There is still time for small businesses to apply for a rebate to help cover costs associated to commercial property crime and vandalism last year.
The Securing Small Business Rebate Program through the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation, helps cover incidents that took place from Jan. 1, to Dec. 31, 2023, with rebates to cover reparative work and/or preventative measures with respect to crime or vandalism.
The $10.5-million program is being administered by the BC Chamber of Commerce, in order to reach businesses across all sectors and regions of the province, including in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
There are two types of rebates that are effective retroactively from Jan. 1, until Dec. 31, 2024.
The reparative rebate is available to cover costs not covered by insurance or insurance deductibles, providing a one-time rebate of up to $2,000 for both 2023 and 2024.
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The preventative rebate is allocated for expenses incurred to prevent damage to commercial property, offering a one-time rebate of up to $1,000 for either 2023 or 2024.
The application portal is currently open and will accept submissions until Jan. 31, 2025.
However, the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce is reminding businesses the deadline for applications for reparative and/or preventative rebates in respect of crime/vandalism incidents in the period Jan. 1, to Dec. 31, 2023, is next week – Thursday, Feb. 29.
For more information, people can contact the BC Chamber of Commerce via email: ssbr@bcchamber.org or visit: bcchamber.org/securing-small-business-rebate.