The Canadian Red Cross announced a new program on Wednesday that will assist Manitoba businesses with ongoing wildfire recovery efforts. Funded by the Manitoba government, the Support to Small Businesses Program will provide financial assistance to eligible small businesses directly impacted by last year’s wildfires. Funds may be used to cover expenses such as clean-up costs, insurance deductibles, storage and movement of inventory, and other urgent expenses. To be eligible, small businesses must have a business number in Manitoba as of April 1, 2025, and remain in good standing. They must have resumed operations or demonstrate an intention to resume operations following the wildfires.