Securing Small Business Rebate Program
Recognizing the increased costs to businesses due to property crime and vandalism in rural and urban communities across the province, the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation has launched its $10.5 million Securing Small Business Rebate Program, which will provide small businesses with funds for eligible commercial property crime and vandalism repairs, or to implement eligible preventative measures.
The BC Chamber of Commerce will administer the rebate program and leverage its provincial network of 100 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and its myriad industry partners, including Business Improvement Areas, to ensure businesses from every sector and region of the province are aware of the rebate.
Program Timeline
- The program’s application portal is now open and can be accessed here. The portal will remain open until January 31, 2025, or until the program is fully subscribed.
- Rebate applications are retroactive to January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024, and will be reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis.
- A rebate application, if successful, will be screened, reviewed, approved, and paid in 35 business days, provided there is limited follow up with the applicant during the screening and review processes.
- Rebates will be issued to successful applicants via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) in the period December 2023-February 2025, or until the program is fully subscribed.
Types of Rebates
The program offers two types of rebates:
1. Reparative Rebate
- Provides immediate relief to offset eligible reparative costs in respect of damage to eligible commercial property due to vandalism on or after January 1, 2023.
- Available as a one-time rebate of up to $2,000, per calendar year.
- Retroactive to January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024.
2. Preventative Rebate
- Provides funding for eligible proactive/preventative measures to mitigate damage to eligible commercial property due to vandalism.
- Available as a one-time rebate of up to $1,000.
- Retroactive to January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for either rebate, a business must:
- Be located in an area of British Columbia zoned for commercial, business, or light industry use; and
- Have an exterior entrance (accessible directly from an outside area such as sidewalk, street or parking area), which serves as the primary access point for customers and clients; and
- Have a B.C. Registration or Incorporation Number; and
- Be in good standing with the Province of British Columbia; and
- Have less than 50 employees at the time of the incident or at the time preventative work is undertaken, and
- Not have received an alternative local rebate, grant or insurance claim (excluding the insurance deductibles) to cover the same expense.
For more information about the rebate and to apply, visit the program website. Contact the BC Chamber of Commerce at ssbr@bcchamber.org with questions.
