The B.C. government announced applications for its vandalism recovery fund can be made starting on Nov. 22. (Jordan Davidson/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

vandalism relief

Applications open shortly for provincial vandalism relief fund

Oct 30, 2023 | 4:29 PM

NANAIMO — A $10.5 million fund offering aid to small business operators province-wide impacted by vandalism costs can apply for rebates starting in late November.

The ministry of jobs, economic development and innovation revealed an online application portal is accepting applications for vandalism-related recovery costs and preventative measures beginning on Nov. 22.

According to the province, applications for as much as $2,000 per business for repair costs and $1,000 for prevention measures can be made.

Funds will be handed out on a first-come first-serve basis, with applications related to damage retroactive as of Jan. 1, 2023 and up until Dec. 31, 2024.

Under the program, cost recovery applications can be made up to twice (once per calendar year).

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Applications for vandalism prevention measures are a one-time payout for expenditures such as security cameras/gates, alarm systems and shatter-proof glass.

“A rebate application, if successful, will be screened, reviewed, approved and paid in 35 business days, provided there is limited follow up with the applicant during the screening and review processes,” noted a statement on the Securing Small Business Rebate web page.

Overview of the soon-to-launch Securing Small Business Rebate program (BC. government)

The website, administered by the BC Chamber of Commerce, is where small business operators can find detailed information on the vandalism rebate program and make applications for funding.

The City of Nanaimo unveiled a Vandalism Relief Grant for downtown businesses last year.

Administered through the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, a total of $50,000 was set aside for the fund last year, while $30,000 is available this year and for at least the next two years.

The Nanaimo grant program covers a maximum of $1,000 per incident, with business operators able to apply twice per calendar year.

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