Wildfire Emergency Relief and Resources

SHUSWAP ECONOMIC RECOVERY TASKFORCE (SERT) PARTNERS WITH COMMUNITY FUTURES TO LAUNCH SUPPORT FOR IMPACTED BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT THE SHUSWAP

SERT is pleased to announce a partnership with Community Futures to offer ongoing support to businesses from throughout the Shuswap that were impacted by the Bush Creek East wildfire. These benefits are part of the Disaster Relief Economic Adjustment Initiative(DREAI) program, available through the CFDC network.

About the DREAI (Disaster Recovery Economic Initiative Program).

The DREAI program is part of SERT’s ongoing wildfire recovery efforts to assist businesses from throughout the Shuswap, that were impacted by the Bush Creek East Wildfire and is available through Community Futures Shuswap.

Business support and benefits

– Working 1 on 1 with a DREAI Business Ambassador

– A training grant of $5,000 may be available to help you in your business and to train members of your team.

– Up to 10 hours of free consulting to assist you in areas such as; finance, insurance, business planning, and marketing.
– Complimentary courses on subjects ranging from finance to marketing (dates and locations TBA).

How to apply

1. Complete a short Business Needs Assessment by clicking here.

2. You will then be contacted by one of our Business Recovery Advisors within 48 hours to discuss your needs, the program and the resources and services that you can access.

Grant update for North Shuswap Businesses

The grant intake for North Shuswap businesses from the Shuswap Community Foundation is now closed. Applications are under review and grant awards will be announced by mid-February 2024.

About the Shuswap Economic Recovery Taskforce

SERT was created to support businesses, sole proprietors and non-profits in the Shuswap impacted by the Bush Creek East wildfire. A partnership between the Shuswap Economic Development Society, Shuswap Community Foundation, Community Futures Shuswap, the North Shuswap Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Shuswap, the South Shuswap Chamber of Commerce, Salmon Arm Economic Development, Sicamous Economic Development and North Shuswap Disaster Relief Society, the taskforce offers opportunities for funding, education and other economic recovery resources. The task force is made up of local business and community leaders from throughout the Shuswap and is comprised of 5 Subcommittees:

Environment, Grants, Donations and Giving, Tourism and Hospitality, Business and Supply Chain, and Communications.

Additional emergency resources for Businesses

Shuswap Emergency Program

The Shuswap Emergency Program is the regional organization for the Shuswap that works to ensure residents are prepared, safe and informed in cases of floods, wildfire, extreme weather and more. It serves the citizens of the City of Salmon Arm, District of Sicamous and CSRD Electoral Areas C, D, E, F and G.

Please visit the SEP Emergency Dashboard for current information, alerts and orders for the Shuswap Region.

Register for emergency alerts at:
www.csrd.bc.ca/alertable

Additional Emergency Links to Monitor and Contacts:

CSRD Emergency Updates

CSRD Facebook
Emergency Info BC
BC Wildfire Service
Drive BCAir quality and health advice

BCHA Wildfire Support Resources

Emergency Operations Centre:
250-833-3350

For those looking to donate supplies, please call the Shuswap Emergency Program to coordinate arrangements at 250-833-3396

Helpful guides and links
Prepare your business
Prepared BC: Guide for Small Business
Prepared BC: Emergency Plan for Small Business
BCEDA’s Resources for Wildfire Impacted Individuals & Businesses 2023
Destination BC’s Emergency Resources for BC Tourism Businesses
Prepare Your Agriculture Operation for Wildfire
Food Safety and Reopening Your Business After a Wildfire