New funding will help businesses with vandalism costs
Starting in fall 2023, B.C. will support small businesses in recovering expenses incurred after experiencing property damage due to crime and vandalism, and to recoup expenses after taking measures to prevent vandalism.
Businesses will be able to apply for as much as $2,000 per business for the cost of repairs due to vandalism, and up to $1,000 for vandalism prevention.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our province and it’s vital we work together to keep our economy strong,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “We understand the frustration of business owners taking on the cost of vandalism on their own. We are taking action to support businesses with new funding to provide relief to cover these costs, and make sure we have a thriving business community.”
Paul Holden, President and CEO of the Burnaby Board of Trade remarked, “The B.C. Government’s new initiative, starting this fall, marks a significant step towards resilience for our small businesses. Such initiatives provide a foundation for success, enabling businesses to thrive amidst challenges, contributing to the robustness of our local economy.”
Information about how businesses can apply for funding is expected to be made available in the fall and communicated through local chambers of commerce, boards of trade and business improvement areas to ensure business owners can get funding as soon as possible.
The Securing Small Business rebate program builds on the work the Province is doing to build safe and healthy communities through the Safer Communities Action Plan by strengthening enforcement and leveraging mental-health and addiction services.
Support for businesses is part of StrongerBC Economic Plan, which is moving British Columbia forward by tackling the challenges of today, while growing an innovative economy that works for everyone.
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