Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Canadian Red Cross Support to Small Business Program?

Small businesses are important for economic growth and job creation, and are therefore critical to the recovery of communities impacted by the spring floods in the RDKB. This program provides some relief through financial assistance for small business owners who have suffered uninsured, financial loss as a result of the spring flooding.
 
Eligible small business owners and not-for-profit organizations in the RDKB who were affected by the 2018 spring flooding could receive modest financial support to assist with things like: uninsured losses, deductibles, minor repairs, clean-up and equipment.
 
Emergency Financial Assistance:  The first phase provided $1,500 to registered and eligible business owners and not-for-profit organizations. This application deadline closed on October 5, 2018
 
Additional Financial Assistance:  Eligibility and the amount of financial assistance was based on an assessment of the small business’ vulnerability and need. This portion of the program provided up to $18,500 to registered and eligible business owners and not-for-profit organizations. This application deadline closed on March 15, 2019.
 

What businesses are eligible to receive Support to Small Business funding?

The Support to Small Business program was available to small businesses and not-for-profit organizations in the Kootenay Boundary Regional District. Eligibility criteria was the same as the emergency financial assistance of $1,500. To receive funding, small businesses and not-for-profit organizations needed to meet the following basic requirements. Additional information required was assessed during the application process.
 
Types of businesses, organizations: In addition, applicants must:
  • Have 50 employees or less (does not apply to not-for-profit organizations)
  • Be located in the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) that was impacted by the 2018 spring floods
  • Have been in operation on or before April 26, 2018
  • Be financially vulnerable as a result of spring flooding in the RDKB
  • Have resumed or are intending to resume operations
  • Have a net income of less than $250,000 (calculated as revenue less expenses)*
  • Have the business be their primary source of income*
  • *Does not apply to not-for-profit organizations

Questions?

Applications for the emergency financial assistance for Emergency Financial Assistance ($1,500) closed on October 5, 2018. Applications for the additional  financial assistance for (up to $18, 500) closed on March 15, 2019.  If you submitted an application to either part of the program before the deadlines and have questions, please contact us at BCSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca.

A complete list of acceptable documentation can be found here.
 

What types of expenses are eligible for the programs?

The additional financial assistance of the Program will provide support of to a maximum of $18,500 for actual and direct costs incurred after April 26, 2018 and as a result of the BC floods. The following are examples of costs that are not covered by insurance that could be eligible for assistance:
  • Replacing essential items such as business tools and equipment
  • Assistance with clean-up expenses, moving or storage, professional cleaning and small repairs
  • Assistance with overdue utility bills, lease payments and short-term lease of business equipment or vehicles
  • Assistance with loss of livestock, feed or fencing

Will anyone ask me for banking information?

Banking information is not required, however details about your business financials will be required in order to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria. This is a process that must be followed in order to maintain the integrity of the program.