Behind every successful business is a plan for what’s next. Whether it’s finding new customers, adapting to changing market conditions or strengthening day-to-day operations, access to the right expertise can make all the difference. Northern Development’s Business Advisory Supports program helps small and medium-sized businesses across rural and remote Northern B.C. do exactly that by offsetting the cost of professional advisory services.
With funding covering up to 85% of eligible project costs, businesses can access expert support in areas such as strategic planning, market development, management consulting, legal and accounting services, helping them respond to tariff-related impacts, create new employment opportunities and build long-term resilience. Here are three recent projects demonstrating the program in action.
Fort St. John’s Tiamat Solutions Ltd. is exploring a strategic shift that could strengthen its position in the oil and gas industry while filling a gap in the Canadian market. The company is evaluating the transition from its current service-based model to a rental-based model for specialized equipment currently sourced from a U.S.-based provider. Through strategic planning, the business will assess market demand, identify opportunities to expand its customer base and determine how the new model could support more stable, year-round employment for its field staff.
Gott Energy Ltd. is strengthening its commercial sales strategy to better navigate tariff-driven cost volatility affecting the clean energy sector. By enhancing its quoting process through developing a structured framework for pricing, the business will be better equipped to respond to fluctuating equipment costs while improving customer confidence and protecting project margins. The project also includes recommendations to enhance its digital presence and marketing strategy, helping connect with more commercial customers across Northern B.C.
Williams Lake’s J&P Machine Works Ltd. is repositioning its business following the closure of a local pellet plant, which resulted in the loss of one of its largest customers. Through strategic planning and market diversification, the company will identify new opportunities, expand into additional markets and develop a roadmap for long-term, sustainable growth. The project will help reduce reliance on a single customer base while positioning the business to better withstand future economic uncertainty.
While each business is responding to different tariff-related pressures, they share a common goal of building resilience for the future. By investing in professional expertise, the Business Advisory Supports funding program is helping Northern businesses make informed decisions, strengthen operations and seize new opportunities in an evolving economy.
Applications are accepted on a continuous, first-come, first-served basis until December 31, 2026, or until available funding has been fully allocated. Visit the Business Advisory Supports webpage for full program details, eligibility requirements and application information.
If you have questions about the funding program, please reach out to Jordan Barrett, manager of partner programs: jordanb@northerndevelopment.bc.ca or 250-561-2525.
