Nelson and Area businesses can now access funds to offset the cost incurred due to property crime or vandalism.

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 has launched its $10.5 million Securing Small Business Rebate Program, which will provide small businesses with funds for eligible commercial property crime and vandalism repairs, or to implement eligible preventative measures.

The BC Chamber of Commerce will administer the rebate program and leverage its provincial network of 100 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and its myriad industry partners, including Business Improvement Areas, to ensure businesses from every sector and region of the province are aware of the rebate.

Rebate Details: There are two types of rebates, each retroactive to January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024.

1. Reparative –Provides relief for costs not covered by insurance or the insurance deductibles for those costs. Available as a one-time rebate of up to $2,000 for each of 2023 and 2024.
2. Preventative– Provides relief for costs incurred to prevent damage to commercial property. Available as a onetime rebate of up to $1,000 for either 2023 or 2024.

Timeline: The application portal will launch on November 22, 2023, and remain open until January 31, 2025.

The application portal will launch on November 22, 2023, and remain open until January 31, 2025. For more details and to access the application portal, please visit the program webpage Securing Small Business Rebate | British Columbia Chamber of Commerce (bcchamber.org)

If you have questions, please contact the BC Chamber of Commerce at ssbr@bcchamber.org

The BC Chamber of Commerce gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation.

For further details you can also contact Tom Thomson the Executive Director of the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce or email info@discovernelson.com