have been impacted by. This information will help us to better respond to your email.

Your feedback is important to us. We will respond to your email as soon as possible.

Journalists and media outlets, please visit our Media Contacts page.

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.