Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program

Please note that the application period for this program closed on December 20, 2024.

The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting people and communities impacted by the 2024 Alberta Wildfires. We know from experience that support for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations is essential to the recovery of people and communities affected by a disaster.
 
As such the Red Cross, thanks to the generosity of donors as well as matching funds from the Government of Alberta, was offering financial assistance to eligible small businesses and not-for-profit organizations impacted by the 2024 Alberta Wildfires due to the evacuation of Jasper National Park and the closure of Highway 16. Those small businesses and not-for-profits that are located outside these areas were eligible for assistance and were encouraged to apply. While the program prioritized those in Jasper National Park who were impacted, we also recognize that many small businesses in surrounding areas provided support to evacuees.


Please note that the application period for the program closed on December 20, 2024, and applications will not be accepted after this date.

Funding available 

Small businesses and not-for-profits impacted by the 2024 Alberta Wildfires that may be eligible for funding were:
  • Those located in Jasper National Park, including the town of Jasper as well as those businesses located along the sections of Highway 16 that were completely closed due to wildfires. These organizations may be eligible to receive $2,000 in financial assistance.
  • Those located in Hinton and communities along Highway 16 leading to the Alberta/BC border, including Valemount, BC, that were able to continue operating but have experienced some impact due to the wildfires. These organizations may be eligible to receive $1,000 in financial assistance. 
The funding is meant to support small businesses and not-for-profits with the immediate and unexpected operating costs and losses related to the event. Some examples include the costs of: 
  • Uninsured losses and expenses related to evacuation and highway closures
  • Insurance deductibles
  • Support to re-start operations
  • Storage and moving inventory 
  • Clean up and other urgent expenses
Please note that this program is not intended to fund loss of revenue or income. 
 

Application Period

Applications for this program opened on September 17 and closed on December 20, 2024.
 

Minimum requirements for the program

 To have been eligible for this program small businesses must: 
  • Have 50 employees or less
  • Have the business or livelihood be their primary source of income
  • Have a net income of less than $350,000
 Additionally, all small businesses and not-for-profits must:
  • Have been in operation on or before July 22, 2024
  • Be financially vulnerable as a result of the 2024 Alberta Wildfires
    • For applicants outside of Jasper and the areas impacted by highway closure, financial vulnerability will be assessed based on the information provided through the application process. The application includes questions regarding revenue, ability and capacity to operate during the evacuation and support provided to evacuees. 
  • Have resumed or were intending to resume operations
  • Have all required business licenses in place, valid on or before July 22, 2024
  • If a not-for-profit, applicant must also be registered and in good standing with either a provincial Registry or Canada Revenue Agency (for registered charities) on or before July 22, 2024

Support to access SM Apply account online

If you need additional support in accesing your SM Apply account, please contact us by emailing ABSmallBizSupport@redcross.ca or by calling us at 1-833-966-4225 between 9 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. MT, Monday to Friday (closed on weekends and statutory holidays). We will take your information and have a Small Business program representative return your call to provide support.
 

We want to hear from you

The mission of the Canadian Red Cross is to help those in times of need. We are always trying to improve our systems, processes, and programs to better serve you. We encourage you to provide feedback on your experience or interactions with us.  Please email us at CRCfeedback3@redcross.ca if you would like to share any feedback or have questions.

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