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“Securing Small Business Rebate”

EFFECTIVE UNTIL JANUARY 31, 2025

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 Securing Small Business Rebate is administered by the BC Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply for the rebate at bcchamber.org/securing-small-business-rebate, Business operators are also encouraged to connect with the Merritt & District Chamber of Commerce to learn more about local programs. For questions on this Securing Small Business Rebate, contact the BC Chamber of Commerce at ssbr@bcchamber.org.

The program will remain open until January 31, 2025, or until the program is fully subscribed. Open on a first-come, first-served basis.

Types of Rebates

The program offers two types of rebates:

1. Reparative Rebate

  • Provides 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.
  • 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 Requirements

To be eligible for the rebate, a business must:

  • Be located in an area of British Columbia zoned for commercial, business, or light industry use; and
  • Have an exterior entrance (accessible directly from an outside area such as sidewalk, street or parking area), which serves as the primary access point for customers and clients; and
  • Have a B.C. Registration or Incorporation Number; and
  • Be in good standing with the Province of British Columbia; and
  • Have less than 50 employees at the time of the incident or at the time preventative work is undertaken, and
  • Not have received an alternative local rebate, grant or insurance claim (excluding the insurance deductibles) to cover the same expense.

Get a Free Crime Prevention (CPTED) Assessment

The City of Merritt’s Community Policing Office (CPO) offers Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) assessments free of charge.  These CPTED assessments can help you identify areas of vulnerability and present tactics to mitigate risk. Contact the CPO office at 250-378-3955 or cpo@merritt.ca.

Questions about Starting a Business?

Economic Development

Phone: (250) 378-4224
Email: ecdev@merritt.ca

Questions about the Business Licence Application?

Bylaw Officer

Phone: (250) 378-8628
Email: bylaw@merritt.ca

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