ONGOING FUNDING

Island Coast Economic Trust Capital and Innovation Program

Invests in communities of all sizes to implement vital regional and community-based infrastructure to support sustainable economic diversification and growth that strengthens well-being. The program can provide up to $200,000 to cover up to 50% of eligible costs for infrastructure projects through three program areas:

• Industry and Business Development
• Strategic Tourism Infrastructure
• Innovation

Maximum Amount: $200 000
Deadline: October 20, 2023.
Apply Now

 

The Indigenous Food Security & Sovereignty (IFS) Grant

The IFS Grant provides non-repayable funding contributions to First Nation communities, Indigenous organizations, businesses, and entrepreneurs in British Columbia that want to participate in and receive financial support to develop, expand, or strengthen their Indigenous food systems and innovation to enhance sustainability and growth of the Indigenous agriculture and food sovereignty.

Maximum amount: up to $250 000
Deadline: December 1, 2023 for Intake#1
Apply Now

 

Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP)

The Government of B.C. is investing up to $33 million this year to create the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program, which will support projects that promote the following:

• Economic diversification
• Resilience
• Clean growth opportunities
• Infrastructure developmenT

Maximum Amount: $500000
Deadline: October 30, 2023.
Apply Now

 

The Community Partnership Program

Grants to help transform into a clean and fair economy. For groups working on projects to improve climate resilience, Reconciliation and racial equity, and financial health & inclusion.

Maximum Amount: $15000
Deadline: October 31, 2023
Apply Now

Telus #StandWithOwners

The application is open to revenue-generating Canadian businesses with 1-100 employees. For-profit, not-for-profit and social enterprises are eligible to apply, however, they should not receive more than 30% of their funding from government initiatives.

Maximum Amount: $125000
Deadline: September 6, 2023
Apply Now

Telus Indigenous Communities Fund

Jobs and Growth Fund in British Columbia

The Jobs and Growth Fund provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs and position local economies for long-term growth. The fund, delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), provides $700 million nationally over 3 years. This includes up to $70 million dedicated to businesses created after January 2020 that meet eligibility criteria.

Maximum Amount: $10 million
Deadline: Until funds run out
Apply Now

 

Grow Your Business Online

Grants help with the costs related to adopting digital technologies.

Who Should Apply

Consumer-facing organizations (including for-profit social enterprises and co-operatives) who are committed to maintaining digital adoption strategy for six months.

Maximum Amount: $2,400
Deadline: Until funds run out
Apply Now

 

Boost Your Business Technology

Eligible businesses can leverage the grant to pay for the services of a digital advisor. These advisors will work with companies to recommend digital pathways and strategies that will help them achieve their business goals and increase their competitiveness in the digital economy.

Who Should Apply

For-profit with 1-499 employees and $500,000 of annual revenues in last three tax years.

Maximum Amount: The grant covers up to 90% of the eligible costs (max of $15,000 per SME)
Deadline: Until funds run out
Apply Now

 

First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC)

All the programs they fund support the vitality of Indigenous languages, arts and cultural heritage, with an aim to rebuild cultural systems impacted by colonization and support Indigenous self-determination.

Who Should Apply

Many grants available with varying application criteria.

Maximum Amount: n/a
Deadlines: many deadlines
Apply Now

Social Enterprise & Scaling Impact Streams

Innoweave provides funded coaching access for organizations looking to expand a program or implement a new approach or deepen their social impact. Yes, Purppl can provide the coaching.

Who Should Apply

Any organization with a clear and shared definition of the impact they seek to achieve.

Maximum Amount: $10,000
Deadlines: December 15, April 15, August 15
Apply Now

Provincial Homelessness Grants

This initiative provides one-time funding for local planning and collaborative initiatives designed to better respond to the needs of those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Who Should Apply

Any organization planning community-based action including demonstration projects, partnerships, research and other collaborative efforts.

Maximum Amount: $50,000
Deadlines: n/a
Apply Now

 

IMPACT INVESTMENTS AND LOANS

Thrive Impact Fund

Thrive Impact Fund is a place-based fund that sees untapped potential in local communities and a desire for investors to see their money make both financial and impact returns.

Who Should Apply

Non-profits, charities, and enterprises operated by people who traditionally are overlooked by conventional lenders.

Maximum Amount: not provided (loan)
Apply Now

 

The Northpine Foundation Funding Opportunities for Social Impact Initiatives

They are looking for innovative ideas from entrepreneurs and social purpose organizations that can create a significant impact in our focus areas. Northpine offers tailored financing options, including donations, grants, debt, equity, a combination of these, and non-financial resources through knowledge and relationships to support ventures. The funding type and non-financial assistance depend on the organization’s needs and its potential for impact.

Maximum Amount: n/a (Funding typically is $200K-$1M over two to three years, but amounts vary depending on the organization’s needs and our assessment of the outcome’s catalytic sustainability and scalability potential.)
Deadline: n/a
Apply Now

Impact Investment Fund

If your organization needs a loan for a credible business opportunity, but isn’t able to secure conventional financing, this fund may be able to help.

Who Should Apply

The Impact Investment Fund provides loans to First Nations organizations, social enterprises, non-profits and businesses that are not able to secure conventional financing to support credible investment opportunities which have significant positive and measurable community benefits.

Maximum Amount: Not provided.
Deadline: Not applicable.
Apply Now

 

Indigenous Growth Fund

The Indigenous Growth Fund (IGF) is a new $150M investment fund that will provide access to the capital that Indigenous small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have long sought and lacked. Indigenous entrepreneurs across all industries, including emergent exporters and food and agriculture related businesses, will be able to access the Fund via business loans from a network of Aboriginal Financial Institutions (AFIs) throughout the country.

Who Should Apply

Indigenous small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country.

Maximum Amount: Not provided (loan)
Deadlines: Not provided.
Apply Now

Black Entrepreneurship Loan Fund

With an investment of up to $350.8 million over four years, it will help Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs grow their businesses and succeed now and into the future.

Who Should Apply

Black business owners and entrepreneurs across the country.

Maximum Amount: $250,000 (loan)
Deadlines: Not provided.
Apply Now

 

Women Entrepreneurship Strategy

The government is advancing women’s economic empowerment with the first ever Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES), a more than $6-billion investment that aims to increase women-owned businesses’ access to the financing, talent, networks and expertise they need to start up, scale up and access new markets.

Who Should Apply

Women business owners and entrepreneurs.

Maximum Amount: Loans of up to $50,000 + mentorship and knowledge expansion opportunities.
Deadline: Not provided.
Apply Now

 

Vancity Unity Women Entrepreneurs Program

Vancity and Women’s Enterprise Centre give women, and anyone who identifies as women or non-binary, more access to the funds they need, more networking opportunities with like-minded people, and more advice from experienced mentors.

Who Should Apply

Start-up and growth stage businesses that are majority woman-owned and controlled, and struggling to meet working capital needs due to COVID-19.

Maximum Amount: Not provided.
Deadline: Not provided.
Apply Now

 

OPEN APPLICATION PROGRAMS

 

Community Investment Fund

We are seeking community partners who we can help in a meaningful way and who, in return, will be advocates for Interior Savings, committed to helping our credit union achieve success and further our community impact objectives.

Who Should Apply

Community-based non-profit, volunteer, or charitable organizations.
Serving Okanagan, Thompson and Nicola Valley communities (Osoyoos, Oliver, Okanagan Falls, West Kelowna, Kelowna, Lake Country, Vernon, Chase, Kamloops, Barriere, Clearwater, Ashcroft, Lillooet, or Merritt).
Submitted at least eight (8) weeks in advance of the event or project.

Maximum Amount: $15,000
Deadline: not provided
Apply Now

 

Youth Entrepreneurship Program

14-week program for aspiring entrepreneurs to help them research and develop their business idea, write their business plan, and launch and implement their business.

Who Should Apply

Between the ages of 15 and 29, resident of British Columbia
living in the Central Okanagan, currently unemployed or precariously employed.

Maximum Amount: Participants may also be eligible for living supports and/or business seed money of up to $5,200.
Deadline: not provided
Apply Now

 

Jobs and Growth Fund

Provides funding to businesses and organizations to help create jobs, and position Canada’s economy for an inclusive recovery and long-term growth.

Who Should Apply

businesses (primarily small and medium sized enterprises, fewer than 500 FTEs); not-for-profit organizations; and
Indigenous organizations.

Maximum Amount: not provided
Deadline: When funding runs out
Apply Now

 

Training & Wage Subsidies for Environmental Jobs

These programs help employers attract new talent, while saving initial wage and training costs. Best of all, young practitioners and students will be able to kickstart their career journey and gain meaningful work experience.

Who Should Apply

Youth (30 and under) and Host Employers in Canada.

Maximum Amount: Up to 80% of wages.
Deadlines: Not specified.
Apply Now

 

Community Gaming Grants

Community Gaming Grants funding enhances community life through supporting programs that: provide opportunities for enrichment through participation in sport and the arts, enhance and protect our local environment, improve quality of life for community members; and,  enhance and support the safety of our communities.

Who Should Apply

Not-for-profit organizations providing programs or services of direct benefit to the broader community.

Maximum Amount: $250,000
Deadlines:

• Arts & Culture: Apply between February 1 and April 30
• Sport: Apply between March 1 and May 31
• Public Safety: Apply between July 1 and August 31
• Environment:  Apply between July 1 and August 31
• Human and Social Services: Apply between June 1 and November 30

Apply Now

 

Venture Internship Program

Internships for post-secondary students across Canada. Dynamic, aspirational young people find their way to the Venture for Canada community. We select the ones with the character traits Canadian startups and SMEs say they need and we train them to stick a landing.

• 75% subsidy
• Each funding round can cover up to 20 weeks of employment
• Employers can participate in multiple semesters, and even hire the same eligible student for up to two consecutive semesters

Who Should Apply

• < 500 employees
• Any industry, offering an entrepreneurial role
• Located in BC, AB, MB, SK, NB, NS, PEI or NL

Maximum Amount: Up to $2,800
Deadline: Not provided.
Apply Now