The deadline to apply is February 29 for vandalism and crime in Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows during 2023.
There is still time for small businesses to apply for reimbursement to help cover the costs associated with commercial property crimes and vandalism last year.
The Insuring Small Business Reimbursement Program through the Ministry of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, helps cover incidents that took place from January 1 to December 31, 2023, with refunds to cover remedial work and/or preventive measures regarding to crime or vandalism.
The $10.5 million program is being administered by the BC Chamber of Commerce, with the goal of reaching businesses in all sectors and regions of the province, including Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
There are two types of refunds that are effective retroactively from January 1 to December 31, 2024.
Reparative reimbursement is available to cover costs not covered by insurance or insurance deductibles, providing a one-time reimbursement of up to $2,000 for 2023 and 2024.
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The preventive rebate is allocated to expenses incurred to prevent damage to commercial property and provides a one-time rebate of up to $1,000 for 2023 or 2024.
The application portal is currently open and will accept submissions until January 31, 2025.
However, the Ridge Meadows Chamber of Commerce reminds businesses that the deadline for requests for remedial and/or preventative refunds regarding incidents of crime/vandalism in the period of January 1 – December 31, 2023 is Next week: Thursday in February. 29.
For more information, people can contact the BC Chamber of Commerce by email: ssbr@bcchamber.org or visit: bcchamber.org/securing-small-business-rebate.