Under the BC Rural Dividend Program, the Government of British Columbia is providing $567,190 to five projects in the northeast, Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, announced today.

“Government is following through on its commitment to help rural communities navigate changes that have impacted local economies, by supporting local business development and creating new partnerships to promote shared prosperity,” Donaldson said. “These rural dividend grants are bringing positive change to rural communities throughout B.C.”

The funding is part of nearly $8 million in 58 project grants being awarded to eligible local governments, First Nations and not-for-profit organizations through the BC Rural Dividend Program. Rural dividend grants help fund projects that that will stabilize rural economies. Grants can be up to $100,000 each, or up to $500,000 each for partnership projects.

• The Community Futures Development Corporation of Peace Liard is being awarded $112,200 to deliver a virtual entrepreneur training program, a junior Dragons’ Den and a mentorship program for grades 7 to 12, post-secondary and trades students in the Northeast.
• The District of Chetwynd is being awarded $20,000 to complete improvements to three local trails (Carvers Row, Connector Surerus Place Loop, Centurion Creek). Improvements include installing a rope bridge, improving safety and increasing wheelchair accessibility.
• Futurpreneur Canada is being awarded $311,100 to continue delivering ThriveNorth programs in 2019. ThriveNorth supports rural and Indigenous youth in northern B.C. through entrepreneurial training and coaching, mentoring and financing for small projects.
• The Fort Nelson First Nation is being awarded $50,000 to complete business and technical forestry planning necessary to help secure a  forest licence for birch leading stands.
• The Northern Rockies Regional Municipality is being awarded $73,890 to guide future economic development for the municipality, and ensure it’s well-positioned to attract and retain industries and businesses that will support long-term economic sustainability in the region.

“Small businesses are the backbone of every community. That’s why it’s essential that northern entrepreneurs have the supports they need to succeed,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. “With this new funding, Futurpreneur Canada can empower young entrepreneurs in rural and Indigenous communities with the resources and opportunities to innovate, grow and generate good jobs.”

Earlier this month, nearly $5 million was granted to fund 30 projects in wildfire-impacted areas and two communities that were affected by the shutdown of local mills.

The rural dividend encourages economic diversification, innovation, sustainability and collaboration, and recognizes the diverse needs of individual communities.

As part of Budget 2018, the Government of British Columbia committed to extending the $25-million-per-year rural dividend to 2020-21. The rural dividend is one aspect of government’s rural development mandate, which is committed to making rural communities more resilient.

Learn More:

BC Rural Dividend Program: www.gov.bc.ca/ruraldividend