If you’re a BC retailer that has been the victim of a cannabis store break-in, the province’s Securing Small Business Rebate Program could help.
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 launched its $10.5 million Securing Small Business Rebate Program.
The program provides small businesses with funds for eligible commercial property crime and vandalism repairs, or to implement eligible preventative measures. The BC Chamber of Commerce is administering the rebate program.
Eligible prevention measures could include the purchase and installation of security cameras or gates. Eligible vandalism repairs could include work undertaken to replace broken glass and remove graffiti.
Applications Now Open
The program’s application portal is now open and can be accessed here. It will remain open until January 31, 2025. Applications are reviewed on a first-come first-served basis. If successful, rebate applications will be paid in 35 business days.
Applications can be retroactive to January 31, 2023, through to December 31, 2024.
Types of Repairs
The program offers two types of rebates:
1. Reparative Rebate: 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.
2. Preventative Rebate: provides funding for eligible proactive or preventative measures to mitigate damage to eligible commercial property due to vandalism. Available as a one-time rebate of up to $1,000.
For more information on eligibility criteria please click here or download the Application Guide.