The province is launching a $10.5-million program to help small businesses recover costs due to vandalism.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our province and it’s vital we work together to keep our economy strong,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation.

“We understand the frustration of business owners taking on the cost of vandalism on their own. We are taking action to support businesses with new funding to provide relief to cover these costs, and make sure we have a thriving business community.”

Bailey says the new program will begin in the fall and is open to small businesses that suffered vandalism damage retroactive to Jan. 1 this year.

The new $10.5-million Securing Small Business Rebate Program will be available on an application basis and retroactive to Jan. 1, 2023.

Businesses will be able to apply for as much as $2,000 per business for the cost of repairs due to vandalism, and up to $1,000 for vandalism prevention.

The criteria for eligibility yet to be released.

To see the full release, visit Government of British Columbia.