Securing Small Business Rebate Program Overview

 

Background:

In response to the growing concerns of property crime and vandalism affecting businesses in both rural and urban communities throughout the province, the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation has initiated the Securing Small Business Rebate Program. With a budget of $10.5 million, this program is designed to offer financial assistance to small businesses for eligible repairs related to commercial property crime and vandalism, as well as the implementation of preventive measures.

 

Administration:

The BC Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, will manage the administration of the rebate program. Leveraging their extensive network, including 100 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, as well as various industry partners, such as Business Improvement Associations, they will ensure that businesses from all sectors and regions of the province are informed about and able to access this rebate.

 

Program Timeline:

The application portal for the program will be accessible from November 22, 2023, to January 31, 2025.

Rebate applications are applicable retrospectively from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, and will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Successful rebate applications, with limited follow-up during the screening and review process, will be approved and disbursed within 35 business days.

Rebates will be transferred to successful applicants through Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) between December 2023 and February 2025, with the following schedule:

- Rebates for the period from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, will be disbursed by March 31, 2024.

- Rebates for the period from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, will be disbursed by February 28, 2025.

 

Types of Rebates:

The program offers two distinct types of rebates:

 

1. Reparative Rebate:

This rebate provides immediate relief to cover eligible repair costs for damage to eligible commercial property caused by vandalism occurring on or after January 1, 2023.

It is available as a one-time rebate, with a maximum limit of $2,000 per calendar year.

The retrospective period for this rebate is from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024.

 

2. Preventative Rebate:

This rebate offers financial support for eligible proactive and preventive measures aimed at reducing damage to eligible commercial property due to vandalism.

It is available as a one-time rebate, with a maximum limit of $1,000.

The retrospective period for this rebate is from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024.

For more information visit https://bcchamber.org/securing-small-business-rebate