SHUSWAP ECONOMIC RECOVERY TASKFORCE LAUNCHES WILDFIRE RECOVERY PROGRAM WITH $50,000 GRANT
December 1, 2023 – The Shuswap Economic Recovery Taskforce (SERT) is pleased to
announce the launch of a comprehensive wildfire recovery program aimed at assisting
businesses affected by the recent Bush Creek East wildfire in the North Shuswap. SERT is now looking to distribute $50,000 in funding to North Shuswap businesses who experienced wildfire-related loss earlier this year.
This funding will be granted to businesses, sole proprietors, partnerships, franchises, non-profit organizations and First Nations businesses and members whose livelihood is based on cultural practice, and was received from donors who specified that their donations go toward assisting North Shuswap businesses.
The grant, part of the initial phase of SERT’s larger wildfire recovery program for all impacted Shuswap communities, is dedicated to helping North Shuswap businesses rebuild and regain their economic footing. Affected businesses are encouraged to apply for funding by completing a Needs Assessment Form that outlines the extent of their losses and their specific needs for recovery assistance.
“The North Shuswap business community is strong, resilient, and closely connected,” says John Reed, Co-Chair of SERT and the Executive Director of the Shuswap Economic Development Society. “We understand the challenges businesses are facing, and the SERT team is dedicated to providing as much support as possible to help them resume operations and rebuild a thriving local economy.”
SERT will carefully review applications and allot funding based on a specific set of criteria. For those who do not receive funding from this grant, SERT will be offering several other opportunities for wildfire-impacted businesses to access support, including 1 on 1 sessions with Business Recovery Advisors, through Community Futures Shuswap and the Disaster Recovery Economic Adjustment Initiative (DREAI).
For more information about the wildfire recovery program or to access the application form,
