Shuswap Taskforce Launches Wildfire Recovery with $50K Grant
Media Release
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. Funding 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, please visit https://shuswapecdev.ca/our-region/wildfire-relief-and-resources/
SERT is still seeking donations to increase the amount of available funding to help North Shuswap businesses recover from the 2023 wildfire season. Make your donation to the Shuswap Community Foundation (SCF) “Emergency Response Fund” at any Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union (SASCU) branch, and specify North Shuswap businesses. Or make an auto-deposit e-transfer to info@shuswapfoundation.ca with memo “North Shuswap Business Recovery.”
For more ways to donate, please visit http://shuswapfoundation.ca/.
The Bush Creek East wildfire began ripping through the North Shuswap less than 12 hours after a planned ignition intending to hold back the flames was initiated by BC Wildfire Service. The wildfire destroyed or damaged over 225 homes and structures in the Shuswap. This photo was taken August 18, 2023 at 4:02 AM at Meadow Creek North Shuswap. Read more Bush Creek wildfire stories by going to the local news tab and past issues at www.kicker.ca as well as here on our Scoop website. Photo credit Janis Smith Photography
