Starting on Wednesday September 2nd Northen BC 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.
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.
The project is supported by investments provided by the Government of Canada through the employment insurance-funded Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement.
“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, 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.” -Sheila Malcolmson, B.C. Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.
Applications will open on Wednesday September 2nd 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.
“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.” – Tamara Davidson, MLA, North Coast-Haida Gwaii
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.
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