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November 29, 2017 - 2:00 PM
Small business owners who suffered financially through B.C.'s worst wildfire season can now apply for additional financial assistance.
The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development says in a news release that several provincial Ministers along with the vice president of B.C.'s Canadian Red Cross branch announced today, Nov. 29, that additional funds will be distributed through the second phase of this program.
A maximum of $18,500 could be contributed to eligible businesses.
Public Safety and Solicitor General Minister Mike Farnworth says in the release the province is committed to long-term wildfire recovery.
"The continued success of local businesses and the people who support them is key to a swift and effective recovery from any disaster," Farnworth says. "This financial assistance underscores the ongoing commitment of the Province and the Canadian Red Cross to supporting post-wildfire recovery efforts."
He also says supporting small businesses and First Nations communities will ensure communities in the province are "more resilient to future events."
According to the release, the province is partnering with the Canadian Red Cross to provide additional funds, along with other assistance to help First Nations communities and not-for-profit organizations.
The province states in the release that financial assistance is meant to partially compensate for uninsured losses, insurance deductibles, minor repairs, clean-up, equipment and occupational training expenses. Eligibility and individual needs will be assessed through Canadian Red Cross applications.
Not-for-profit organizations can apply for additional financial assistance of up to $8,500.
Applications for the second phase of this program will be accepted until April 6, 2018. For more information, go here.
The province says that phase one of the small business program provied $1,500 to each eligible applicant. There were nearly 3,000 applications received.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2017