1. Is DREAI funding only for businesses directly impacted by natural disasters? 

No. Supports are available to businesses in eligible regions and may include:

• Mill closures resulting from reduction to Annual Allowable Cuts
• Mine closures and curtailments
• Increased online competition and labour shortages

2. Which types of businesses and regions can qualify for DREAI funding? 

Qualifying regions:

1. Nicola Valley
2. Sun Country
3. South Fraser
4. North Fraser
5. Sto:lo
6. Okanagan Similkameen
7. Thompson Country
8. Central Interior First Nations
9. Cariboo Chilcotin
10. North Cariboo
11. Fraser Fort George
12. Peace Liard
13. Stuart Nechako
14. Nadina
15. 16/37 (Terrace)
16. Pacific Northwest
17. Haida Gwaii

Qualifying For-Profit Businesses:

• For-Profit small and medium sized businesses where the owner's primary residence and operating business location is in and eligible region.
• For 'full access' to DREAI, the business must have minimum gross sales of $15,000 in the 12 months prior to DREAI application, or in the 12 months prior to the program launch. 
• For 'workshop access' to DREAI, the business is not required to have the minimum gross sales of $15,000 in the 12 months prior to DREAI application, or in the 12 months prior to the program launch.
• Businesses with ownership outside of an eligible region are eligible where the business has a physical location and a minimum of 1 paid employee resident in an eligible region.

Qualifying Enterprising Not-For-Profits:

• Enterprising Not-For-Profits (ENFPs) are defined as Not-for-profit organizations that earn revenue through the sale of a product or service.
• ENFPs that are funded primarily through donations and grants and are not dependent on their business activities for sustainability are not eligible for this program.
• ENFPs must have a minimum of one paid employee attached to the revenue generating activities.
  

Qualifying First Nations Band-Owned Businesses:

• First Nations Band-Owned businesses are eligible for DREAI support. 

Qualifying Start-Up and Micro-Businesses:

• Businesses with less than $15,000 in gross sales in the 12 months prior to DREAI application and individuals exploring entrepreneurship are eligible to access online resources and attend workshops at no cost, but are not eligible for business specific training, peer mentoring, or coaching and consulting services. 

Ineligible Applicants:

• Municipalities
• Regional Districts
• Charities & Non Enterprising Not-for-Profits
• Churches / faith organizations
• Membership driven organizations i.e., business improvement areas, chambers of commerce, associations.
• Itinerant businesses - i.e., businesses with ownership and head offices in another region are only eligible where they have an operating location and a minimum of one paid employee in an eligible region.
• Banks and financial companies, including pawnbrokers, payday loan, cheque caching and white label cash machines. 

3. How do I apply for DREAI funding? 

DREAI applications are managed entirely through the account dashboard, and may also be completed by you or one of your staff members on your behalf. Your Program Ambassador will confirm basic eligibility criteria, with final approval for DREAI sponsorship made by the DREAI Controller. 

If you need help, you can always reach out to your Program Ambassador. 

4. What can I do with DREAI funding? 

Once approved you receive: 

• 10 hours of free skills and strategic development with coaches and consultants in a variety of relevant fields, all with a rural focus.
• 12 free sessions with a professional facilitator and hand-picked peer mentoring group of like-minded rural business owners.
• Unlimited access to valuable, professional workshops to help you and your team build and grow skills to success.
• Up to $5,000 reimbursement for business specific training of your choice that helps grow and pivot your business. 

5. Who are the Program Ambassadors? 

Our Program Ambassadors are here to help bridge the gap between critical funding and resources, and the small rural businesses who need them. 

Think of us as your concierge to the DREAI program, ready to guide you through the process, to help you get access to the best resources for your business goals, and to alert you about offerings and additional funding for which you qualify.