Frequently Asked Questions
What businesses are eligible to receive Support to Small Businesses or Not-for-Profits funding?
The Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profit Program will be available to small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that have been impacted by the floods and extreme weather event in British Columbia in November 2021. Businesses and organizations that have experienced certain types of impact are eligible to apply for funding through the program.
What are the minimum requirements for the program?
The minimum requirements of the program include how the business or not-for-profit were impacted as well as their operating status and revenue.
Small businesses and not-for-profit organizations:
What types of businesses can apply?
We began accepting applications on July 14, 2022 and the deadline to submit an application is November 30, 2022.
I am a home-based business. Am I eligible to apply?
Each business that meets the minimum requirements can apply for support funding. Please refer to the minimum requirement section for more information.
I own multiple businesses and am not sure which one is my primary source of income. Can I apply?
We understand that some small business owners rely on more than one business for their income. If you own more than one business, please include the name of your other business(es) in the application form. Additional documentation may be required in support of your application.
I am not eligible for DFA, can I still apply to the Red Cross program?
The eligibility requirements for this program are different from the ones for the DFA. If your business meets the minimum requirements for this program, you can apply for support funding. Please refer to the minimum requirement section for more information.
Is there a minimum revenue required to apply?
Assessments are not based on a business’ revenue, but on the business owner’s net income. It must be under $350K in order for the owner to be eligible for support funding.
I don’t have any employees aside from me. Can I still apply?
Yes, businesses that do not have any employees can still apply to this program for support funding as long as they meet the minimum requirements.
My Business or Organization is not in good standing with the BC Registry. Can I still apply?
In order to be approved for assistance, your status must be rectified with the BC Registry. For more information, contact https://www.bconline.gov.bc.ca/.
How long will it take to receive the funds once I am approved for assistance?
The process will take 2 to 3 weeks. You will receive a confirmation email once the fund transfer has been executed.
I’m having trouble accessing the online application form. What can I do?
The application system (SM Apply) works best when you use Google Chrome as the browser. Try first opening the application in Chrome. If you are still having trouble, please contact us by emailing BCSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca or by calling the call centre at 1-833-966-4225, Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (PT).
I do not have an email address, can I still apply?
Please contact the call centre to indicate that you would like assistance in completing the application by phone. The call centre can be reached at 1-833-966-4225 , Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm (PT).
How long does the application form take to complete?
The online application should take about 15-20 minutes at the most. You can also save it in the system and come back to it later.
Who can I contact for help with the application?
You can email us at BCSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca for assistance.
Will anyone ask me for banking information?
Banking information is not required to apply for the program. If your application is approved, we may ask for banking information to transfer funds to you. If you are approved, you will receive an email from us along with instructions on next steps. If you have any questions, you can always contact us by email at BCSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca or by phone at 1-833-966-4225.
How long will it take for me to receive the funds after my application has been approved?
You will be notified by the program team once your application has been approved. We appreciate your patience and will work to transfer the funds in the quickest manner possible.
The Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profit Program will be available to small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that have been impacted by the floods and extreme weather event in British Columbia in November 2021. Businesses and organizations that have experienced certain types of impact are eligible to apply for funding through the program.
What are the minimum requirements for the program?
The minimum requirements of the program include how the business or not-for-profit were impacted as well as their operating status and revenue.
Small businesses and not-for-profit organizations:
- That were unable to operate for 10 consecutive days or more following the floods or extreme weather OR
- That incurred physical damage to their buildings, equipment or inventory and that is not covered by insurance OR
- That 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)
- Have 50 employees or less*
- Be located in an area that was impacted by the floods and extreme weather that began on November 14, 2021 in British Columbia
- Be registered and in good standing with the BC Registry at the time of the floods.
- Note: Federally registered charities must have been in good standing with the 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 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 as their primary source of income*
What types of businesses can apply?
- Sole Proprietors
- Partnerships
- Corporations
- Farms
- Franchises
- Not-for-profit organizations (Organization descriptions)
We began accepting applications on July 14, 2022 and the deadline to submit an application is November 30, 2022.
I am a home-based business. Am I eligible to apply?
Each business that meets the minimum requirements can apply for support funding. Please refer to the minimum requirement section for more information.
I own multiple businesses and am not sure which one is my primary source of income. Can I apply?
We understand that some small business owners rely on more than one business for their income. If you own more than one business, please include the name of your other business(es) in the application form. Additional documentation may be required in support of your application.
I am not eligible for DFA, can I still apply to the Red Cross program?
The eligibility requirements for this program are different from the ones for the DFA. If your business meets the minimum requirements for this program, you can apply for support funding. Please refer to the minimum requirement section for more information.
Is there a minimum revenue required to apply?
Assessments are not based on a business’ revenue, but on the business owner’s net income. It must be under $350K in order for the owner to be eligible for support funding.
I don’t have any employees aside from me. Can I still apply?
Yes, businesses that do not have any employees can still apply to this program for support funding as long as they meet the minimum requirements.
My Business or Organization is not in good standing with the BC Registry. Can I still apply?
In order to be approved for assistance, your status must be rectified with the BC Registry. For more information, contact https://www.bconline.gov.bc.ca/.
How long will it take to receive the funds once I am approved for assistance?
The process will take 2 to 3 weeks. You will receive a confirmation email once the fund transfer has been executed.
I’m having trouble accessing the online application form. What can I do?
The application system (SM Apply) works best when you use Google Chrome as the browser. Try first opening the application in Chrome. If you are still having trouble, please contact us by emailing BCSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca or by calling the call centre at 1-833-966-4225, Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (PT).
I do not have an email address, can I still apply?
Please contact the call centre to indicate that you would like assistance in completing the application by phone. The call centre can be reached at 1-833-966-4225 , Monday to Friday between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm (PT).
How long does the application form take to complete?
The online application should take about 15-20 minutes at the most. You can also save it in the system and come back to it later.
Who can I contact for help with the application?
You can email us at BCSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca for assistance.
Will anyone ask me for banking information?
Banking information is not required to apply for the program. If your application is approved, we may ask for banking information to transfer funds to you. If you are approved, you will receive an email from us along with instructions on next steps. If you have any questions, you can always contact us by email at BCSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca or by phone at 1-833-966-4225.
How long will it take for me to receive the funds after my application has been approved?
You will be notified by the program team once your application has been approved. We appreciate your patience and will work to transfer the funds in the quickest manner possible.