FAQ: Support to Small Businesses Program

Thanks to funding from the Government of Manitoba, the Red Cross is offering financial assistance to eligible small businesses that were directly impacted by the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires and were located or operating in communities in Manitoba that were required to evacuate for 72 hours (3 days or more on or after May 7, 2025, due to the wildfires.
Communities eligible for this support were determined in collaboration with the Government of Manitoba.
The program is focused on small businesses that were impacted and are having difficulty continuing to operate their business.

We know from experience that support for small businesses is essential to the recovery of people and communities affected by a disaster.
This assistance focuses on the unexpected costs of evacuation that are not covered by insurance or other disaster financial assistance programs. These funds can help with expenses, including:
- Clean-up costs
- Insurance deductibles
- Storage and movement of inventory
- And other urgent expenses
Please note that this program is not intended to fund loss of revenue or income.

We began accepting applications on January 27, 2026. Please note that the application deadline has been extended until July 31, 2026.

Any business that meets the minimum requirements can apply for funding through this program.

Yes. Small businesses located in Indigenous communities can apply to the program as long as they meet the minimum requirements which includes being located or operating in a community that was required to evacuate for 3 days or more on or after May 7, 2025, due to the 2025 Manitoba Wildfires.

If you need help completing your application over the phone, contact us by calling 1-833-966-4225 between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday to Friday (closed on weekends and statutory holidays). We can take your information and have a Canadian Red Cross representative call you back to help.

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, contact us by email at MBSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca or by calling 1-833-966-4225 between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday to Friday (closed on weekends and statutory holidays). We can take your information and have a Canadian Red Cross representative call you back to help.

Yes. Contact us by calling 1-833-966-4225 between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday to Friday (closed on weekends and statutory holidays). We can take your information and have a Canadian Red Cross representative call you back to help.

The online application should take approximately 10 minutes. You can also save it in the system and come back to it later, if needed.

The program team will notify you when your request has been approved. We will work to get the funds to you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience.

Banking information is not required to apply for the program.
The Canadian Red Cross communicates only via email, phone, or in person and would never send a link through a text message. We will never ask for your social insurance number or credit card number during your application for the program.
If you have additional questions about the process to receive funds, contact us by calling 1-833-966-4225 between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday to Friday (closed on weekends and statutory holidays).
We can take your contact information and have a Canadian Red Cross representative call you back to help, or you can also email our team directly at MBSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca.

The Canadian Red Cross trusts people affected by disasters to determine what is needed in their unique situation to help meet their recovery-related needs during this difficult time.

Unfortunately, there are some who may try to take advantage of those impacted by emergencies through fraudulent tactics. To protect yourself from fraud, it's important to understand the steps involved in receiving funds through this program.
The Canadian Red Cross communicates only via email, phone, or in person and would never send a link through a text message. We will never ask for your social insurance number, bank account information or credit card number during your application for the program. In addition, the Red Cross will not ask for any form of payment in order for you to receive assistance.
If you have any doubts, you can contact our team at MBSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca.
Always be cautious of unsolicited requests for payment and confirm any details through official channels to protect yourself and your organization. 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.

Support & Technical Guidance for Applicants