Summary

• An investment of $2.7 million through two new funding programs will help northern B.C. businesses and First Nations development corporations create and retain more jobs, diversify markets and pursue opportunities connected to industrial and infrastructure projects
• Funded by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, the investment supports business diversification, productivity improvements and First Nations economic development capacity throughout northern B.C.
• Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, applications will open for grants of as much as $200,000 per applicant for businesses and as much as $75,000 per applicant for First Nations development corporations

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Northern B.C. businesses and First Nations development corporations will be able to access $2.7 million in grant funding to create jobs, strengthen local economies through diversification and seize new economic opportunities.

“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, B.C. Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “In partnership with the Government of Canada, we’re funding $2.7 million to help build capacity, adapt to changing economic conditions and advance economic development projects.”

The project is supported by investments provided by the Government of Canada through the employment insurance-funded Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement.

“When local businesses succeed, communities thrive,” said Patty Hajdu, federal Minister of Jobs and Families. “As tariffs and global uncertainty test businesses across the country, too many workers and business owners in British Columbia are feeling the pressure. Through this investment, we are helping remote and rural businesses in northern British Columbia adapt, grow and create good jobs, so their communities can build a stronger more resilient economy.”  

Beginning Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, applications will open for two new initiatives delivered through Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) under Phase 2 of the Province’s Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund (RREIF) that was launched in 2025 through Canada-British Columbia labour market funding to support communities experiencing the effects of tariffs.

Funding supports business market expansion and productivity

The Business Diversification and Sustainability (BDS) program will provide $1.8 million to help businesses invest in equipment, technology and capital projects that diversify and strengthen their operations, expand into new markets, increase productivity and support workforce retention and job creation. Eligible small and medium-sized businesses can apply for grants of as much as $200,000, covering as much as 75% of project costs. Funding may be used to purchase equipment, adopt new technology and support projects that expand markets, introduce new products or services, or increase productivity.

Applications for the BDS program will be accepted from Sept. 2, 2026, until Oct. 15, 2026.

Strengthening First Nations economic development capacity

The First Nations Business Development Capacity Building program will make $900,000 available to First Nations development corporations throughout NDIT’s service region.

The program will provide as much as $75,000 per applicant, covering as much as 90% of eligible costs to access specialized expertise. Funding administered by NDIT will help First Nations development corporations build capacity, negotiate partnerships and pursue opportunities connected to industrial and infrastructure projects that generate jobs, revenue and long-term community benefits.

Applications will open Sept. 2, 2026, and will remain available until June 30, 2027, or until funding is fully allocated.

Building stronger local economies in northern B.C.

The $2.7-million funding is part of the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction’s $5-million investment across four funding streams to help businesses, organizations and workers respond to the effects of tariffs. NDIT is administering the programs on behalf of the Province.

The investments support the Province’s Look West strategy by helping businesses and First Nations development corporations diversify local economies and create local opportunities.

“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 Morissette, parliamentary secretary for rural development. “By helping businesses diversify and supporting First Nations economic development capacity, we’re helping create jobs, strengthen local economies and build resilient communities throughout northern B.C.”

Phase 2 builds on the RREIF’s initial programs, which provided labour market research and business advisory services to help communities and businesses respond to the effects of tariffs. The new funding streams focus on turning planning into action through business investment and economic development.

Quotes:

Adrian Dix, B.C. acting Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth – 

“Northern B.C. is full of opportunity. These investments will help local businesses grow, reach new markets and create jobs, while supporting First Nations development corporations to pursue major economic opportunities. That’s what our Look West economic plan is all about, helping communities diversify their economies and build long-term prosperity close to home.”

Tamara Davidson, MLA, North Coast-Haida Gwaii – 

“Businesses and First Nations across the North Coast and Haida Gwaii are working hard to adapt to changing economic conditions and create opportunities close to home. These investments will help local employers bolster their operations, retain workers, create new jobs and build a more resilient regional economy for the future.”

Ben Campbell, CEO, NDIT – 

“Making $200,000 for capital expenditures available to businesses through non-repayable grants is an effective way to facilitate investment and growth. 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.”

Quick Facts:

• Labour market development agreements are bilateral agreements between the Government of Canada and provinces and territories that support employment programs and services designed to help Canadians prepare for, find and maintain employment.
• Through the bilateral agreement, in 2024-25, the Government of Canada invested approximately $296 million in B.C., helping approximately 58,700 people in B.C. have access to employment services, skills training and workforce development supports.

Learn More:

• To learn more about Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger B.C. and Canada, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/look-west-strategy
• For more information about the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/projects/training-agreements/lmda.html
• For more information about the Government of Canada’s workforce tariff response, visit: https://www.workbc.ca/supporting-tariff-affected-workers-employers-and-communities
• To learn more about Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund, visit: https://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/funding-programs/partner-programs/rural-and-remote-employment-initiatives-fund/
• To learn more about Business Diversification and Sustainability Program, visit: https://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca
• To learn more about First Nations Business Development Capacity Building Program, visit: https://www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca/fn-business-development-capacity/
• To see a related announcement (September 2025), visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025SDPR0011-000896
• To learn more about B.C.’s response to tariffs, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/tariffs#supports