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 was 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 met the minimum requirements. 

Please note that the application period for this program closed on April 30, 2024, applications will not be accepted after this date. 

Those who met the minimum requirements may have applied 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 were eligible to receive funding from this new program and additionally receive the amount from the first round (up to $7500). 

Please note that this program is not intended to fund loss of revenue or income. 
 
Application Period
Please note that the application period for this program closed on April 30, 2024, applications will not be accepted after this date. 
 
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 was 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
 
Base documentation required
Here is a list of required documentation you needed to provide 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) 
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).
 
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.  If you would like to share any feedback or have questions, please email us at CRCfeedback3@redcross.ca.

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 here