British Columbia Resources

British Columbia Resources

BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund

  Location(s)           Prince George 
Phone Number  (250) 561-2525 
Business Start- Up Offerings
  1. Events and Educational Initiatives
    • The BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund – Events and Educational Initiatives program provides grants of up to $15,000 (covering 80% of costs) to support agricultural events, networking, and educational activities that strengthen production and agrifood opportunities in the Peace region.
  2. Farming Infrastructure
    • The BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund – Farming Infrastructure program provides up to $50,000 grant to a maximum of 50% of the eligible project budget.
  3. Research and Demonstration Initiatives
    • The BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund – Research and Demonstration Initiatives program provides up to $100,000 grant to a maximum of 70% of the eligible project budget.

Northern Health 

  Location(s)           Northern BC 
Phone Number  (250) 961-0253 
Business Start- Up Offering
  1. Imagine Grants
    • Support projects that address community-led health and wellness initiatives to improve the well-being of Northern BC residents, with grants available up to $10,000. 

Nutrition Link 

  Location(s)           North Vancouver
Email  info@nutritionlink.org 
Business Start- Up Offering
  1. Start-Up Grant
    • Provide up to $10,000 for charitable organizations to launch new food and nutrition literacy programs—such as gardening, cooking, preserving, or shopping—that align with NutritionLink’s mission and values.

New Relationship Trust 

  Location(s)           North Vancouver
Phone Number  (604) 925-3338 
Business Start- Up Offering
  1. Equity Matching - Entrepreneurs
    • Administered by AFIs in B.C., these grants provide up to $5,000 for First Nation entrepreneurs and up to $25,000 for community businesses, offered only alongside an approved business loan to help reduce equity requirements.

Government of British Columbia 

  Location(s)           British Columbia
Phone Number  (888) 221-7141 
Business Start- Up Offering
  1. B.C. Indigenous Agriculture Development Program - Stream 2
    • Get up to $8,000 in professional business and financial planning services from a B.C. Ministry of Agriculture pre-approved business consultant.

Tea Creek 

  Location(s)           Kitwanga
Phone Number  (833) 784-3737 
Business Start- Up Offering
  1. IFEAST
    • This program will help you find employment, explore self-employment or start an apprenticeship. We will work with you to come up with a plan to support you with your goals. 

Columbia Valley Community Foundation

  Location(s)           Invermere
Phone Number  (250) 342-2845 
Business Start- Up Offering
  1. Community Prosperity Fund
    • The Community Prosperity Fund gives you the space to complete your best work. You can request for up to three years for your activities, giving you space to implement the funding over time and in a way that works best for your organization.

Northern Development Initiative Trust

 Location(s)           Prince George 
Phone Number  (250) 561-2525 
Business Start- Up Offerings
  1. Small Business Recovery (SBR) Consulting Rebate 
    • This program is designed to help businesses reduce the barrier to accessing professional expertise and recover the costs of third-party consulting projects. These types of projects must focus on ways to sustain business operations and recover business health and profitability to pre-event levels.
  2. Competitiveness Consulting Rebate​​​​​​​
    • ​​​​​​​The Competitiveness Consulting Rebate program provides a rebate to small and medium sized businesses in eligible industries for customized consulting services. A rebate of up to 50% to a yearly maximum of $30,000 can be recovered for the cost of external business consulting projects.

Investment Agriculture Foundation

 Location(s)           Victoria
Phone Number  (250) 940-6150
 Email  info@iafbc.ca 

Business Acceleration Offering (services offered)
  1. Planning, Technical Assessments, or Engineered Designs
    •  Provides funding for basic plans such as irrigation system assessments and water management plans, as well as complex plans like engineering or technical design or assessments.

Economic Trust of the Sounthern Interior

 Location(s)           Kelowna 
Phone Number  (236) 420-3680
 Email  info@etsi-bc.ca 

Business Acceleration Offering (services offered)
  1. Building Economic Development Capacity
    • Focuses on supporting smaller/rural communities to build economic development capacity and support regional partnerships in economic development throughout the Southern Interior. 
  2. Innovating and Advancing Key Sectors 
    • This funding stream prioritizes collaborative/regional industry partnership projects with industry groups that are established or emerging in the Southern Interior region.

Government of British Columbia

 Location(s)           British Columbia 
Phone Number  (800) 663-7867 

Business Acceleration Offering (services offered)
  1. First Citizens Fund
    • The First Citizens Fund supports cultural, educational and economic development programs for Indigenous people, communities and businesses in B.C., and it helps fund Indigenous organizations offering services in these areas.

Island Coastal Economic Trust

 Location(s)           Courtenay 
Phone Number  (250) 871-7797 

Business Acceleration Offering (services offered)
  1. Community Placemaking Program
    • They can invest up to 50% of total eligible project costs, to a maximum of $40,000 per project, for public and community owned placemaking initiatives that align with local priorities and have a clear plan for long-term sustainability.

Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society

 Location(s)           Nechako region & Kitamaat Village
Phone Number  (250) 964-4066 
Email  manager@nkdf.org

Business Acceleration Offering (services offered)
  1. Under $7,500 Grant Program
    • The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society offers continuous intake grants of up to $7,500 for eligible community projects, with timely funding decisions made between board meetings.
  2. Economic Development Grants
    • NKDF Economic Development Grants fund up to 50% of eligible community projects in infrastructure, planning, human development, and marketing that create long-term economic benefits in the region, while excluding routine maintenance, ongoing operations, and ineligible costs.

Northern Development Initiative Trust

 Location(s)           Prince George
Phone Number  (250) 561-2525 
Email  info@northerndevelopment.bc.ca

Business Acceleration Offering (services offered)
  1. Cultural Infrastructure 
    • The Cultural Infrastructure program supports creation of, or the improvement of, arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation spaces. This program improves the access to, and quality of, professional arts and cultural facilities for residents and tourists alike. 
  2. Economic Infrastructure 
    • The Economic Infrastructure program supports projects of regional and local significance that contribute to economic growth and stronger communities. These projects include renovations or new construction of public multi-use facilities or capital investments that drive revenue and job creation within the community. 
  3. Economic Development Capacity Building
    • The Economic Development Capacity Building program provides a financial incentive for local governments to hire and maintain an Economic Development Officer (EDO) OR to pursue economic development activities.

Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM)

 Location(s)           Richmond
Phone Number  (604) 270-8226
Email  ubcm@ubcm.ca 

Business Acceleration Offering (services offered)
  1. Community to Community Program 
    • The Regional Community to Community program continues to fund C2C forums and events. In addition, the program supports the advancement of First Nation/local government reconciliation and relationship building through the development of agreements, joint plans and/or strategies and the joint review of bylaws and/or policies in order to develop recommendations for amendments or new bylaws and/or policies.

All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO) 

  1. Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP)
    • Offering non-repayable business grants to Indigenous entrepreneurs for startup, expansion or the acquisition of a viable Indigenous owned business.
    • This grant may be available up to a maximum of $99,999 for individual entrepreneurs subject to availability and criteria requirements.

Government of British Columbia

  1. Indigenous Food Pathways Program
    • Funding can be used to create new projects, enhance existing programs, or improve group operations for Indigenous-led food systems and food security initiatives that act as disruptors to known systemic barriers.
    • Supports eligible expenses up to $200,000. 

United Farmers of Alberta Co-operative Ltd.

  1. Grassroots Giving
    • The UFA Foundation Grassroots Giving program provides funds for local programs, initiatives or events that help to support and sustain the agricultural community.
  2. Rural Communities Grants
    • Through the Rural Communities Grant program, the UFA Foundation is pleased to offer a total of $100,000 in funding grants this year.

New Relationship Trust 

  1. Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion Fund (PRF)
    • The Poverty Reduction and Social Inclusion Fund (PRF) provides multi-year flexible operating grants for B.C. Indigenous-led non-profits working to advance Indigenous poverty reduction and social inclusion in their communities.

Prince George Aboriginal Development Centre

           Office Location(s)           Prince George 
 Mailing  Address  890 Vancouver St., Prince George, BC, V2L 2P5 
Phone Number  (250) 562-6325
 Email  admin@abdc.bc.ca
 Fax Number  (250) 562-6326

Financial Offerings
  1. Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs

    • Hosts several workshops and mentorship opportunities throughout the year.
    • The Aboriginal Business Development Centre is not a lender and therefore, they make referrals to other organizations that do lend such as Aboriginal Financial Institutions.

 

All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO)

            Office Location(s)           Kamloops
 Mailing Address  520 Chief Eli LaRue Way, Kamloops, BC  V2H 1H1 
Phone Number  (778) 471-4110
 Email  antco@antco.ca

Financial Offerings
  1. New Relationship Trust (NRT) 

    • Must be applied for in conjunction with a business loan and are conditional on the approval of a loan that is supported by a viable business opportunity with confirmed equity, collateral, and business plan.
    • This grant is available for the Indigenous entrepreneur up to $5,000.
  2. First Citizens Fund (FCF) 

    •  Available to business enterprises that are 51% Indigenous owned.
    • The FCF provides a 40% contribution to the principal of your loan as you pay it off.
    • The lifetime maximum you can borrow is $115,000.

 

Burns Lake Native Development Corporation (BLNDC)

            Office Location(s)           Burns Lake
 Mailing Address  485 Highway 16 West, Burns Lake, BC 
Phone Number  (250) 692-3188
 Email  info@blndc.ca

Financial Offerings
  1. Business Loans

    • Business loan options to support entrepreneurs at every stage, offering flexible terms and competitive rates to help you secure the funding necessary for growth and success.

 

Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations (CFDC of CIFN)

            Office Location(s)           Kamloops
 Mailing Address  208-345 Chief Alex Thomas Way Kamloops, BC V2H 1H1 
Phone Number  (250) 828-9833
 Email  info@cfdcofcifn.com

Financial Offerings
  1. Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Micro-Loan Fund

    • Intended to prepare Women with training and resources to help build knowledge, skills, and confidence to assist in their business growth and development.
    • Maximum loan amount $60,000.
  2. General Business Loan Program

    • Available to applicants for business purposes not covered by any other CFDC of CIFN loan portfolio.
    • Maximum loan amount $125,000.
  3. Disability Investment Fund

    • Available to applicants with self declared disabilities for business purposes.
    • Maximum loan amount $125,000.
  4. Community Business Loans

    • Available to applicant, communities and band for business purposes.
    • Maximum loan amount $250,000.
  5. Agriculture Business Loans

    • Available to applicant, communities and band for business purposes.
    • Maximum loan amount $125,000.
  6. Youth Invesment Fund

    • Available to applicants aged 15-29 for business purposes.
    • Maximum loan amount will be determined based on the viability of Business Plan and credit history.

 

Haida Gwaii Community Futures

            Office Location(s)           Masset
 Mailing Address  1587 McLeod Street, PO Box 40, Masset, BC V0T 1M0 
Phone Number  (250) 637-1744
 Email  business@haidagwaiifutures.ca

Financial Offerings
  1. Paddle Loan

    • Starter seed loans for new businesses.
    • Loan amoun between $500 - $10,000. 
  2. Canoe Loan

    • Business builder loans for new and existing businesses.
    • Loan amount between $10,000 - $150,000.
  3. Stern Paddle Loan

    • Syndicated investment loan pool for large loans.
    • Loan minimum is $150,000.
  4. Haida Owned & Operated Loan

    • Loan amount between $1,000 - $150,000+.

 

Métis Financial Corporation of British Columbia (MFCBC)

            Office Location(s)           Kelowna
 Mailing Address  208-1708 Dolphin Ave Kelowna, BC V1Y 9S4 
Phone Number  (883) 399-3926
 Email  admin@mfcbc.ca

Financial Offerings
  1. Métis Women’s Entrepreneur Program

    • The MFC is currently working on relaunching their women's program and they want to hear from Métis Women Entrepreneurs across British Columbia.
  2. Business Loan

    • The Métis Financial Corporation works to finance the start-up, acquisition, and/or expansion of viable Métis owned and operated small businesses based in British Columbia.

Native Fishing Association

             Office Location(s)           West Vancouver
 Mailing Address  Suite 701,100 Park Royal South, West Vancouver, BC Canada V7T 1A2 
Phone Number  (604) 913-2997
 Email  reception@shoal.ca

Financial Offerings
  1. Standard Native Fishing Association Loan

    • Loans up to $500,000 are available to qualified applicants who submit an application detailing how the funding will benefit their fishing business operations.
    • NFA offers standard loans up to $500,000, with an interest rate of 8.75% amortized over 3-10 years.
  2. Entrepreneur Equity-Matching Initiative

    • Provided by the New Relationship Trust (NRT) and administered by the Native Fishing Association.
    • This non-repayable grant can only complement your cash-equity, if your loan has been approved.       
  3. Business Equity Program Business Equity Program (ABFP)

    • Provided by NACCA and administered by NEDC partnering with NFA.
    • The ABFP program provides up to 40% non-repayable grant to compliment an approved loan.
  4. Financing Programs

    • When you apply for a loan, we will automatically assess your eligibility for the equity grants we have available. The amount given varies and we determine the amount based on your financing calculations.
    • Non-repayable grants can only compliment your financing if your loan has been approved.

 

Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC)

            Office Location(s)           Port Alberni
 Mailing Address  7563 Pacific Rim Highway, Port Alberni, BC, V9Y 8Y5 
Phone Number  (250) 724-3131
 Toll-Free: 1 (866) 444-6332
 Email  nedc@nedc.info

Financial Offerings
  1. Business Loans

    • These loans are for both individual entrepreneurs & Nation-owned businesses.
    • NEDC offers several financing options with flexible terms, interest rates, repayment options, and requirements.
  2. Non-Repayable Contributions

    • NEDC has partnered with several organizations to offer Indigenous entrepreneurs with non-repayable contributions.
  3. Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs

    • Loans and non-repayable contributions to assist with the costs of establishing or expanding a business.
    • Indigenous women who majority own (51%) and operate their business are eligible.
  4. First Citizen's Fund (FCF)

    • NEDC has partnered with All Nations Trust Company (ANTCO) to offer the First Citizens Fund Business Loan Program.
    • An FCF loan offers a 40% contribution to the principal of your loan as you pay it off.
    • The lifetime maximum you can borrow is $75,000 plus the administration fee of 1.5%.

 

Stó:lō Community Futures Corporation (SCF)

             Office Location(s)           Chilliwack
 Mailing Address  Bldg #5A - 2nd Floor, 7201 Vedder Road, Chilliwack, BC V2R 4G5 
Phone Number  (604) 858-0009

Financial Offerings
  1. Micro-Loan

    • With a business idea or plan to expand or maintain your business, you may qualify for a business loan up to $10,000.
  2. General Investment Fund

    • SCF General Investment Funds are loans designed to help Indigenous businesses invest in long-term capital purchases, for example, equipment and vehicles.
    • Loan available to a maximum of $150,000.
  3. Indigenous Impact Lending Fund

    • Maximum loan amount of $500,000.
    • Indigenous businesses can access up to $150,000 for business start-up, growth or expansion.
  4. Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP)

    • The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) funding is designed to assist entrepreneurs who self-identify with restricted ability to overcome barriers in business.
  5. Equity Match Program

    • In partnership with New Relationship Trust, SCF administers the Equity Match Program for the fiscal year of 2024-2025, which matches a portion of the required 15% equity component in grant funds.
    • The grant is not offered as a stand-alone source of funding. It must be applied for in conjunction with a SCF Loan.

 

Tale’Awtxw Aboriginal Capital Corporation (TACC)

             Office Location(s)           West Vancouver 
 Mailing Address  508-100 Park Royal South, West Vancouver, BC V7T 1A2 
Phone Number  (604) 926-5626
 Toll-Free: (604) 926-5627
 Email  info@tacc.ca

Financial Offerings
  1. FCF Loan

    • The First Citizens Fund (FCF) loan offers a 40% forgiveness portion over the life of your loan.
    • The lifetime maximum you can borrow is $75,000.
  2. Conventional Loan

    • The TACC Conventional Loan does not include a forgiveness portion, and is similar to mainstream financing.
  3. Business Equity Program (BEP)

    • The BEP will consider non-repayable contributions to Aboriginal clients for eligible capital and business support to start, expand or acquire a viable business.
    • The BEP may contribute up to a maximum of $99,999 for individuals and incorporated businesses, and up to $250,000 for community owned businesses, based on a viable business plan and subject to other financing being in place.
  4. NRT Equity Match Grant

    •  The grant is not offered as a stand-alone source of funding, and must be applied for in conjunction with a TACC Loan.
    • The NRT Grant is only available to BC First Nation community-owned businesses and BC First Nation individual entrepreneurs.

 

Tribal Resources Investment Corporation (TRICORP)

             Office Location(s)           Prince Rupert
 Mailing Address  100 Grassy Bay Lane, Prince Rupert, B.C 
Phone Number  (250) 624-3535 
 Email  tricorp@citywest.ca

Financial Offerings
  1. First Citizens’ Fund

    • Maximum lifetime loan of $75,000 for individuals.
    • Maximum lifetime loan for communities is $225,000.
  2. TRICORP Loan Fund

    • Enhance First Nations economic development through the start-up, expansion and/or upgrading of First Nations businesses.
    • Maximum loan amount of $100,000.
  3. The Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs Program 

    • The IWE fund is a Micro-Loan program that will provide Indigenous Women entrepreneurs with finance and working capital for their small, part-time or home-based businesses, with total financing costs of under $60,000.
  4. Employer Benefit Lending Program  

    • Lines of credit to be extended to employees that are then repaid directly through paycheque deductions.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

 Institution Location(s)           Surrey, BC
Phone Number  (604) 599-2000 

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered
  1. Bachelor of Applied Science in Sustainable Agriculture (Degree)

    • Through a unique combination of classroom and farm-based learning, students will explore practical opportunities for land and food to strengthen community and ecosystem health.

Vancouver Island University 

 Institution Location(s)           Nanaimo, BC
Phone Number  (250) 753-3245
 Toll-Free:1 (888) 920-2221 

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered
  1. The Horticulture Technician Foundation (Certificate)

    • This program covers a broad spectrum of horticultural practices including plant propagation techniques, greenhouse production, nursery crop production, landscape design, landscape construction, and plant identification. 
    • General Trade admission requirements apply.

University of British Columbia 

 Institution Location(s)         

 Vancouver, BC

 Okanagan, BC

Phone Number

 Vancouver Campus: (604) 822-9836 
 Toll-Free:1 (877) 272-1422

 Okanagan Campus: (250) 807-8521
 Toll-Free: 1 (877) 807-8521

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered
  1. Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology - Sustainable Agriculture and Environment (Degree)

    • In this program, students will learn how to produce food in a way that protects our soils, water, and air; how to manage biodiversity and habitat for the organisms we rely on to help us grow our food; and how to grow food in urban environments.
    • All prospective students must demonstrate English-language competency prior to admission along with general admission requirements including graduation from high school and a minimum of 70% in Grade 11 or 12 English.

University of The Fraser Valley 

 Institution Location(s)           Abbotsford, BC 
Phone Number  (604) 504-7441 

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered
  1. Bachelor of Agricultural Science - Horticulture (Degree)

    • UFV's four-year Bachelor of Agriculture Science with a Horticulture major helps you develop the perfect mix of technical, communication, and business skills to prepare you to play a leading role in the Fraser Valley's agricultural sector.
    • High school graduation is required along with prerequisites for CHEM 110, BIO 111, and STAT 104. 
  2. Bachelor of Business Administration for Agriculture Management (Degree)

    • UFV's Bachelor of Business Administration in Agriculture Management is especially designed for professionals who have been working in this growing industry for two years or more and would like to advance their career by studying at a university that has a recognized track record of agricultural excellence in teaching and research.
  3. Agriculture Technology (Diploma)

    • In your first year, you get to complete the requirements of either the Horticulture Crop Production and Protection certificate or the Livestock Production certificate before going on to year two. 
    • High school graduation is required. 

Canscribe Career College

 Institution Location(s)           Kelowna, BC
Phone Number  (250) 448-4670
 Email  info@canscribe.com 

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered
  1. Agriculture Technology Course

    • The Agriculture Technology Course was designed and built because of demand from the industry. Employers need trained agriculture specialists who have the tangible skills to perform the job. This program fulfills training requirements identified by industry experts that will allow new graduates to successfully enter the workforce with confidence. 

Pacific Horticulture College

 Institution Location(s)           Victoria, BC
Phone Number  (250) 479-6162
 Email  reception@hcp.ca 

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered
  1. Landscape Horticulture (Certificate)

    • This program provides students with the knowledge and skills to enter and succeed in the field of horticulture. The course is spent learning the theory in the classroom and applying in the gardens.
    • As this program is a trades program, the attendance and grade requirements are unique to meeting the SkilledTradesBC standards. All students are required to meet these standards.
  2. Apprentice Training Program Levels 1, 2, 3 & 4

    • For those interested in a career in horticulture and part-time studies, PHC offers full and part-time apprenticeship training programs. In addition to gaining valuable knowledge and skills, this program will prepare students to write SkilledTradesBC provincial exams and work towards completing their full apprenticeship.

Pacific Rim College Online

 Institution Location(s)           Victoria 
Phone Number  (887) 215-3592
 Email  support@pacificrimcollege.online 

Agriculture and Food Programs Offered
  1. Community Herbalist Online Program

    • Connect to the plant world and immerse yourself in the art and science of herbal medicine. Gain access to sustainable ways to care for yourself and your loved ones. 

  2. Home Herbalist Online Program 

    • Gain a foundational knowledge of herbs and learn how to incorporate plant medicine into everyday life.