Small B.C. businesses will soon be eligible to get government funds to clean up after vandals or prevent vandalism.
The Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation announced Sunday that up to $2,000 will be available starting in November for businesses to recover the costs of vandalism, such as replacing broken glass and cleaning up graffiti.
“Supporting small businesses with this rebate helps provide some relief for the costs they’ve taken on through no fault of their own,” said Jobs Minister Brenda Bailey in a release.
The $10.5-million rebate program opens on Nov. 22, offering up to $2,000 for vandalism repairs and up to $1,000 for prevention measures. The applications can be for any vandalism since Jan. 1 so businesses can recoup costs incurred this year.
“As a business owner, the costs of property damage have been very frustrating and I’m glad to see government support on the way,” said Vince Marino, the owner of Junction Public House in Vancouver.
The rebate program is being handled by the B.C. Chamber of Commerce and applications can be made at bcchamber.org. It is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible repair work includes replacing broken glass and graffiti removal, and eligible prevention measures include installing security cameras or gates.
