Safeguarding Small Businesses: BC Government’s Securing Small Business Rebate Program

In response to the escalating challenges posed by property crime and vandalism in both rural and urban communities throughout British Columbia, the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation has taken a proactive step to support local businesses. The newly launched $10.5 million Securing Small Business Rebate Program aims to provide financial assistance to small businesses for eligible repairs related to commercial property crime and vandalism or for the implementation of preventative measures.

Understanding the Need

Recognizing the heightened financial burden on businesses due to these security concerns, the BC government is committed to fostering a secure business environment. The Securing Small Business Rebate Program is designed to alleviate the impact of property crime and vandalism by offering financial support where it’s needed most.

Program Administration by BC Chamber of Commerce

The BC Chamber of Commerce, a trusted entity with a vast provincial network comprising 100 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, has been selected to administer the rebate program. Leveraging its extensive reach and numerous industry partnerships, including Business Improvement Areas, the BC Chamber of Commerce aims to ensure that businesses from every sector and region of the province are well-informed about the available rebate.

Program Timeline and Application Details

The program’s application portal is now open and accessible here. The portal will accept applications until January 31, 2025. Rebate applications are retroactive to January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024, and will be reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis.

If successful, a rebate application will go through screening, review, approval, and payment within 35 business days, provided there is limited follow-up required during these processes. Rebates will be issued to successful applicants via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) between December 2023 and February 2025.

For clarity:

• Rebates for January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, will be disbursed by March 31, 2024.
• Rebates for January 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024, will be disbursed by February 28, 2025.

How Covert Security Solutions Can Help

As businesses prepare to secure the financial assistance offered through the Securing Small Business Rebate Program, it’s crucial to consider comprehensive security solutions. Covert Security Solutions, with its expertise in safeguarding businesses from potential threats, can play a pivotal role in assisting eligible businesses to make the most of this government initiative.

Covert Security Solutions offers tailored security assessments to identify vulnerabilities in commercial properties. From the installation of advanced surveillance systems to implementing access control measures, Covert Security Solutions can help businesses fortify their premises, making them less susceptible to property crime and vandalism.

Types of Rebates

The program offers two types of rebates:

1. Reparative Rebate

   • Provides immediate relief to offset eligible reparative costs for 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.
   • Retroactive to January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024.

2. Preventative Rebate

   • Provides funding for eligible proactive/preventative measures to mitigate damage to eligible commercial property due to vandalism.
   • Available as a one-time rebate of up to $1,000.
   • Retroactive to January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for either rebate a business must:

• Be located in an area of British Columbia zoned for commercial or light industry use.
• Have an exterior entrance serving as the primary access point for customers.
• Have a B.C. Registration or Incorporation Number.
• Be in good standing with the Province of British Columbia.
• Have less than 50 employees at the time of the police report for damage or at the time preventative work is undertaken.
• Not have received an alternative, local rebate, or grant to cover the same expense.