Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program
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, is 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 may also be eligible for assistance and are encouraged to apply. While the program will prioritize those in Jasper National Park who were impacted, we also recognize many small businesses in surrounding areas provided support to evacuees. We encourage you to apply if you feel you meet the eligibility requirements.
Small businesses and not-for-profits impacted by the 2024 Alberta Wildfires that may be eligible for funding are:
If you would like a response to your email, please ensure to include your full name, address, current phone number and as much detail and specifics as possible. These details will help us to better respond to your email.
Your feedback is important to us. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive, we will respond to your email as soon as possible. For journalists and media outlets, please find a listing of all media contacts here.
As such the Red Cross, thanks to the generosity of donors as well as matching funds from the Government of Alberta, is 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 may also be eligible for assistance and are encouraged to apply. While the program will prioritize those in Jasper National Park who were impacted, we also recognize many small businesses in surrounding areas provided support to evacuees. We encourage you to apply if you feel you meet the eligibility requirements.
Funding available
Small businesses and not-for-profits impacted by the 2024 Alberta Wildfires that may be eligible for funding are:
- 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.
- 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
Application Period
The Support to Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits Program will begin accepting applications on September 17, until December 13, 2024.Minimum requirements for the program
To be 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
- 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 are 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
How to Apply?
To apply for the program:- Click on the “Apply Now” button below.
- Create an account on the SM Apply platform.
Applicant Support
If you need additional support in creating an account or with the application, 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 with your application.
Applicant Resources:
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.If you would like a response to your email, please ensure to include your full name, address, current phone number and as much detail and specifics as possible. These details will help us to better respond to your email.
Your feedback is important to us. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive, we will respond to your email as soon as possible. For journalists and media outlets, please find a listing of all media contacts here.