Lytton Business Restart Program

Overview of the Lytton Business Restart Program program:

The Lytton Business Recovery Fund, administered by PacifiCan (Pacific Economic Development Canada), is a targeted initiative to help businesses and organisations in the Village of Lytton and surrounding Indigenous communities recover from the devastating 2021 wildfire. The wildfire caused widespread destruction of commercial infrastructure, business assets, and community services, significantly impacting local economic stability. This program offers financial support to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), Indigenous-owned businesses, and non-profit organisations affected by the wildfire. The funding is intended to assist with rebuilding, replacing equipment, restocking inventory, and restarting operations. It also supports businesses operating in temporary locations or planning to return to Lytton as infrastructure is rebuilt. PacifiCan is working in collaboration with the Nzen’man’ Child and Family Development Centre, which helps deliver the program locally. Eligible costs include physical repairs, equipment purchases, marketing and outreach, and recovery of business operations. Projects must demonstrate a clear link to wildfire recovery and long-term economic revitalisation. Businesses must show that they were operating in the Lytton area before the wildfire and that they experienced economic losses as a direct result. This fund aligns with the Government of Canada’s broader commitment to disaster recovery, economic resilience, and Indigenous economic development. It provides crucial bridge funding to ensure businesses can remain viable and reintegrate into a reconstructed community.

Benefits of the Lytton Business Restart Program program:

• Up to $1 million in non-repayable funding per applicant
• Helps businesses recover, rebuild, and reopen after wildfire destruction
• Supports the purchase of equipment, inventory, and repairs
• Allows funding for temporary operations and relocation during reconstruction
• Assists with staff rehiring, marketing, and community outreach
• Prioritises Indigenous-owned businesses and local economic recovery
• Delivered in partnership with Nzenman Child and Family Development Centre, ensuring culturally informed community support
• Flexible use of funds to address unique business recovery needs

Eligibility criteria of the Lytton Business Restart Program program:

• To qualify, applicants must meet the following:
• Business or non-profit organisation
• Must have been operating in Lytton or surrounding Indigenous communities prior to the wildfire
• Must demonstrate economic loss or operational disruption caused by the wildfire
• Open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Indigenous-owned businesses
• Non-profits must show that their operations contribute to local economic activity or business infrastructure
• Applicants must present a recovery plan detailing the use of funds and expected outcomes