Program Information

BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund - Stream 1 - Project Readiness

British Columbia. Employment, Business & Economic Development

Description

The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (MJF) will help manufacturing companies modernize, innovate, and grow by providing grants for capital projects in regional and Indigenous communities in B.C. The program welcomes applications from all manufacturing sectors. There will be a particular focus on helping the forestry sector retrofit and develop new, sustainable value-added business lines that reduce dependency on old growth logging and make innovative use of biomaterials.

This program reflects the Province's ongoing commitment to promote economic diversification and complements other supports for forestry workers and rural communities. Effective Feb. 15, 2023, the program budget increased to $180 million; and has been expanded to include manufacturing projects in all areas of B.C. 

The program will begin accepting proposals on February 28, 2023 and will remain open to proposals for up to two years, or until all funds are allocated. 

MJF has two funding streams: Project Readiness and Capital Investment. The streams support different stages of planning and launching capital projects. 

Stream 1 - Project Readiness: Small grants to complete final-stage business and project planning, including operational and technical assessments.

Overview

Sectors Manufacturing, Forestry
Max. Amount per Applicant $50,000
Max % eligible cost 50
Applicant Type Large Enterprise (>500 employees) Small Business and Startup (<500 employees)
Region British Columbia
Regional area Outside the Greater Vancouver Regional District
Deadline Expired
Timeline Notes The program has been expanded to include manufacturing projects in all areas of B.C. | The program intake is now open. The program will accept proposals on a continuous basis beginning in early 2023 for approximately two years, or until funds are allocated. Annual funding maximums have been set to ensure program funds are not fully expended in the first year
Funding Type Government Grant
Funding Purpose Green, Innovation and R&D, Technology, Operations & Programming, Job Creation, Expansion
Fund's Objectives

Program Goals:

  • Invest in high-value, high-growth manufacturing sectors
  • Contribute to clean, inclusive growth and economic resilience in regional and Indigenous communities
  • Support innovation and sustainability in the forestry value-added sector
  • Create and maintain family-supporting jobs
  • Help companies leverage other funding sources and bring investment into B.C.
  • Boost productivity and competitiveness in domestic and international markets

The following criteria will be used to prioritize projects for funding:

  • Projects within the forestry sector
  • Projects located in forestry-dependent communities
  • Projects that have a high degree of readiness, need and direct impact
  • Projects that are Indigenous-led or benefit Indigenous peoples
Eligibility Criteria

Applicant Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

  • Businesses 
  • For-profit organizations
  • Entities with for-profit manufacturing operations, including Indigenous and First Nation-owned enterprises

Eligible applicants must also meet the following criteria: 

  • Registered to do business in B.C.
  • Operate in the manufacturing sector; i.e., create products using industrial or mass production processes
  • Have established operations (at the proposed project location or elsewhere)
  • Have an established employee base
  • Be in a viable financial position, for example:
    • Not in foreclosure or for sale
    • A business plan and financial records that show current or projected growth, profits, and/or ability to pay off short-term debts
    • Paid taxes in the last fiscal year

Eligible Projects: 

Eligible Stream 1 - Project Readiness project examples: 

  • Developing a business case to expand operations or diversify product lines
  • Conducting an operational or technical assessment to improve processes or introduce new technology

Ineligible Projects: 

  • Early research, concept development and scoping are not eligible activities. 
Private matching funds requirement No
Academic collaboration requirement No
International Collaboration Requirement No
Internship No