August 11, 2026
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Two new government grant funding programs will be accepting applications from businesses and First Nations governments beginning September 2, 2026. Through the Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund, the Business Diversification and Sustainability (BDS) and First Nations Business Development Capacity Building (FNBDCB) programs will directly support the labour market by providing non-repayable grant funding to successful applicants.
“Our government is acting with urgency and prioritizing support for people in sectors facing the greatest impacts of global tariffs, and this investment allows us to do exactly that,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “In partnership with the Government of Canada, we’re funding 2.7M to help build capacity, adapt to changing economic conditions, and advance economic development projects.”
The Business Diversification and Sustainability funding program, funded in partnership with the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, will receive $1.8 million to support businesses invest in the acquisition of capital projects to allow them to expand their markets, offer new products/services or increase productivity. Eligible applicants, including small and medium-sized businesses, will be able to receive up to $200,000, to a maximum of 75 percent of the project cost, to purchase new machinery or equipment, develop new technology and associated costs to strengthen their business.
“Canadian businesses are ready to lead, and they need the right tools to stay ahead as the economy rapidly shifts,” said Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Jobs and Families. “By helping local businesses in British Columbia adapt to new technology, upgrade their equipment and reach new markets, we are investing in Canada’s future. One resilient business, one good job, and one thriving community at a time, to support one Canadian economy.”
BDS will accept applications between September 2 and October 15, 2026. Project examples and details on how to apply are available on the Trust’s website.
“Making $200,000 for capital expenditures available to businesses through non-repayable grants is an effective way to facilitate investment and growth,” said Ben Campbell, CEO, Northern Development. “The $1.8 million available through BDS will result in businesses meaningfully investing in themselves, strengthening operations and employment well into the future. We look forward to the north realizing the returns on these investments for years to come.”
The First Nation Business Development Capacity Building funding program has $900,000 available to First Nation development corporations. This program provides 90 percent of the funds required, up to $75,000, for applicants to hire a consultant to leverage large-scale projects that are occurring in their region. Funding is intended to support the development corporations in temporarily increasing their capacity to diversify, negotiate and/or capitalize on nearby industrial projects, resulting in increased job opportunities, revenue or other beneficial prospects.
FNBDCB will open on September 2, 2026, and will continuously accept and review applications until June 30, 2027, or until all available funding has been fully allocated, whichever comes first. Details on how to apply are available on the Trust’s website.
“Rural and remote communities in the North are facing economic uncertainty and changing market conditions, and these targeted investments will help businesses, First Nations and communities respond to those challenges and pursue new opportunities,” said Steve Morrisette, parliamentary secretary for rural development. “By helping business diversify and supporting First Nations economic development capacity, we’re helping create jobs, strengthen local economies and build resilient communities throughout northern B.C.”
Funding for these two new programs is through the phase two of the Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund (RREIF), which is supported through federal-provincial labour market funding provided by the Government of Canada and British Columbia. Through the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, $5 million was provided to be administered through four unique funding programs to help businesses and organizations respond to the impacts of tariffs. Already, two RREIF funding programs have been offered by Northern Development, with the Business Advisory Supports program continuing to accept applications until December 31, 2026, or when available funds have been fully allocated. The full $5 million RREIF investment is being delivered throughout Northern Development’s service region, covering more than 70 percent of the province.
Through the federal-provincial Labour Market Development Agreement, British Columbia is investing in initiatives that help workers, businesses and communities adapt to changing economic conditions. These investments support workforce transitions, labour market resilience and local responses to economic challenges, including the impacts of tariffs.
Information about all the funding programs available through RREIF can be found at northerndevelopment.bc.ca/ rural-and-remote-employment-initiatives-fund/
