There are different types of business grants available for small business owners in BC.

ONE TIME AND RENEWABLE

Non-repayable grants are the most sought-after grant for many business owners.

The money you obtain from this type of grant program does not need to be paid back – unlike a loan.

Though these government grant types fund very specific needs a business may have and are provided based on those needs.

NON REPAYABLE GRANTS

One-time and renewable grants are the most common types of grants. These programs will provide you with a lump sum of money to use towards a specific requirement such as providing training to your staff.

The renewable part comes in so that you can keep coming back to obtain more when more training costs need to be covered.

PARTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Partial contribution government grants are another attractive option. The “partial contribution” implies that you provide some of your own funds in order to qualify for the grant. Sort of like a partnership. For example: if you need $100K for equipment, the government may give you $50K to use towards your purchase but requires that you provide the other $50K.

Getting a business grant or funding for your business in BC may be crucial. If you are depending on the capital to advance, it is important to start your funding search immediately, and not delay. Search for funding right now.

The good thing is that the BC government greatly support entrepreneurship with many different funding programs; and as long as you are a small business owner in BC and are re-investing into making BC a better economy, you may be eligible to apply to these business grants and funding programs.  The BC government has many different business grants and funding programs for small business owners to take advantage.

Want to see what business grants and funding options can cover in expenses for your small business in BC?

To successfully apply for business grants or government funding in British Columbia, there are a few things you must be ready to provide, in order to meet the eligibility criteria by the various grants agencies.

This may include, but not limited to:

The steps of starting a small business in BC are simple.

☑️ Having a completed and thorough business plan.

The Business Plan Builder Tool can help you create a solid business plan that you can use to apply for business grants, government loans, or any government funding options. The process of creating a business plan is simplified as it only asks the must have information, removing the unnecessary "fluff", making your business plan direct to the point.

☑️ Providing proper financials or financial projections.

With the above mentioned Business Plan Builder Tool you will be able to create financial statements, including a balance sheet, cash flow and a profit/loss statement with ease. If you don't have the financials to share, an expert will be able to assist and guide you though projecting these based on the requirements that the business grant agencies have in place

☑️ Having an Investor PitchDeck ready.

In addition to having a detailed business plan, most government funding agencies and private investors want to see presentations (PitchDeck). These are brief 10 to 15 slide presentations that outline the business model, the growth strategy, funding needs and share specifics of the business in a visually appealing format.

Think Shark Tank.

This is where you get to visually explain your business and attract the attention of funding agencies and investors.
A properly done PitchDeck is very easy to share and is often the preferred introduction method to the various funding agencies and investors. In addition to the business plan, the PitchDeck is the ultimate tool to securing the funding needed.

If you can create a PitchDeck , your business plan will greatly benefit. With the Investor PitchDeck Tool, you are able to create a great presentation in no time.

In addition to these must haves, be sure to refer to the primary application factors and the secondary application factors as mentioned above - to ensure you cover all of the basis points before you apply to any business grants or funding options.

If you are ready to start your business grants search in BC, don't wait any longer. Get more information on how to find the relevant funding options, how to ensure your business plan is 100% perfected, and how to properly apply.

The first step, call 1-800-288-9691 for one of our BC small business specialists to assist and guide you.

While business grants are an attractive funding option (being free money and all), they are not the easiest to obtain. Learning how to work the system by ensuring your funding needs are aligned with the funding agencies agenda, could be the key to landing a grant for your business. Consider working with a Canada Startups Expert to get help with this.

The business grant alternatives include:

Government Loans

Unlike a traditional bank loan, government loans offer different advantages and are easier to obtain.

Government loans are programs provided by the Canadian government as well as local and provincial level
agencies to help business owners obtain quick funds needed to help with their business funding needs.

Each type of government loan has it's own pros and cons, however each has its own advantages that could benefit
your small business as an alternative to government grants.

1. Low Interest Loans
2. No Interest Loans
3. Conditionally Repayable Loans
4. Government Guaranteed Loans

Speak to a funding expert to determine which loan options may be best for you.

Tax Breaks/Credits

Often overlooked, tax breaks and credits are a simple and effective way to obtain funding for your business.

Tax breaks and tax credits are incentive programs offered by various government agencies and can be an alternative or supplementary funding option for your business.

While these programs are often overlooked because you first have to spend the money, in order to qualify for those tax breaks or credits at the end of the year; a tax credit is quite similar to a grant - a lump sum of money given back to you for your business.

Speak to a financial expert, tax accountant or a funding specialist to get more details on available tax breaks and credit options for your business.

Private Funding

Private funding can offer you larger funding amounts and can be combined with government funding options.

In addition to any government funding, your business may also want to seek funding from Private Investment sources.

If so, take some time to familiarize your self with interest rates, repayment terms and type of collateral or share agreements are involved. Private funds can be both an excellent source of money and industry expertise for your
business, if properly managed. When looking at private funding, there are many different types:

• Family and Friends
• Bank Loans or Lines of Credit
• Personal Credit Cards
• Partnerships
• Private Investors
• Crowdfunding
• Equity Trade

If you are ready to start your own funding search for business grants and other types of funding try first reading the Small Business Grants Guide for additional information and knowledge to prepare you with your own small business in BC.