Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program
The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting people and communities impacted by the 2025 Saskatchewan Wildfires. 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.
As such, the Canadian Red Cross, thanks to funding from the Government of Saskatchewan, is offering financial assistance to eligible small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that were directly impacted by the 2025 Saskatchewan Wildfires. Communities eligible for this support were determined by the Government of Saskatchewan.
We encourage you to apply if you feel you meet the eligibility requirements listed below.
Funding Available
Small businesses and not-for-profit organizations impacted by the 2025 Saskatchewan Wildfires that are located in a community that was required to evacuate for seven days or more may be eligible to receive $2,000. Communities eligible for this support were determined in collaboration with the Government of Saskatchewan.
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 began accepting applications on December 11, 2025. Please note that the application deadline has been extended until June 30, 2026.
Minimum Requirements
To be eligible for this program, small businesses must:
- Have 50 employees or less.*
- Have the business be their primary source of income.*
- Have a net income of less than $350,000.*
Additionally, all small businesses and not-for-profits must:
- Be located in a community in Saskatchewan that was required to evacuate for seven days or more due to the 2025 Saskatchewan Wildfires.
- Have been in operation on or before an evacuation order was put in place for their respective community.
- Be financially vulnerable as a result of the 2025 Saskatchewan Wildfires.
- Have resumed or are intending to resume operations.
- Have all required business licenses in place, valid on or before the date an evacuation order was put in place for their respective community.
- Not-for-profit organizations must also be registered and in good standing with either the Saskatchewan Corporate Registry, as applicable, or the Canada Revenue Agency (for registered charities) on or before the date an evacuation order was put in place for their respective community.
Please note:
In consultation with impacted communities, a program to help support trappers who were impacted by the wildfires and may not meet this eligibility criteria is in development. Information regarding additional recovery support for trappers will be released in 2026.
How to Apply?
To apply for the program:
- Click on the “Apply Now” button below.
- Create an account on the SM Apply platform.
Applicant Support
If you need additional support in creating an account or with the application, please contact us by emailing SKSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca or by calling us at 1-833-966-4225 between 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday to Friday (closed on weekends and statutory holidays).
Applicant Resources
FRAUD ALERT: Unfortunately, there are some people who may try to take advantage of those impacted by a disaster through fraudulent tactics. The Canadian Red Cross communicates only via email, phone, or in person and would never send a link through a text message for a person to click on to receive funds. We will never ask for your social insurance number, bank account information, or credit card number during your registration or to receive assistance. 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.
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. Please email us at CRCfeedback3@redcross.ca if you would like to share any feedback or have questions.
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.