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Grants, Opportunities, Events Update - August 2025


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August 2025 update from the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation (JEDI)





Events and Engagement Opportunities:


AI Adoption in BC – Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth

We want to hear from B.C. businesses (both AI developers and potential adopters of AI solutions) to share their real-world experiences with AI. This engagement uses the SenseMaker platform. SenseMaker is a research tool that gathers narratives and allows participants to self-interpret their experiences. We expect this will help the ministry understand patterns in AI adoption across different sectors. We hope to better understand your thoughts on what worked, what didn’t, and what could help.

This engagement will take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Deadline: September 30

 

Disaster Preparedness and Resources – Prepared Together: Disaster Preparedness Webinar Sessions – Canadian Red Cross

We are excited to launch the August line-up! Register to gain practical tools and steps to help prepare for, adapt to, and respond to disaster risks year-round.

 

You can register by visiting the Prepared Together webpage in English and French.

 

Basin Business Advisors Learning Pathway – Selling to Retail: From Pitch to Shelf

Calling all food producers looking to get into the wholesale business or those planning a visit to a trade show this year! The Selling to Retail Learning Pathway: From Pitch to Shelf is a six-week series of live, online workshops and working groups. Alongside a small group of producers in your region, you will work with Advisors to prepare your product and pitch for wholesale buyers and distributors.

When: August 19 - September 23, 2025

Where: Live, online sessions will be held Tuesdays, 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM PT

 

Southern Interior Regional Economic Summit – Collaborating for Economic Success

November 3-5, 2025 | Salmon Arm, BC

The Southern Interior Regional Economic Summit is a collaborative space where leaders come together to shape the future of economic development across British Columbia’s Southern Interior. Our mission is to strengthen the regions’ economies through inclusive dialogue, practical strategies, and cross-sector partnerships that reflect the diverse voices of Southern Interior. For more information visit: https://www.sires.ca/

 

Who Should Attend?

✓ Economic development officers & practitioners✓ Indigenous governance & business leaders✓ Municipal councillors, mayors & planners✓ Private sector partners in tourism, forestry, agribusiness✓ Regional housing, workforce & innovation strategists✓ Business owners

 

Program Updates:

 

Agriculture:

 

Description: The BC Agriculture and Food Export Program, funded under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), provides cost-share funding to eligible sector business and associations to undertake market development activities outside of B.C. The program aims to increase sales, reduce market risk, and enhance long-term sustainability for B.C.’s agriculture, food and beverage exporters, enabling them to maintain, expand and/or diversify export markets.

Eligible applicants:

  • Be a primary agriculture producer; an agriculture, food and beverage and/or seafood processor; an agriculture, food and beverage cooperative; or, a recognized agriculture, food and/or beverage and/or seafood industry association, board or council;

  • Have a head office in B.C. or be entitled (including being appropriately registered, licensed or certified, as appropriate) to do business in B.C.;

  • Be selling or marketing a product that is grown or processed in B.C.;

  • Have total annual gross revenues greater than $100,000 for the two most recent consecutive years (only applies to producers, processors and cooperatives)

Deadline: September 5, 2025

Funding amount:

  • For producers, processors and cooperatives, funding is available from a minimum of $5,000 up to a maximum of $50,000 per year or 30% of the previous year’s annual revenues (whichever is lower).

  • For industry associations, boards and councils, funding is available from a minimum of $5,000 up to a maximum of $75,000 per year.

 

Economic Development:

 

Description: The Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) is an annual grant funding program administered by the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth (JEG). REDIP supports rural communities throughout British Columbia to develop economic opportunities with a particular focus on three key areas: economic diversification, economic capacity building and economic infrastructure development. REDIP has four unique funding categories, including capacity, development, implementation and transition. To learn more please review the REDIP Program Guide. 

Deadline: October 31, 2025

Eligible applicants: For the 2025/26 intake, eligibility for REDIP will be guided by a new tool, the B.C. Rural Definition Matrix. This matrix classifies communities into six categories: three rural and three urban, based on population size and remoteness scores from Statistics Canada.

Communities who are classified as Rural 1 and 2 are eligible for Capacity, Implementation and Development streams. Communities classified as Rural 3 will be eligible for Implementation and Development only. To find out how your community is classified please review the Eligibility Matrix. 

Funding amount: up to $1M

 

Description: Canadian community-level, non-profit organizations can get non-repayable grants of up to $500,000. These grants cover up to 50% of eligible expenses to help attract, retain, and expand foreign direct investment (FDI). We provide support for:

  • FDI training

  • a strategic plan for attracting FDI

  • marketing tools aimed at foreign investors

  • lead generation and meetings with potential investors 

Eligible applicants:

  • Canadian communities or community-level organizations

  • non-profit, locally based Canadian organizations

  • municipal organizations 

To be eligible, your organization must:

  • have a mandate to attract, expand, or retain FDI

  • be able to enter into legally binding agreements

Deadline: will be accepting proposals for the 2026-27 year in the fall of 2025.

Funding amount: You can receive between $3,000 and $500,000 in funding.

 

Description: This funding stream prioritizes collaborative/regional industry partnership projects with industry groups that are established or emerging in the Southern Interior region. We aim to serve as a catalyst for new economic development initiatives supporting industry cluster development, research and adaptation of innovative technologies, industry-wide collaboration to address business challenges or opportunities, and initiatives that improve sustainability or reduce environmental impacts.

Eligible applicants:

·        Local governments (municipalities and regional districts) and their associated economic development organizations

·        First Nations communities and their associated economic development organizations

·        Non-Profit Business Support organizations serving the region, including but not limited to:

o   Industry Associations

o   Accelerators

o   Cooperative Groups 

Deadline: Funding intake open September 9 - October 9, 2025

Funding Amount:  Up to $75K per project

Information Sessions:

 

Description: In this funding stream, we focus on supporting smaller/rural communities to build economic development capacity and support regional partnerships in economic development throughout the Southern Interior. We hope to serve as a catalyst for new economic development initiatives, and we know that sometimes a community needs a first-in funder to seed projects and encourage other funders. Three main project types:

  • SMALL SCALE PROJECTS (up to $25K): Priority given to communities and First Nations with < 7,500 residents.

  • LARGE SCALE PROJECTS (up to $75K): Priority given to communities with < 25,000 residents.

  • COLLABORATIVE/REGIONAL PROJECTS: To encourage collaboration between local governments and First Nations, as well as cross-regional initiatives.

Eligible applicants:

  • Local governments (municipalities and regional districts) and their associated economic development organizations

  • Indigenous communities and their associated economic development organizations

  • Non-Profit Business Support organizations serving the region, such as:

  • Other Economic Development organizations

  • Industry Associations

  • Accelerators and Cooperative Groups 

Deadline: Funding intake open September 9 - October 9, 2025

Funding amount: Up to $75K per project

Information Sessions: as above

 

Description: The Indigenous Intellectual Property Program (IIPP) grant is a funding program designed to offer Indigenous Peoples additional support to understand and access Canada's Intellectual Property (IP) system. There are three distinct streams:

  • World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Travel: Grants up to $6,000 to help Indigenous organizations participate in WIPO sessions and events related to IP and IK and ICEs.

  • Small-Scale Initiatives: Grants up to $15,000 for IP-related initiatives on a small scale, that are short-term and narrowly focused.

  • Projects: Grants up to $50,000 for IP-related projects that are more complex or comprehensive than Small-Scale Initiatives, requiring more resources over a longer period of time.

Eligible applicants: Indigenous organizations are eligible to apply if it belongs to any of the following:

  • First Nations, Inuit, or Métis governments and organizations, Bands, Tribal Council, Indigenous self-government entities, local, regional or national Indigenous organization;

  • Registered charity or not-for-profit Indigenous-controlled organization;

  • Incorporated for-profit Indigenous-controlled organization (including corporations);

  • Indigenous-controlled unincorporated organizations (including sole proprietorship's or partnerships).

Deadline: August 12, 2025

Funding amount: up to $150,000 per fiscal year

 

Description: Export Navigator’s Technical Specialist Pilot Program pairs eligible businesses with a network of professional service providers that can help overcome barriers to becoming export ready. As an Export Navigator client, you can participate in the Technical Specialist Pilot Program free of charge, gaining access to subject matter expertise in a wide variety of service areas, including international legal services, market research, logistics, freight and shipping, international accounting and financial services, marketing and branding consulting, e-commerce and operations management consulting and regulatory and compliance advisory services.

Eligible applicants: If you’re already an Export Navigator client, speak to your Export Advisor – Michael Hoher. They will help identify your needs and initiate a request to match you with a Technical Specialist best suited to support your export journey. 

Deadline: Not specified.

Funding amount: The Technical Specialist Pilot Program is FREE to all participants. Your Technical Specialist will be paid for eligible work with paired business clients, but this cost is covered by the program.

 

Infrastructure:

 

Description: The Union of BC Municipalities has launched the 2025 intake for the Strategic Priorities Fund under the Canada Community-Building Fund agreement. This program supports large-scale, regional, or innovative infrastructure and capacity-building projects that align with national objectives such as economic growth, environmental sustainability, and strong communities. Eligible capital infrastructure stream categories include: Public Transit, Local Roads, Bridges and Active Transportation, Community Energy Systems, Drinking Water, Solid Waste, Wastewater and Stormwater, Regional and Local Airports, Short-Line Rail, Short-Sea Shipping, Broadband Connectivity, Brownfield Redevelopment, Resilience, Tourism Infrastructure, Cultural Infrastructure, Recreation and Sport Infrastructure and Fire Halls and Fire Trucks 

Eligible applicants: All local governments outside of Metro Vancouver.

Deadline: September 12, 2025

Funding amount: Up to 100% of net eligible costs of approved projects up to a maximum federal Canada Community-Building Fund contribution of $7 million.

Contact:  ccbf@ubcm.ca

 

Description: Two For The Trails grants are intended to help organizations offset the costs of trail maintenance, waterway protection, urban greenspace improvement, and overall environmental preservation to create equitable outdoor access for all.

Eligible applicants: nonprofit trail organizations, environmental protection organizations, and other nonprofit volunteer groups with outdoor protection and restoration projects

Deadline: Opening August 15, closing September 4

Funding amount: The funds awarded range from $500 to $50,000, with an average of $5,000 to $10,000 per grant.

 

Description: The Transit Minor Betterments program provides up to $100,000 funding for minor transit-supportive projects such as bus stop improvements (pullouts, paving), transit shelters and lighting, accessibility improvements, signage and wayfinding support, and more.

Eligible applicants:

  • Local governments

  • First Nation communities or organizations

  • Organizations working in partnership with a local government or First Nation community (e.g., economic development corporations or not-for-profit organizations) – note that a letter confirming the partnership is required

  • TransLink or BC Ferries

  • Ministry of Transportation and Transit Regional/District Offices

  • Other provincial ministries

  • Other organizations at the discretion of the program

Deadline: rolling intake; funding can only be provided for projects that begin and are completed within the fiscal year (between April 1 and March 31).

Funding amount: up to $100,000

 

Description: supports B.C.-based businesses, non-profits and eligible public entities looking to deploy commercial zero-emission vehicles, including medium- and heavy-duty on-road vehicles, rail, marine, aircraft and off-road equipment, along with supporting infrastructure. As part of the program, operational data will be gathered from funded projects and will be used with the goal of increasing the adoption of zero-emission vehicles in commercial fleets in B.C.

Eligible applicants:

  • Program support is available to eligible public and private fleets.

  • The primary applicant must be a business, not-for-profit, local government, Indigenous government, or public sector organization located and operating in B.C. (excluding Provincial Ministries and Crowns, but including non-core entities, e.g. health authorities, school districts, etc.).

  • The purchaser/lessee of the vehicle technology must be the primary applicant for any CVP Program applications.

  • All businesses must be licensed to operate in British Columbia. When submitting an application to the CVP Program, a copy of a valid B.C. business license must be provided, if applicable.

  • Consortiums are welcome to apply as long as the purchaser/lessee of the vehicle and infrastructure technology is the primary applicant.

Deadline: Open while funding lasts.

Funding amount: The maximum funding contribution per project is set at $10 million.

 

Description: Funded by the Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions and administered by Fraser Basin Council Society (FBC), the program supports fleets in British Columbia in their efforts toward deploying zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure by offering technical and financial support.

Eligible applicants: To be considered eligible under this Program, a company must:

  • Be located in B.C (home-based businesses are not eligible for this program);

  • Be a legal entity validly incorporated or registered in Canada. Eligible organizations include:

    • Electricity or gas utilities

    • Companies (both not-for-profit and for-profit companies are eligible)

    • Industry associations

    • Research associations

    • Indigenous and community groups

    • Academic institutions

  • Provincial, regional, or municipal governments or their departments or agencies (see below in the Public Sector Organizations section for restrictions placed on BC Crown Corporation, BC Government, and federal government fleets).

  • Have fleet vehicles registered to your organization registered in B.C.

Deadline: Open until March 1, 2026, while funding lasts

Funding amount: This Program component will reimburse purchase and installation costs of eligible, new, Level 2 charging equipment at the rate of 50% of total costs, up to a maximum of $2,000 per station. Rebates will be capped at $25,000 per applicant per year.  

 

Community Development:

 

Description: The Community Gaming Grants program distributes funds from commercial gambling revenues to not-for-profit organizations through three different funding streams: Program Grants, PAC & DPAC Grants, and Capital Project Grants. The public safety and environment grant streams are currently open. Program Grants specifically fund ongoing programs (e.g., services or activities), as well as minor capital projects and capital acquisitions related to program delivery.

Eligible applicants:

  • Be a not-for-profit (including designated Community Service Cooperatives). The organization must:

  • Have a primary purpose to operate for community benefit.

  • Provide programs that benefit the community and not solely its members’ interest.

  • Engage volunteers in the operation of the organization and/or program(s).

  • Have a voting membership that is inclusive and reasonably open to anyone with an interest in the organization and its programs

  • Have a board whose members do not receive remuneration or other financial benefit for their services

Deadline: August 31, 2025

Funding amount:

  • Local organizations: Up to $125,000

  • Regional/Provincial organizations: Up to $250,000

 

Workforce Development:

 

Description: The First Nations Guardians and Stewardship Training Initiative (GSTI) offers grants to First Nation communities to support Guardians initiatives with funding for training, education, knowledge, and skills development to enhance local Guardians with capacity to manage, monitor, protect, conserve, restore, improve the stewardship of lands, waters, wildlife and other natural resources of their ancestral lands according to the traditions, values and indigenous laws of First Nations communities.

Program uses a two-stage application process, EOI and full application.

Eligible applicants: Indian Act First Nations, Modern Treaty First Nations, Self-Government First Nations, Tribal Councils, Organizations mandated under Hereditary Chiefs or other traditional governance structures, First Nation Organizations – mandated by one or more BC First Nation(s) to represent their interests with respect to Guardians and Stewardship.

Deadline: opening summer 2025 – please check website often.

Funding Amount:

  • Stream 1: Planning and Capacity for New and Emerging Guardians Programs, $50,000.

  • Stream 2: Individual First Nation Community Training for Emerging and Established Guardians and Stewardship Program within one community, $150,000.

  • Stream 3: Regional First Nation Community Training for Emerging and Established Guardians and Stewardship Program for multiple communities, $300,000.

 

Description: Youth in Heritage is a flexible Wage Subsidy program. You can apply at any time; our applications close once all grants have been allocated. We both support youth who are already employed and provide funding for jobs still accepting applications to help meet employers where they are at.

Eligible applicants: Businesses, Farmers/Ag Businesses, Indigenous Governments, Indigenous Individuals, Indigenous Organizations

Deadline: Not specified.

Funding amount: 50% up to $3,200 in wage subsidies for youth employees

 

Details: The Community Workforce Response Grant (CWRG) is designed to provide flexible and timely responses to urgent labour market needs faced by communities in B.C. Communities can access the program to address workforce challenges as a result of changing local economic conditions, emerging priorities or unexpected natural disasters.

Eligible applicants: Local non-profit organizations, Indigenous and local governments, sector or industry associations, and major employers in a single resource community are welcome to apply for funding to support occupational skills training that is 52 weeks or less.

Deadline: Opening September 1, 2025 and closing November 14, 2025

Funding amount:

  • CWRG funds cohort-based training (three or more participants receiving the same training at the same time for the same duration) up to a project total of $300,000.

  • The CWRG covers 100 percent of all training costs that include:

    • $11,000 per participant for skills training costs

    • Participant financial support depending on the length of training

    • Employment support services up to $400 per participant

    • Administration fees up to 10 percent of the total project cost (12 percent for Indigenous applicants)

 

Description: ECO Canada, in partnership with Natural Resources Canada, provides wage funding for employers looking to onboard young professionals for full-time work placements and job training. This program offers eligible employers salary coverage to create jobs within the natural resources sectors to protect the environment and have a positive environmental outcome. Natural resource sectors include: the Energy Sector, Forest Sector, Mining, Minerals & Metals Sector, and Earth Sciences & Support Sector.

Eligible applicants:

Employers:

  • The program is open to businesses of all sizes.

  • Employers must be Canadian-owned or a Canadian subsidiary, municipal government, provincial or territorial governments department, or Indigenous organizations.

Young professionals:

  • This program is open to participants who are aged 15-30.

  • Funding is focused around the Natural Resources field.

  • This program is open to candidate’s who hold Canadian citizenship, Canadian permanent residency status, or Canadian refugee status.

Deadline: Not specified.

Funding amount: Employers receive 75% up to $20,000 in funding towards a candidate’s salary, or 75% up to $30,000 in funding towards a candidate’s salary if placement is Northern/Rural/Remote or if participant is youth with Disability or Indigenous background.

Contact:  pathways@eco.ca

 

Description: The Digital Skills for Youth program provides training for young professionals with post-secondary education who want to gain experience or join the environmental digital skills sector.

Eligible applicants: Open to individuals who hold Canadian citizenship, Canadian permanent residency status, or Canadian refugee status.

Deadline: Not specified.

Funding amount: Receive 80% up to $18,000 in funding towards a participant’s salary.

 

Natural Resources:

 

Description: BC Rivers Day is an annual celebration held on the fourth Sunday of September to promote the importance of British Columbia's rivers and watersheds. The Outdoor Recreation Council of BC (ORCBC) is thrilled to offer the BC Rivers Day micro grant program in its second year, supported by FortisBC, the BC Parks Licence Plate Program and Flipside Creative. 

Eligible applicants:

1. Host a river-related event on or around September 28 in B.C. that celebrates or builds public awareness for British Columbia’s waterways.

2. Be an eligible organization which includes

  • Registered non-profit organizations or charities working in outdoor recreation, waterway protection or environmental stewardship

  • Local Governments 

  • Indigenous Governments 

3. If applicable, have obtained any required permissions from the landowner/manager.

  • Some events may require permissions. As an event host, it is your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary permission from the landowner or land manager to host the event.

Preference is given to:

  • ORCBC members

  • Projects that demonstrate clear links to outdoor recreation

  • Collaborative events

Deadline: August 24

Funding amount: up to $300 per river-related event on or around September 28, 2025

Contact: grants@orcbc.ca 

 

Description: The Pacific Salmon Commission’s Southern Fund Committee (SFC) is issuing this 2025 Call for Proposals for project concepts beginning in 2025 that support the implementation of the Pacific Salmon Treaty.

Eligible applicants: Private, non-profit, and public sector applicants are encouraged to apply. The Southern Fund’s geographic area of interest encompasses southern BC.

Deadline: August 20, 2025

Funding amount: The amount available annually for all projects is based on the performance of the endowment fund. Typically, between $2-$6M is available annually, with between 35-55 projects funded each year.

Contact:  southfund@psc.org 

 

Description: Helping municipalities develop comprehensive climate adaptation strategies

Eligible applicants:

  • Canadian municipal governments (e.g., towns, cities, regions, districts and local boards)

  • Municipal partners, which include:  

  • Municipally owned corporations

  • Regional, provincial or territorial organizations delivering municipal services

  • Non-governmental organizations

  • Not-for-profit organizations

  • Research institutes (e.g., universities)

  • Indigenous communities

Deadline: September 16, 2025

Funding amount: Up to a maximum of $140,000 (based on the lead applicant's population size)

 

Description: Empowering municipalities to thrive in a changing climate. We fund projects that enhance long-term climate resilience in communities in an equitable and inclusive manner. This funding is intended for communities who are already aware of their climate risks and know which projects will help them make the greatest strides in improving their climate resilience. 

Eligible applicants:

  • Canadian municipal governments (e.g., towns, cities, regions, districts, and local boards)

 
 
 
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