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FAQ: Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits

Last Updated: March 6, 2026

1. What businesses and not-for-profit organizations are eligible to receive funding through the Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program?
  • The Red Cross is offering financial assistance to eligible small businesses and not-for-profit organizations impacted by the 2025 Saskatchewan Wildfires and located in communities in Saskatchewan that were required to evacuate for seven days or more.
  • Communities eligible for this support were determined by the Government of Saskatchewan.
  • The program is focused on those who were impacted and are having difficulty continuing to operate their business or organization.
2. What is the purpose of the Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program?
  • 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.
  • While this program is not intended to fund loss of revenue or income, this additional assistance will focus on the unexpected costs of evacuation that are not covered by insurance or 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 funs loss of revenue or income.
3. What types of businesses can apply?
  • Sole Prioprietors
  • Partnerships
  • Corporations
  • Farms
  • Franchises
  • Not-for-Profit organizations
4. How long is the application period?
  • We began accepting applications on December 11, 2025. Please note that the application deadline has been extended until June 30, 2026.
5. I am a home-based business. Am I eligible to apply?
  • Any business that meets the minimum requirements can apply for funding.
6. Can small businesses or not-for-profits located in Indigenous communities apply for funding through the Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program?
  • Yes. Small businesses or not-for-profits located in Indigenous communities can apply to the program as long as they meet the minimum requirements which includes being located in a community that was required to evacuate for seven days or more due to the 2025 Saskatchewan Wildfires.
7. Can trappers apply for funding through the Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program?
  • Trappers who meet the minimum requirements of the Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program are encouraged to apply.
  • 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 the new year.
8. I am a Flin Flon resident in Saskatchewan with a small business in Manitoba. Can I apply to the Saskatchewan Wildfires Support to Small Businesses Program?
  • Small businesses can only apply to the program if they are registered and located or operating in Saskatchewan. Businesses registered and located in Manitoba are able to apply for a similar program in Manitoba which is accepting applications until June 30, 2026. For more information, please visit www.redcross.ca/2025manitobawildfires/smallbusiness.
9. I am a Flin Flon resident in Manitoba with a small business in Saskatchewan. Can I apply to the Saskatchewan Wildfires Support to Small Businesses Program?
  • If your business is registered and located or operating in Saskatchewan and meets all the minimum requirements for this program, you are encouraged to apply to the Saskatchewan Wildfires Support to Small Businesses Program.

Support & Technical

10. I am 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, contact us by email at SKSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca or by calling 1-833-966-4225 between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Mountain Time Monday to Friday (closed on weekends and statutory holidays).
  • You can also send an email to request support with your application to SKSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca.
11. How long does the application form take to complete?
  • The online application should take approximately 10 minutes. It may take additional time for you to collect the required documents before you submit the application. You can also save it in the system and come back to it later when you have everything collected.
12. I have not received an email from the Red Cross regarding my application. What should I do?
  • If you have not received an email from the Red Cross, please check your email bulk, junk or spam mail folders. 
  • Once you find the email, please add the Canadian Red Cross email address to your "approved sender" list or in your address book to avoid future emails being labelled as junk or spam. 
  • If the email from the Red Cross is not in your email bulk, junk or spam folders, contact us by email at SKSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca or by calling 1-833-966-4225 between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Mountain Time Monday to Friday (closed on weekends and statutory holidays).
13. Once my application has been approved, how long will I have to wait before receiving the funds?
  • 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.
14. Will anyone ask me for banking information?
  • 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, bank account information or credit card number during your application for the program.
  • If you have additional questions about the process to receive funds, contact us by email at SKSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca or by calling 1-833-966-4225 between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Mountain Time Monday to Friday (closed on weekends and statutory holidays).
15. How do you ensure people are spending their funds on urgent needs?
  • 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.
16. Have you heard of any scams targeting people who have been impacted?
  • 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 by email at SKSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca or by calling 1-833-966-4225 between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Mountain Time Monday to Friday (closed on weekends and statutory holidays). 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.