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Deadline extended for small business relief

Businesses looking for a bit of relief as they recover from the strain of the wildfire and evacuation now have more time to do so.

Because of the overwhelming response from local businesses, the RMWB and Red Cross have extended the deadline to apply for the Small Business Emergency Relief Funding to August 12.

Small businesses employing 50 people or less that have an active RMWB business license and are located within the RMWB care apply as long as they’re registered through the recovery hotline at 1-855-RMWB-BIZ.

“We know the importance that businesses play to the vital success of our community,” said Keith Smith, Acting Director, Economic Development. “We have listened to our business community, and thanks to the generous support of the Canadian Red Cross, we are able to provide local business owners with additional time to apply for emergency relief funding.”

Financial relief for small business was identified as a key priority in the Business and Economic Recovery Plan, approved by Council on May 25, 2016.

“Economic Developers Alberta is pleased to support its members at the RMWB with the Hotline and emergency relief program,” said Leann Hackman Carty, EDA CEO. “Almost 1,900 businesses have already received financial support from this program. Right now, it is critical to provide timely financial relief to businesses. By extending the deadline, we hope to provide even more support to small businesses in Fort McMurray.”

To receive the emergency relief funds, small businesses must phone the Wood Buffalo Business Recovery Hotline at 1-855-RMWB BIZ (1-855-769-2249) from Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Once registered and qualified, businesses will receive instructions on how to receive the $1,000 of emergency relief.

Eligibility criteria includes:

  • Register their business at the RMWB Business Recovery Hotline (1-855-RMWB-BIZ).
  • Have an active RMWB business license.
  • Be located/headquartered in a RMWB community.
  • Be a small business – defined as having 50 employees or less.

For further resources and information, visit choosewoodbuffalo.ca.