Starting, or growing a small business in BC, while exciting, can also be a challenging journey. One of the elements that can have a major impact on the success of your business, is access to funding.
Luckily, the province of British Columbia, offers a number of great business grants, government loans, tax breaks and incentives to help small businesses and to support entrepreneurs at different stages of their business development.
These business grants and funding options can provide a financial boost that is required to turn innovation into a reality, expand operations and overcome the unexpected challenges of business ownership.
Join us as we explore all available British Columbia business grants for 2024.
We will be looking at the regions in British Columbia which will be able to provide you with the funding, the different types of funding available, what the funds can be used for, eligibility criteria as well, your access to over 170+ business grants, government loans..etc
Access 170+ Business Grants and Government Loans in British Columbia
Regions of British Columbia Government Funding Covers
As a small business in British Columbia, there are various funding options that your business may be able to obtain.
This funding comes from local governments, as well as regional governments.
Northern British Columbia
The Northern British Columbia region includes areas like Prince George, Fort St. John, and Terrace. Special funding programs often target this region due to its unique economic and geographic challenges. This includes business grants, government loans, as well as tax breaks and incentives.
Southern Interior
The Southern Interior region encompasses cities like Kelowna, Kamloops, and Penticton. Funding may focus on rural development, urban infrastructure, and economic growth.
Lower Mainland
The Lower Mainland includes the Greater Vancouver Area, Abbotsford, and surrounding areas. Given the dense population and economic significance, funding is often directed towards infrastructure, transit, and social services.
Vancouver Island and Coast
This region focuses on cities like Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River. Funding initiatives often aim at tourism, marine industries, and technological innovation.
Kootenay
In the Kootenay region, smaller communities and rural areas such as Nelson, Cranbrook, and Castlegar are included. Funding here may support agriculture, small business development, and rural infrastructure.
Cariboo
Covering areas from Quesnel to Williams Lake and surrounding communities. Similar to Northern British Columbia, funding focuses on addressing remote area challenges and promoting regional development.
Government funding in British Columbia is tailored to address the specific needs and opportunities of each of these regions, aiming to promote balanced growth and equitable resource distribution across the province. You can review all regions of British Columbia within the Funding Database in order to access all options at your fingertips.
Access 170+ Business Grants and Government Loans in BC
Are BC Business Grants and Funding Right For You
If you are considering starting a business, or have an existing business in BC, you should consider government funding.
Remember, government funding does not meant just borrowing money (via Loan), but utilizing provided funding options such as government grants, incentives, tax breaks, credits..etc, towards the various expenses you may have in order to grow your business.
The benefit of being in BC, or the above mentioned regions of BC is that the government puts a lot towards the success of entrepreneurship, covering many audience types, including Startups, Women, Immigrants, Youth, Indigenous, Veterans, Minority Owned Businesses, Non Profits, Specific Regions as well as those in Specific Industries.
In other words, if you are a Canadian (or have PR); or are in business with a Canadian Citizen (or PR holder) and in need of funding support, chances are you are eligible for certain BC business grants and government funding programs.
With that in mind, you must have expenses that you’d like to cover. Have a look at the below, to see what BC small business grants can be used for!
What Can BC Small Business Grants Be Used For?
BC business grants and funding options can be used to cover a number of startup and expansion costs as you run your business. Here are some of the more commonly used user cases as how to benefit from the available funding:
☑️ To cover the initial startup and/or expansion costs
☑️ To assist you with purchase of tools, equipment and inventory to lower your initial costs
☑️ To help you adopt technology use in your business and get your business online
☑️ To provide you costs for marketing and advertising campaigns, or hire marketing related assistance
☑️ To give you working capital for the every day, day to day expenses
☑️ To cover the cost of wages for yourself, your staff and provide training
☑️ and much more
These are just a few of the expenses that BC business grants and funding can be used towards. For a full list, access the Funding Database and take advantage of over 1,500 different options, covering hundreds of possible expenses your business may have.
What are the types of government funding options in BC?
Access 170+ Business Grants and Government Loans in British Columbia
The province of British Columbia, including the mentioned local and regional government offices provide a large number of options for small business owners to take advantage of. These options vary from business to business, however the majority will come in the form of business grants, business loans and tax breaks/credits.
While these funds are all government funds, some can be government backed as well (via banks and lenders).
British Columbia Business Grants
Business grants, considered free money is often the best form of funding that a business owner can obtain as it can give a business several key benefits, including:
Government grants in British Columbia offer several benefits for businesses, including:
- Non-Repayable Funding: These are grants that do not need to be repaid, unlike loans, which helps businesses manage cash flow and reduce financial burden.
- Financial Support: These business grants provide crucial financial support, allowing businesses to invest in growth, innovation, and development without impacting their capital reserves.
- Risk Mitigation: Accessing these business grants reduces the financial risk associated with new projects, research and development, or expansion plans.
- Competitive Advantage: Government grants can enhance a business’s competitive edge by enabling investments in new technology, skilled labor, and market expansion.
- Encourages Innovation: Grants often target innovative projects, helping businesses develop new products, services, or processes that can lead to significant market advantages.
- Improves Credibility: Receiving a government grant can enhance a business’s credibility with investors, customers, and partners, as it demonstrates government support and validation of the business’s potential.
- Access to Expertise: Many grant programs offer additional resources such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to industry experts, which can be invaluable for business growth and development.
- Job Creation: These business grants aimed at job creation help businesses hire more staff, contributing to local economic development and increasing the company’s operational capacity.
British Columbia Government Loans
Much like traditional bank loans, British Columbia government loans are not different in a standard sense that you are still borrowing money, however, government loans have number of key benefits to a business owner utilizing them, including:
- Lower Interest Rates: Government loans often come with lower interest rates compared to traditional bank loans, making them more affordable and reducing the overall cost of borrowing.
- Flexible Repayment Terms: These loans typically offer more flexible repayment terms, allowing businesses to choose repayment schedules that align with their cash flow and financial situation.
- Access to Larger Amounts: Government loans may provide access to larger amounts of capital than other funding sources, enabling businesses to undertake significant projects or expansions.
- Support for Specific Sectors: Many government loan programs are tailored to support specific industries or sectors, providing targeted financial assistance to businesses in those areas.
- Encourages Investment in Innovation: Government loans often support innovation and development projects, helping businesses invest in new technologies, research, and development efforts that can drive growth and competitiveness.
- Boosts Business Credit: Successfully securing and repaying a government loan can help build and improve a business’s credit history, making it easier to obtain additional financing in the future.
- Job Creation and Economic Growth: Government loans can facilitate job creation and contribute to local economic development, benefiting both the business and the wider community.
- Supplementary Support: In addition to financial assistance, government loan programs may offer supplementary support such as business advisory services, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
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Less Stringent Requirements: Government loans may have less stringent eligibility and collateral requirements compared to private sector loans, making it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to qualify
Access 170+ Business Grants and Government Loans in British Columbia
British Columbia Tax Breaks / Tax Credits For Small Businesses
One of the easier funding types offered by the government of British Columbia and the federal government is the available tax breaks and credits. These tax breaks and credits directly reduce the amount of taxes a business owes, resulting in significant cost savings that can be reinvested into the business.
By lowering tax liabilities, businesses retain more of their earnings, improving cash flow and financial stability. This also can encourage businesses to invest in new equipment, research and development, employee training, and other growth initiatives that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive.
No matter of the type of funding, be it a government business grant, a government loan, or a tax break/credit, as a startup or growing business, you should regularly check available government funding options in British Columbia and take advantage of them.
How Much Grant Money Or Funding Can I Get For My British Columbia Business
Our Funding Database currently has over 1,500 different funding options available.
A typical business owner in British Columbia, starting up, or expanding their business, will be eligible to 4-5 different options. Multiple more options, if regular funding searches are conducted (this is done by our experts for you).
Funding amounts and how much you can get in grant funding varies from business to business, as it is based on your specific funding needs, in accordance to the expenses that you wish to cover.
Currently, for 2024, business grants and funding ranges from $1,000 to $500,000 (larger options are available when combined)
Access 170+ Business Grants and Government Loans in British Columbia
Am I Eligible for British Columbia Small Business Grants?
Based on the current availability of government grants for small businesses in British Columbia, there are key factors that can determine eligibility. Not all factors apply to every program, but worth noting to help maximize your access to grants and funding.
☑️Business Location (often your city or region)
☑️Business Type (ie: your industry)
☑️Business Stage, or Business Size (new business, existing business, # of employees and revenue)
☑️Funding Needs (what the funds will be used for)
☑️Economic Impact (what your business can do for the economy; ie: create jobs)
It is important to note: Most cities and regions within British Columbia, offer some sort of government business grants and funding options to startups and existing business owners. While not every single business can get funds for every single type of expense, working with a funding expert can unlock potential to these options for you.
As mentioned, using our Funding Database, a typical business in British Columbia is eligible to 4-5 funding options!
2024 British Columbia Small Business Grants and Funding List – 170+ Options
Government funding options are constantly changing.
New city and regional options are constantly closing; and new incentives are coming in. Staying on top of these funding options is crucial to ensure you don’t miss any business grants and funding options for the rest of 2024.
Below is a list of over 170+ business grants, government loans and funding options that can help your small business in British Columbia.
If you wish to consider any of the options, speaking with a qualified expert is recommended – call 1-800-288-9691.
Access 170+ Business Grants and Government Loans in British Columbia
| Natural gas kitchen equipment rebates | $3,500 |
Save money when you invest in high-efficiency natural gas appliances for your commercial kitchen.
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| With These Hands loan | $10,000 |
Up to $10,000 in loans for Vancouver and surrounding Fraser Valley region hospitality, service and construction SMEs
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| Project Incentives – Transmission | $1,000,000 |
B.C. facilities operational for six months or more and using more than one gigawatt-hour yearly can receive up to 75% funding, to a maximum of $1 million, for all aspects of their energy efficiency upgrade projects
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| BC Rural Dividend | Various Amounts |
The Program is providing $25 million a year over three years, beginning in 2016, to help rural communities across British Columbia reinvigorate and diversify their local economies, making them more attractive places to live and work
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| CRD Operating Grant | Various Amounts |
CRD provides operating assistance to support non-profit arts organizations in the Capital Regional District whose primary mandate is public programming in the arts.
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| Neighbourhood Grant | $1,500 |
The City of Kelowna has partnered with the Central Okanagan Foundation to offer matching grants of up to $1,000 to support resident-led neighbourhood enhancement ideas or projects that empower neighbours to take action locally. Up to $500 in additional matching funds are available for projects that support Canada 150 themes
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| Sport and Recreation Community Grants | Various Amounts |
Its intent is to build community spirit by providing community grant funds for public art, sport activities/programs, festivals and events, 125th Celebration sanctioned events, sports hosting, capital projects and new initiatives aligned with the City’s strategic goals.
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| Celebration and Activity Grant | $1,000 |
The Celebration and Activity Grant Program is an initiative to encourage residents and community groups of Chilliwack to engage in neighbourhood or community events and activities that promote positive social awareness and connectedness.
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| BC Rural Dividend | Various Amounts |
The Program is providing $25 million a year over three years, beginning in 2016, to help rural communities across British Columbia reinvigorate and diversify their local economies, making them more attractive places to live and work
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| Event Development Fund | $10,000 |
This grant is provided to offset City-related costs of staging annual, festive outdoor public events on City property. City-related service costs can include, but are not limited to, park rental fees, street-sweeping, utility locates, RCMP and bylaw services, traffic support services, and use of City equipment and staff.
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| Strong Neighborhood Grants | $1,500 |
The purpose of the Strong Neighbourhood Grants are to provide the opportunity for neighbours to build relationships, gain a greater sense of neighbourhood pride, and provide resources to address each neighbourhood’s unique interests and needs which in turn, enhances the quality of life for Kelowna residents through Neighbourhood Grant and the Youth Development and Engagement Grant.
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| Emergency Grants | $5,000 |
Emergency grants may be available to registered non-profit organizations offering social programs in Kelowna, for the purpose of assisting the organizations through a financial crisis
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| Grass Roots Grant | $4,000 |
The Grass Roots Grant Program offers 50/50 matching funding to local neighbourhood groups to a maximum of $4,000. Grass Roots Grants can only be considered for projects on municipal (public) lands only.
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| Athletic and Sport Grants | Various Amounts |
The City of Kelowna recognizes the need for financial aid to support the competition, education and event hosting needs of our locally-based sport community.
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| Community Grants Program | Various Amounts |
Our community grants program helps make a difference in the lives of British Columbians by supporting the road safety and injury recovery initiatives of community organizations.
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| By Design Loan | $75,000 | Up to $75,000 in loans for Vancouver creative enterprises |
| Launch Online Grant Program | $7,500 |
Grant funding is available for B.C.-based businesses to create an online shop or improve their e-commerce experience.
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| B.C. Indigenous Agriculture Development Program | $10,000 |
Funding opportunity for BC Indigenous Farmers and Agripreneurs.
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| ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund | Various Amounts |
Funding is available to support the creation, expansion and relocation of child care facilities proposing to create new, licensed child care spaces.
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| Project Development Fund | Various Amounts |
Funding for the development of British Columbia independent film and television productions, in the form of a non-recoupable development advance.
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| Stingray Stimulus Plan | $15,000,000 |
Radio advertising grants for local Canadian businesses in Stingray radio markets.
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| Film Incentive BC Tax Credit | Various Amounts | A refundable labour based incentive for Canadian productions. |
| Jobs and Growth Fund in Western Canada | Various Amounts |
Funding is available for businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth
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| Self-serve incentives | Various Amounts |
Efficient systems perform better and need less maintenance, which means fewer interruptions to your business. Keep your facility running smoothly with funding for energy-efficient upgrades.
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| New Plant Design | Various Amounts |
Power Smart New Plant Design provides funding and design expertise for BC Hydro industrial customers to design an energy efficient plant or expansion from the ground up. Start with a 100% funded design study; then use your findings to apply for major financial incentives, as much as 75% of your incremental costs.
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| Lab2Launch | Various Amounts | Venture building program for researchers and scientists |
| Canada – B.C. Job Grant | $300,000 |
The Canada – B.C. Job Grant program provides funding of up to $50,000 to employers in Small Business, technology and Green Economy, construction, and In-demand Organizations to train current or future employees. An employer is required to contribute at least one-third of the training
costs, with the remaining two-thirds coming from the CJG. The maximum government contribution is $10,000 for each employee trained. |
| Commercial mortgages | $10,000,000 |
Vancity provides commercial mortgages for real estate projects over $6.5 million.
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| Accelerating Manufacturing Scale-Up Grant | $500,000 | Up to $500,000 in grant funding for BC manufacturing ventures |
| Highland West Capital | Various Amounts |
Highland West Capital Ltd also offers strategic, operational and financial support to its management partners.
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| B.C. PST Rebate on Select Machinery and Equipment | Various Amounts | Tax rebates on machinery and equipment for BC businesses |
| Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre | Various Amounts |
Foresight clients benefit from rigorous best-practice innovation practices including a proven venture development program, access to early seed funding, lab/office space, customer engagement clinics, brainstorm sessions and networking opportunities.
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| 32 Degrees | Various Amounts | Funding opportunity for Western Canadian oil and gas companies |
| iAdvance Pathways | $7,000 |
A wage subsidy for hiring Canadian newcomers in the ICT industry.
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| Venture Acceleration Program | Various Amounts |
Accelerate Tectoria provides access to seasoned coaches, mentors, service providers and community partners; ensures that clients receive the timely; provides a physical place and an entrepreneurial culture for startups, helps clients to build their own networks; brings together service-ready and investment-ready companies; and works in collaboration with similar entrepreneurial platforms
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| Voyager Capital | Various Amounts |
Driving innovation and taking risks in creating new markets is exciting. Voyager thrives on working with early-stage entrepreneurs to take this journey together.
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| Wavefront Venture Acceleration Program | Various Amounts |
The Wavefront Venture Acceleration Program is a B.C. Innovation Council initiative, and provides wireless startups and early-stage technology companies in British Columbia all the mentorship, guidance and coaching they need to grow their business. This is a fee-based program delivered by Executives in Residence, and applicants may choose to work remotely with them or take up office space in Wavefront’s Acceleration Centre.
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| Accelerate Okanagan | Various Amounts |
Accelerate Okanagan offers Startup Basics, Venture Acceleration and RevUP program, which include all the elements required for rapid acceleration in the technology industry, such as skills training, education, hands-on coaching, community engagement, and access to best-in-class expertise.
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| Heritage Grants Program | $35,000 |
The City of Kelowna’s Heritage Grants Program provides grants to heritage building owners for a portion of the expenses incurred in restoration work related to the exterior of their buildings
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| Desjardins GoodSpark Grants | $20,000 |
Grants are available for eligible SMEs across numerous provinces for projects focused on sustainable development, employment and innovation.
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| FrontCounter BC | Various Amounts |
Provides services to help new and expanding businesses within the natural resource industry.
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| FCF & Conventional Loans | $250,000 |
Financing to Aboriginal Entrepreneurs including Status, Metis, Inuit and Non-Status Indians residing in the Coast Salish Territory of B.C.
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| NOHC-Investment Grow Stream | $1,000,000 |
The program provides funding to encourage business productivity as well as expansion in Northern Ontario.
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| Business Loans for Youth | $70,000 |
Offers unsecured loans up to $70,000 to women entrepreneurs who reside in British Columbia and are between 19 and 39 years old.
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| Training Tax Credit-Employers | $2,000 |
To provide tax credits for apprentices and employers taking part in apprenticeship programs that are administered through the Industry Training Authority.
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| Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program | Various Amounts |
To aid western Canadian entrepreneurs with disabilities build their business future by ensuring easy access to business services.
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| Disaster Financial Assistance Program | $400,000 |
Emergency financial assistance for businesses in British Columbia.
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| Small Business Accelerator | Various Amounts |
The Small Business Accelerator supports businesses by offering detailed Accelerator Guides , a step-by-step manual on Business Research Basics, promotion and hosting of business related events across the province, opportunities for collaboration and partnership across sectors, and facilitating a strong community of regional business support.
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| Community Futures British Columbia – Business Loans | $150,000 |
Offers financial and business planning assistance to help local rural British Columbian entrepreneurs with starting up, purchasing or growing a business.
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| Small Business BC | Various Amounts |
To provide businesses with an up-to-date and complete information and resource database on government services, programs and regulations for Canadian business.
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| Vancity Unity Women Entrepreneurs Program | $100,000 | Loan opportunity for women entrepreneurs |
| Venture Connection – ECOOP | $10,000 |
Are you a student entrepreneur, changemaker or team ready to commit to your start-up full-time for a semester?
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| Women’s Enterprise Centre Business Loan | $150,000 |
To offer financial assistance, counselling and access to business information for female entrepreneurs.
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| Pitch for the Purse | Various Amounts | Pitch competition win seed funding for female founders |
| Funding For Canadian Small Businesses | $300,000 |
Funding is available for Canadian SMEs across numerous industries.
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| Economic Development Fund – Coast Opportunity Funds | Various Amounts |
Provides funding for Participating First Nations in British Columbia to support eligible sustainable businesses and community-based employment opportunities that are consistent with goals of conservation.
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| End-Use Assessment | $5,000 |
Provides BC industrial businesses with an expert system-specific energy assessment to discover energy opportunities and inefficiencies.
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| LaunchPad | Various Amounts |
This program is for businesses in other jurisdictions that want to set up operations in PEI.
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| Business Loans for Women | Various Amounts |
Loans for women entrepreneurs in B.C. for starting, buying or growing a business.
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| Facebook Small Business Grants Program | $5,000 | Funding opportunity for Canadian small businesses |
| B.C. PST rebate on select machinery and equipment | Various Amounts | A temporary provincial sales tax program for machinery & |
| Launch Academy | Various Amounts |
Launch Academy offers several types of programs such as Full-time Program for aspiring entrepreneurs who are in the customer discovery stage of their startup journey; and Associate Program designed for those who are interested in meeting fellow entrepreneurs, developers, designers, service providers, mentors and investors in the startup community.
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| Entrepreneurship@Alacrity | Various Amounts |
Provides practical business training to young engineering and business graduates.
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| International Business Activity | Various Amounts |
The International Business Activity (IBA) program offers a refund of provincial income tax to eligible corporations and specialists who are involved in international business conducted within British Columbia.
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| ACED – Advice and Coaching for Entrepreneurs with a Disability | $35,000 |
To improve access to business services and other growth tools to entrepreneurs with disabilities to help start or grow a small business in British Columbia.
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| Small Business Loans BC | $150,000 | Loans for British Columbia SMEs. |
| Venture Connection – Early Stage Incubator | Various Amounts |
Venture Connection SERVICES INCLUDE: mentorship, access to industry events, networking opportunities, connections to industry experts and business advisors, room access for team and customer meetings, PR support and dedicated offices for select teams
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| Vancity Be My Own Boss loan | $75,000 |
Microloans are available for new entrepreneurs in certain regions of British Columbia.
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| Back to Work Loan | $30,000 |
Up to $10,000 in loans for newcomers to upgrade their qualifications in Vancouver
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| Energy Efficiency Feasibility Study | Various Amounts |
Provides BC industrial businesses with an expert system-specific energy assessment to discover energy opportunities and inefficiencies.
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| First Citizen’s Fund Business Loan Program | $75,000 |
To enhance Native business management skills and to create new and successful Native-owned and operated businesses.
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| Industrial Energy Manager | Various Amounts |
If your B.C. facility is participating in the Strategic Management Program, you can get funding to hire a dedicated, full-time on-site energy management expert to implement a long-term energy management strategy.
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| Energy Management Assessment | Various Amounts |
BC Hydro industrial customers participating in the Strategic Energy Management Program can get a free energy management assessment and find out how your company ranks in energy efficiency and how you can start your improvement process.
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| Custom project incentives | $500,000 |
Energy costs represent a significant financial burden for industrial facilities. Hence, it is crucial to incorporate efficiency measures into your facility’s design from the outset or to consider investments in energy efficiency improvements when outdated equipment starts affecting your profitability.
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| BC Tech Co-op Grants Program | $10,800 |
Up to $10,800 yearly grants (with two students per co-op term) are available to encourage student training and job readiness through work terms with small technology firms.
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| BC Venture Acceleration Program | Various Amounts |
For $200/month the program will help you define a business model for sustained growth and profitability through evaluation and coaching with successful technology entrepreneurs, and provide valuable networking opportunities.
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| BCIC Innovator Skills Initiative | $10,000 |
Students are employed (for approximately 25 hours per week) by BC-based technology companies through vouchers, valued up to $15,000 yearly (two $7,500 vouchers), which are matched by the company.
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| Competitiveness Consulting Rebate | $30,000 |
Rebate for small and medium sized businesses engaged in manufacturing, innovative technologies, resource processing, transportation, distribution and their first line suppliers for external business consulting projects
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| Food & Beverage Processing Initiative | Various Amounts |
To provide financial assistance to improve the competitiveness of the food, beverage and nutraceutical processing industry.
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| Poultry Biosecurity Program | Various Amounts |
This program helps BC industry develop enhanced on-farm biosecurity programs and an emergency response program that can be immediately activated to prevent a detected outbreak from spreading.
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| Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund | Various Amounts |
Funding opportunity for Fish and seafood processing businesses in western Canada.
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| Farm Adaptation Innovator Program | Various Amounts | Funding opportunity for B.C. agri-foods sector producers |
| Agriculture Area Planning Program | $45,000 |
The Agriculture Area Planning Program supports projects that enable the development of agricultural area plans within municipalities and regional districts. You can apply for grants of up to $45,000 to cover a maximum of 50% of eligible cash costs.
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| Livestock Waste Tissue Initiative | Various Amounts |
To provide financial assistance to help develop efficient and cost-effective local management methods that can be utilized by BC livestock producers, slaughter facility operators, and renderers for the disposal of waste tissues.
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| Buy Local Program | $75,000 |
To help BC’s agricultural and agri-products sector increase local presence and consumption of BC agri-foods by expanding or launching their own marketing campaigns.
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| AgriInvest | Various Amounts |
AgriInvest is one of the business risk management programs the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP)
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| Small Growers Fund | $75,000 | Up to $75,000 in loans for BC small farmers and food processors |
| AgriStability – British Columbia | Various Amounts | To provide support for large margin declines of more than 30%. |
| Agri-Food Environment Initiative | Various Amounts |
The Agri-Food Environment Initiative (AEI) supports the agriculture and food processing industry in addressing environmental concerns while maintaining economic viability. You can apply for up to 85% of eligible cash costs for projects that address the challenges of mitigating environmental impacts caused by the agri-food sector.
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| Economic Development Funding | Various Amounts |
Funding opportunity for conservation efforts in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii areas of British Columbia
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| CDL – Climate Stream | Various Amounts |
Mentorship opportunity for founders developing high impact and scalable solutions to help preserve and protect the natural world.
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| Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant | $30,000 |
Grant funding is available for small and medium sized B.C. businesses impacted by COVID-19. 
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| Headwater Equity Partners | Various Amounts |
Headwater Equity Partners supports ownership or shareholder change, including succession, divorce, partner buyout, divestitures of entire businesses or divisions, or situations which require growth capital.
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| Rhino Ventures | $1,000,000 | Funding opportunity for tech start-ups in Western Canada. |
| Youth Business Loans | $70,000 |
Loan opportunities for women entrepreneurs between the age of 19 and 39.
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| Aboriginal BEST Loan | $50,000 | Up to $50,000 in loans for Aboriginal entrepreneurs in Vancouver |
| Vantec Angel Network | Various Amounts | Pitch your business in front of investors |
| Work-to-Own Co-op loan | $10,000 | Up to $10,000 in loans for Vancouver worker co-operatives |
| Next Step Microloan | $75,000 |
Up to $75,000 in loans for Vancouver SMEs looking to expand their operations
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| Business Loans | Various Amounts |
Small Business Loans in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
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| Be My Own Boss Loan | $50,000 |
Provides funding to help entrepreneurs who have a well written business plan.
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| B.C. Increased Employment Incentive | Various Amounts | Tax incentives for BC employers |
| NRT Equity Match Grant | $25,000 | Equity-matching funds for BC First Nations businesses. |
| ***Certification Process | Various Amounts | Your farm fuels BC’s future |
| ****PLASTICS ACTION FUND | $750,000 |
The Plastics Action Fund is administered on behalf of CleanBC and the Government of British Columbia by Alacrity Canada, in partnership with the Synergy Foundation.
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| Critical Minerals and Emerging Tech | Various Amounts |
Grant funding opportunity to support development of next-generation materials, critical minerals, and end products for a more competitive, modern, and sustainable minerals and materials industry.
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| Bioenergy and Circular Economy | Various Amounts |
Grant funding opportunity to support projects focused on renewable fuels, waste conversion and building a circular economy in plastics
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| Global Grand Challenges Network | Various Amounts |
Accelerating Catalyzing Solutions for Climate Change’s Impact on Health, Agriculture, and Gender
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| Humanitarian Grand Challenge: Transition to Scale | $1,500,000 |
$300,000 CAD up to $1.5 million CAD to fund groundbreaking, sustainable, and local solutions to pressing issues affecting communities touched by conflict
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| Grand Challenges Canada – Transition to Scale | $3,000,000 |
$250,000 to $3 M CAD in grant funding for global health innovations
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| National Arts Service Organizations | Various Amounts |
Grant funding opportunity for Canadian arts service organizations with mandates to promote and support the arts on a national level.
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| Representation and Promotion – Arts Across Canada | $30,000 |
Up to $30,000 of grant funding for travel linked to promotion and the development of new markets for Canadian artists and artistic works.
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| Market Access Strategy for Official Language Minority Communities Fund | $60,000 |
Up to $60,000 of grant funding to support Canadian professional artists, arts professionals, artistic groups and arts organizations who self-identify as belonging to an OLMC
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| Strategic Innovation Fund: Seed Grants | $25,000 |
Up to $25,000 of seed funding to kickstart small-scale innovation activities that explore and develop capacity, partnerships, and promising innovation ideas.
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| BC Arts Council Application Assistance | $1,200 |
Grant funding opportunity for artists and arts and culture practitioners who are Deaf or have a disability
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| BC Arts Council Access Support | Various Amounts |
Grant funding opportunity for accessibility services and supplies, rental equipment, and other supports required to carry out arts projects in BC
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| Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund | Various Amounts |
Grant funding for projects that will improve Canada’s search and rescue system
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| WEOC National Loan Fund | $50,000 |
Up to $50,000 in loan funding for women and non-binary entrepreneurs as they start, scale, grow and maintain their business.
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| Canada Digital Adoption Program | $15,000 | Up to $15,000 in grant funding for Canadian SMEs |
| R-LABS Entrepreneur-in-Residence | Various Amounts | Funding opportunity for real estate entrepreneurs |
| Safe x Connected Cities Accelerator | Various Amounts |
Safe x Connected Cities Accelerator – Funding opportunity for innovative startups
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| Arts Festivals and Presenters – Arts Across Canada | Various Amounts |
Grant funding opportunity for Canadian arts organizations to present and exhibit quality art and literary works to Canadian audiences
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| Artistic Institutions – Engage and Sustain | Various Amounts |
Grant funding opportunity for major Canadian arts organizations rooted in their communities and dedicated to supporting artists and a variety of arts practices
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| Artistic Catalysts – Engage and Sustain | Various Amounts |
Grant funding opportunity for Canadian arts organizations that play a pivotal role in nurturing artistic practices and respond to the evolution of creative communities across Canada
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| Thrive Impact Fund | $700,000 | Up to $700k in loan funding for impact driven companies |
| Canada-UK Critical Minerals: Sustainability and Circularity | $500,000 |
Up to $500,000 in grant funding for Canadian SMEs looking to start joint R&D projects focused on driving circularity in critical minerals
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| Access Support – Strategic Funds | Various Amounts |
Grant funding opportunity for individual applicants who self-identify as Deaf, having disabilities or living with mental illness, as well as groups and organizations that dedicate the majority of their resources towards supporting these communities
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| Digital Greenhouse | $50,000 |
Up to $50,000 in grant funding to support short-term projects that leverage digital technology
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| Digital Generator | $40,000 | Up to $40,000 of grant funding for artistic groups and collectives |
| Cultivate Grants | $250,000 |
Up to $250,000 in funding to implement, pilot and prototype innovation projects that address systemic issues and benefit the broader arts sector.
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| GMF funding | Various Amounts |
Grant and loan funding for sustainability projects that help municipalities adopt climate solutions faster
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| Newcomer Entrepreneur Accelerator Program | Various Amounts | Accelerator program for newcomer-owned start-ups |
| Velocity Fund | Various Amounts | Funding opportunity for innovative startups |
| Venture Ready (VR) Pre-Incubator Program | Various Amounts | Funding and mentorship opportunity for early-stage start-ups |
| Techstars Remote Accelerator | $120,000 | Funding & mentorship opportunity for innovative startups |
| Business purchase or transfer financing | Various Amounts | Financing opportunity for merger and acquisitions |
| Financing for tech companies | Various Amounts | Funding opportunity for tech businesses |
| Working capital financing | $350,000 | Up to $350,000 in loan funding for working capital |
| Climate Tech Fund II | Various Amounts | Funding opportunity for clean tech startups |
| Creating, Knowing and Sharing Program | Various Amounts |
Mentorship and grant opportunity for First Nations, Inuit and Métis-owned organisations in the arts industry
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| Explore and Create – Research and Creation | $25,000 |
Up to $25,000 in grant funding for artistic organisations to invest in R&D
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| Community Economic Development (CED) | Various Amounts |
Grant funding opportunity for community projects in Peterborough BC
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| Grassland and Rangeland Enhancement Program | Various Amounts |
Funding opportunity for BC-based projects that will maintain or enhance grassland resources while meeting conservation, environment and recreation objectives
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| Energy Retrofit Program | Various Amounts |
Grant funding for Basin-based BGOs operating affordable housing
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| Training Fee Support | $7,500 |
Up to $7,500 in grant funding to support the unemployed, underemployed, and self-employed who are in need of training
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| Women Entrepreneurship Loan Fund | $50,000 | Funding opportunity for Indigenous women entrepreneurs |
| Kensington Capital Partners | Various Amounts | Funding opportunity for innovative startups |
| Planet-Wise Business Solutions – Business Loan | Various Amounts |
Funding opportunity for NGOs and SMEs who want to become more energy‑efficient and climate‑friendly
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| Business USD Operating Loan | $500,000 | Up to $500,000 in debt funding for BC SMEs |
| Small Business Recovery (SBR) Consulting Rebate program | $30,000 |
Up to $30,000 in funding for SMEs to access consulting services in BC
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| Western Universities Technology Innovation Fund | $100,000 |
Up to $100,000 in funding for new tech ventures in British Columbia
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| Wildlife Damage Compensation Program | $50,000 |
Up to $50,000 in compensation for New Brunswick agricultural producers suffering from wildlife damage
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| Timia Capital | Various Amounts | Funding opportunity for innovative startups |
| Small-scale Ecosystem Grants | Various Amounts |
Funding opportunity for small-scale projects led by First Nations NGOs and SMEs in BC
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| Impact Investment Fund | Various Amounts |
Funding opportunity for First Nations organisations and SMEs in BC
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| League of Innovators Labs Accelerator Program Batch 11 | Various Amounts |
Mentorship and funding opportunity for young entrepreneurial leaders
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| ICET Capital and Innovation Program | $200,000 |
Up to $200,000 in grant for Indigenous development corporations, local and regional governments, and not-for-profit organizations in British Columbia
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| Nechako-Kitimaat Development Fund | Various Amounts |
Grant opportunity for projects in Nechako region and Kitamaat Village
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| Canada-UK: Biomanufacturing of Biologics and Advanced Therapies | $900,000 |
Up to $800,000 in funding for innovative technology that enables flexible, scalable, efficient and cost effective manufacturing of novel biological therapeutic products and delivery systems.
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| Good Fashion Fund | $2,500,000 | Funding opportunity for sustainable fashion startups |
| Closed Loop Plastics Fund | Various Amounts |
Funding opportunity for startups focused on the recovery and recycling of plastics
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| Closed Loop Ventures Group | Various Amounts |
Funding opportunity for innovative startups in the circular economy
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| Vevolution Collective | Various Amounts |
Funding opportunity for plant-based and cellular agriculture startups
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| The Drive Ventures | $250,000 | Up to $250,000 in funding for innovative startups |
| Housing Accelerator Fund | Various Amounts |
Supports the development of complete, low-carbon and climate-resilient communities that are affordable, inclusive, equitable and diverse.
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| The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives | $31,000 |
Up to $31,000 in grants for small-scale, high-impact projects abroad
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| Ignite Program | $300,000 |
Up to $300,000 in funding for market-driven, industry and academic collaborative research and development projects based in BC
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| The Momentum $1,000,000 Challenge | $1,000,000 | Up to $1,000,000 in funding for promising startups |
| Canada-Germany Digital Media Incentive | $300,000 | Up to $300,000 in funding for digital media projects |
| Canada–France Co-development and Co-production Incentive for Interactive and Immersive Digital Media Projects | $150,000 |
Up to $150,000 in funding for virtual and augmented reality projects
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