Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program

woman behind the counter of a coffee shop, smiling Photo: Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program, 2018.

The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting affected people and communities impacted by the November 2021 floods and extreme weather event in British Columbia. We know from experience that support for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations is essential to the recovery of people and communities affected by a disaster.
 
The Canadian Red Cross is pleased to offer a second round of assistance to eligible small business owners and not-for-profit organizations who were directly impacted by the floods and extreme weather event, and who meet the minimum requirements. 

Those who meet the minimum requirements may apply for up to $10,000 in additional funding for eligible losses as a result of the floods. 

Small businesses and not-for-profits who did not apply for the immediate assistance program offered in 2022 may be eligible to receive funding from this new program and additionally receive the amount from the first round (up to $7500). Eligible small businesses and not-for-profits can apply for both programs at the same time by clicking on the Apply Now button below.


Please note that this program is not intended to fund loss of revenue or income. 
 
Application Period
The Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program will accept applications starting on January 16, 2024, until April 30, 2024.  
 
Minimum requirements for the program
The minimum requirements of the program are the same from the first round of assistance and include how the small business or not-for-profit were impacted as well as their operating status and revenue.
 
This program is open to small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that:
  • Were unable to operate for 10 consecutive days or more following the floods and extreme weather event OR
  • Incurred physical damage to their buildings, equipment or inventory and that is not covered by insurance OR
  • Have experienced challenges operating at full (100%) capacity due to local infrastructure issues within the community where they are based (for example, but not limited to potable water availability, road access to the business or organization)   
In addition, small businesses and not-for-profit organizations must:
 
  • Have 50 employees or less*
  • Be in an area that was impacted by the floods and extreme weather event in British Columbia beginning on November 14, 2021
  • Must be currently registered and in good standing with the BC (British Columbia) Registry as well also at the time of the floods
    • Note: Federally registered charities must have been in good standing with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) at the time of the floods
  • Have been in operation on or before November 14, 2021
  • Be financially vulnerable as a result of the flooding and extreme weather event in November 2021
  • Have resumed or are intending to resume operations
  • Have a net income of less than $350,000 (calculated as revenue less expenses) *
  • Have the business be their primary source of income*
*Does not apply to not-for-profit organizations
 
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 OR please contact us by emailing BCSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca or by calling us at 1-833-966-4225, Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (PT).
    We can take your information and have a Canadian Red Cross representative call you back to provide support with your application.  
APPLY NOW
Base documentation required
Here is a list of required documentation you will need to provide with your application:
 
To be eligible for the Additional Assistance Program you will need to upload the following documents with your application:
 
  • A copy of your latest Business License either BC Registry or from a Municipality
  • Letter of coverage from your insurance company
  • Letter of fund provided or denied from other sources of relief (such as DFA - Disaster Financial Assistance) 
Additional documentation based on your business type:
Sole & Partner Proprietorships
  • Full T1 General Income Tax Returns (personal) for all owners (not just the summary)
  • Either the T2125 Statement of Business or Professional Activities or a detailed small business income statement that corresponds to the business income shown on the owner (s)'s T1 
Corporation (one or more owners)
  • Full T1 General Income Tax Returns (personal) for all owners (not just the summary)
  • T2 Corporate Tax Returns.
  • Either Tax Schedule 125 (non- GIFI format) or a detailed small business income statement that corresponds to the business income on the T2 corporate tax return within the last 3 years.
  • Information on any employment income paid to the owners by the corporation. 
Unincorporated Farm
  • Full T1 General Income Tax Returns (personal) for all owners (not just the summary)
  • T2042 form or detailed small business farm income statement that corresponds to the farm business income shown on the owner(s)'s T1 
Not for Profit Organizations
  • Corporation or registration documents, if applicable
  • Most recent financial statement for the organization (including applicable tax filings for the last two years) 
Applicant Resources:   Need help?  
For questions or assistance, you can reach the Canadian Red Cross by emailing BCSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca or by calling us at 1-833-966-4225, Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (PT).
 
More questions? See the Frequently Asked Questions page here.