Small Businesses Impacted by Wildfires in British Columbia Receive Recovery Support

CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 9 -- Western Economic Diversification Canada issued the following news release:

Small businesses impacted by the 2017 wildfire season in British Columbia will get help rebuilding thanks to an investment from Western Economic Diversification Canada. Funding will be delivered through Community Futures Development Association of BC (CFBC) and their network of Community Futures offices.

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Chair of Federal Recovery Efforts for 2017 BC Wildfires Committee, today announced $1,300,000 for CFBC on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD).

CFBC and their network will provide small businesses located in communities hit hardest by wildfires with customized support, including professional advisory services, business coaching in recovery and access to financing for rebuilding initiatives. The 2017 wildfire season was the worst in BC's history and had widespread economic impacts in affected areas. This funding will help small businesses restore operations and build a resilient economy that mitigates impacts of future wildfires.

Interested businesses should contact their local Community Futures office to access more information on this initiative.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada stands with British Columbians to support economic recovery in areas impacted by the 2017 wildfires. The funding announced today will help those affected to rebuild their business so they can continue to contribute to resilient, thriving communities."

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Chair of Federal Recovery Efforts for 2017 BC Wildfires Committee

Community Futures BC has been a champion of rural economic resiliency for over thirty years now and we recognize the important role small businesses play in BC's rural economy. CFBC is delighted to partner with WD and our BC Community Futures network on this important initiative to support small businesses in affected areas recover and rebuild in the wake of BC's worst wildfire season ever."

Robert Annis, Chair, Community Futures BC

Quick Facts

Small businesses account for 98 per cent of economic activity in rural British Columbia.

An estimated 15,000 businesses were affected by the 2017 wildfire season in British Columbia.

Over the last 30 years, Western Economic Diversification Canada has responded to the unique needs and priorities of Canada's four western provinces, including mitigating the economic impacts of natural disasters like wildfires and the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation.