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Commercialization Grants and Non-Dilutive Funding in British Columbia for 2026

In British Columbia, organizations can access a wide range of commercialization grants and non-dilutive funding to validate product–market fit, run pilots, and scale sales in Canada and abroad. Programs span Innovate BC, NRC IRAP, PacifiCan, Innovative Solutions Canada, and sector clusters, with options for cleantech, life sciences, agri-tech, ocean tech, and digital. This directory explains how to find, compare, and apply for pilot and go-to-market funding in 2026.

80 programs available
  • Government of British Columbia (BC) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    BC Agriculture and Food Export Program

    Government of British Columbia (BC)
    Cost-shared funding for agrifood export market development outside British Columbia
    Eligible Funding
    • From $5,000 to $75,000
    • Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    • Manufacturing
    Types of eligible projects
    Commercialization
    BC, Canada
  • Government of British Columbia (BC) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Buy BC Partnership Program

    Government of British Columbia (BC)
    Supports local B.C. agri-food businesses with cost-shared marketing initiatives
    Eligible Funding
    • From $5,000 to $75,000
    • Up to 70% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    • Manufacturing
    • Retail trade
    • Accommodation and food services
    Types of eligible projects
    Commercialization
    BC, Canada
  • Accelerate Okanagan (AO) logo
    Other SupportOpen

    Accelerate Okanagan — Revup Program

    Accelerate Okanagan (AO)
    Mentoring to grow a BC startup
    Eligible Funding
    • Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    • Information and cultural industries
    • Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    Commercialization
    BC, Canada
  • Government of British Columbia (BC) logo
    Tax CreditsOpen

    BC Small Business Venture Capital Program

    Government of British Columbia (BC)
    Tax credits for B.C. small business investment
    Eligible Funding
    • From $25,000 to $10,000,000
    • Up to 30% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    • Manufacturing
    • Information and cultural industries
    • Professional, scientific and technical services
    • Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovationDigital Transformation
    BC, Canada
  • BC Tech Association logo
    Other SupportGrant and FundingOpen

    BC Tech Growth Programs

    BC Tech Association
    Accelerator programs for British Columbia growth and scale-stage companies
    Eligible Funding
    • Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    • Information and cultural industries
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyHuman ResourcesInnovation
    BC, Canada
  • adMare Bioinnovations logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationOpen

    Centre for Drug Research and Development

    adMare Bioinnovations
    Life sciences collaboration and facilities
    Eligible Funding
    • Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    • Professional, scientific and technical services
    • Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyHuman ResourcesInnovation
    BC, Canada
  • Alacrity Canada logo
    Expert AdviceOpen

    Clean tech scale-up

    Alacrity Canada
    Help to scale a British Columbia clean tech company
    Eligible Funding
    • Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    • Utilities
    • Manufacturing
    • Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationEnvironment and Climate
    BC, Canada
  • CLEAR Foundation (CLEAR) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    CLEAR Operating Grant

    CLEAR Foundation (CLEAR)
    Support for high-impact dementia research
    Eligible Funding
    • Varies by project
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    Timeline
    • Open Date : June 25, 2026
    • Closing date : September 25, 2026
    BC, Canada
  • University of British Columbia (UBC) logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesOpen

    Entrepreneurship@UBC Hatch

    University of British Columbia (UBC)
    Accelerator for UBC research-based ventures
    Eligible Funding
    • Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    • Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    BC, Canada
  • Genome British Columbia logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Genome Funding Opportunities

    Genome British Columbia
    Funding for genomics research and innovation in BC
    Eligible Funding
    • Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
    • Utilities
    • Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    BC, Canada
  • Creative BC logo
    Tax CreditsOpen

    Magazine Publishers Travel Support

    Creative BC
    Funding for B.C. magazine publishers' market travel
    Eligible Funding
    • Maximum amount : 5,000 $
    Types of eligible projects
    Commercialization
    Timeline
    • Open Date : April 1, 2026
    BC, Canada
  • Creative BC logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Market Expansion Fund

    Creative BC
    Market support for B.C. book publishers
    Eligible Funding
    • Maximum amount : 10,000 $
    • Up to 75% of project cost
    Types of eligible projects
    Commercialization
    Timeline
    • Open Date : April 1, 2026
    BC, Canada
  • Creative BC logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Music Industry Initiatives

    Creative BC
    Supports music industry development in BC
    Eligible Funding
    • From $2,000 to $60,000
    • Up to 75% of project cost
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    Timeline
    • Open Date : February 25, 2026
    • Closing date : October 30, 2026
    BC, Canada
  • Creative BC logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Project Development Fund

    Creative BC
    Supports B.C. film, TV, and documentary development
    Eligible Funding
    • Maximum amount : 20,000 $
    • Up to 50% of project cost
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationEnvironment and Climate
    Timeline
    • Open Date : April 27, 2026
    BC, Canada
  • Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) logo
    Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen

    Regional Quantum Initiative in British Columbia

    Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
    Quantum commercialization support in British Columbia
    Eligible Funding
    • From $500,000 to $5,000,000
    • Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    • Manufacturing
    • Information and cultural industries
    • Professional, scientific and technical services
    • Educational services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnology
    BC, Canada
  • Simon Fraser University 4D LABS logo
    Researchers And FacilitiesOpen

    SFU 4D LABS

    Simon Fraser University 4D LABS
    Open-access materials research facility
    Eligible Funding
    • Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    • Educational services
    Types of eligible projects
    Commercialization
    BC, Canada
  • Simon Fraser University VentureLabs logo
    Grant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen

    SFU VentureLabs

    Simon Fraser University VentureLabs
    IP education, mentorship and funding for startups
    Eligible Funding
    • Maximum amount : 60,000 $
    • Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    • Information and cultural industries
    • Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    BC, NT, Nunavut, Yukon, Canada
  • Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) logo
    Grant and FundingOpen

    Small Business Recovery (SBR) Consulting Rebate

    Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT)
    Consulting cost rebate supporting small and medium business recovery
    Eligible Funding
    • Maximum amount : 30,000 $
    • Up to 85% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
    • Manufacturing
    • Retail trade
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationHuman ResourcesDigital Transformation
    BC, Canada
  • Genome British Columbia logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Genome British Columbia — GeneSolve Program

    Genome British Columbia
    Supports genomics research to solve sector challenges in British Columbia
    Eligible Funding
    • Maximum amount : 250,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
    • Utilities
    • Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    BC, Canada
  • Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) logo
    Loans and Capital investmentsClosed

    PacifiCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Business Scale-Up and Productivity

    Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)
    Financing to accelerate growth in British Columbia
    Eligible Funding
    • From $200,000 to $5,000,000
    • Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    • Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
    • Manufacturing
    • Information and cultural industries
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnology
    BC, Canada
  • BC Hydro (BCH) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program

    BC Hydro (BCH)
    Business energy storage incentives
    Eligible Funding
    • Up to 100% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    • Utilities
    • Construction
    • Manufacturing
    • Wholesale trade
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyEnvironment and ClimateInnovation
    BC, Canada
  • Canada's Digital Technology Cluster (DIGITAL) logo
    Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

    Call for Proposals in Horizon AI - Global Advantage

    Canada's Digital Technology Cluster (DIGITAL)
    Co-investment for applied AI projects
    Eligible Funding
    • Maximum amount : 250,000 $
    Eligible Industries
    • Utilities
    • Transportation and warehousing
    • Information and cultural industries
    • Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)InnovationDigital Transformation
    BC, Ontario, Canada
  • Canadian Career Apprenticeship Initiative (CCAI) logo
    Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingWage Subsidies And InternsClosed

    Canadian Career Apprenticeship Initiative — University Partnership Program

    Canadian Career Apprenticeship Initiative (CCAI)
    Funding for graduate career apprenticeships
    Eligible Funding
    • Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    • Professional, scientific and technical services
    • Educational services
    • Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationHuman Resources
    BC, Manitoba, Ontario, Canada
  • Creative BC logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Career Development

    Creative BC, Sheila Hugh Mackay Foundation (SHMF)
    Funding for B.C. artists’ music career growth
    Eligible Funding
    • From $1,000 to $30,000
    • Up to 75% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    • Information and cultural industries
    • Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    Commercialization
    BC, Canada
  • Creative BC logo
    Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

    Demo Recording

    Creative BC, City of Vancouver
    Support for B.C. artists to record demos
    Eligible Funding
    • From $2,000 to $2,000
    • Up to 100% of project cost
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    Timeline
    • Open Date : January 28, 2026
    • Closing date : March 26, 2026
    Prince George, Surrey, Vancouver, BC
  • Fiera Capital Foundation logo
    Loans and Capital investmentsClosed

    Flow Capital — General Funding

    Fiera Capital Foundation
    Flexible growth capital for high-growth companies
    Eligible Funding
    • From $2,000,000 to $10,000,000
    Eligible Industries
    • Information and cultural industries
    • Finance and insurance
    • Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    BC, Ontario, Quebec, Canada
  • Innovate BC logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Go-To-Market Microgrant

    Innovate BC
    Funding for early market launch and sales growth
    Eligible Funding
    • From $10,000 to $50,000
    • Up to 75% of project cost
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationDigital Transformation
    Timeline
    • Open Date : November 17, 2025
    • Closing date : November 30, 2025
    BC, Canada
  • WeBC logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Investor Speak™ Program

    WeBC
    Investor Q&A training for women founders
    Eligible Funding
    • Maximum amount : 2,900 $
    Eligible Industries
    • Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    BC, Canada
  • Government of Canada logo
    Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed

    Jobs and Growth Fund in Western Canada

    Government of Canada
    Funding for growth, jobs and resilience
    Eligible Funding
    • Up to 100% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    • Manufacturing
    • Professional, scientific and technical services
    • Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
    • Accommodation and food services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationEnvironment and ClimateDigital Transformation
    Alberta, BC, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
  • Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Marketing Initiative Program

    Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT)
    Funding for new regional marketing initiatives
    Eligible Funding
    • Maximum amount : 20,000 $
    • Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    • Arts, entertainment and recreation
    • Other services (except public administration)
    • Public administration
    Types of eligible projects
    Commercialization
    BC, Canada
  • Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC) logo
    Grant and FundingExpert AdviceLoans and Capital investmentsClosed

    Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation — Business Financing and Advisory Services

    Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation (NEDC)
    Financing and advisory support for Indigenous businesses
    Eligible Funding
    • Maximum amount : 99,999 $
    • Up to 40% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    • Construction
    • Manufacturing
    • Retail trade
    • Transportation and warehousing
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationBusiness BuyoutInnovation
    BC, Canada
  • Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) logo
    Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsClosed

    PacifiCan — Jobs and Growth Fund — Indigenous Stream

    Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)
    Support for job-creating growth projects in British Columbia
    Eligible Funding
    • Maximum amount : 10,000,000 $
    • Up to 90% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    • Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
    • Manufacturing
    • Information and cultural industries
    • Professional, scientific and technical services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovationDigital Transformation
    BC, Canada
  • Creative BC logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Passport to Markets

    Creative BC
    Travel support for B.C. creative media professionals
    Eligible Funding
    • Maximum amount : 10,000 $
    • Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    • Information and cultural industries
    • Arts, entertainment and recreation
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovationDigital Transformation
    BC, Canada
  • Creative BC logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Production Program

    Creative BC
    Supports B.C. motion picture production and post-production
    Eligible Funding
    • From $20,000 to $200,000
    • Up to 75% of project cost
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationDigital Transformation
    Timeline
    • Open Date : March 23, 2026
    • Closing date : April 20, 2026
    BC, Canada
  • Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF) logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS)

    Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF)
    Supports small food processors to scale up operations
    Eligible Funding
    • From $25,000 to $150,000
    • Up to 75% of project cost
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationArtificial Intelligence (AI)TechnologyConstruction and Renovation
    Timeline
    • Open Date : September 21, 2023
    • Closing date : November 2, 2023
    BC, Canada
  • Stratford Hall logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Stratford Hall — Financial Assistance

    Stratford Hall
    Tuition support for families with financial need
    Eligible Funding
    • Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    • Educational services
    Types of eligible projects
    Commercialization
    BC, Canada
  • Tiny Foundation logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Tiny Foundation — General Funding

    Tiny Foundation
    Supports research, journalism, and nonprofit capacity
    Eligible Funding
    • Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    • Information and cultural industries
    • Professional, scientific and technical services
    • Educational services
    • Health care and social assistance
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationInnovation
    BC, Canada
  • Government of Canada logo
    Grant and FundingClosed

    Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) in Western Canada

    Government of Canada
    Funding for tourism adaptation and growth
    Eligible Funding
    • Maximum amount : 500,000 $
    • Up to 50% of project cost
    Eligible Industries
    • Arts, entertainment and recreation
    • Accommodation and food services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationConstruction and Renovation Human ResourcesInnovationDigital Transformation
    Alberta, BC, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Canada
  • Government of British Columbia (BC) logo
    Tax CreditsExpert AdviceLoans and Capital investmentsClosed

    Venture Capital Corporation

    Government of British Columbia (BC), BC Ministry of Finance
    Equity investments for BC businesses
    Eligible Funding
    • Varies by project
    Eligible Industries
    • Transportation and warehousing
    • Information and cultural industries
    • Arts, entertainment and recreation
    • Accommodation and food services
    Types of eligible projects
    CommercializationTechnologyInnovation
    BC, Canada

Frequently asked questions about commercialization funding in British Columbia (2026)

Here are concise answers to common questions about go-to-market grants, pilot project funding, and demonstration support available to BC startups and SMEs in 2026.

What is the difference between a pilot and a demonstration project?

A pilot tests a solution with an early customer in an operational setting to validate performance and fit, often at limited scope. A demonstration proves first-of-kind deployment at a commercial or near‑commercial scale. Both support TRL 5–9 and de‑risk procurement. Many BC grants fund pilots, demonstrations, or both.

Which programs support commercialization funding in BC in 2026?

Key options include Innovate BC initiatives (e.g., Fast Pilot, Ignite), NRC IRAP commercialization support, PacifiCan Business Scale‑up and Productivity, Innovative Solutions Canada’s Testing Stream, SDTC for cleantech, CanExport SMEs, and Global Innovation Clusters such as DIGITAL, NGen, and the Ocean Supercluster.

Do commercialization grants in BC require matching funds?

Many programs use cost‑share models and require applicants to contribute cash, typically in the 25–50% range, though terms vary. Ensure you confirm stacking rules and provide letters of commitment. A clear cash flow plan strengthens your application.

How can I get pilot project funding in BC for a startup?

Start with a working prototype, a defined pilot scope, and an interested host site. Target programs like BC Fast Pilot, NRC IRAP late‑stage support, ISC Testing Stream, and cluster co‑investment. helloDarwin can assess eligibility, prepare budgets, and align letters of support to improve competitiveness.

What costs are eligible under commercialization funding?

Typical eligible costs include personnel, subcontractors, materials, testing, certification, regulatory work, IP and FTO assessments, pilot integration, and travel for market validation. Pure marketing without validation is often ineligible.

How do I apply for NRC IRAP commercialization support in BC?

Engage an Industrial Technology Advisor early to review fit, scope, and milestones. Prepare a detailed work plan, commercialization roadmap, risk mitigation, and market evidence. helloDarwin can help structure your application and align budgets and KPIs.

Are there grants for women, Indigenous, newcomer, or youth‑led businesses?

Yes. Several programs include inclusive priorities and dedicated supports. Highlight leadership, community benefits, and inclusive hiring to strengthen your case. Check provincial, federal, and ecosystem partners for targeted intakes.

Can SR&ED be combined with commercialization grants in BC?

Often yes, if you manage stacking rules and separate R&D from commercialization costs. Track labor and subcontractors precisely. Align timelines so that SR&ED and grants complement each other without double‑claiming.

What is the fastest path to first‑customer revenue using grants?

Prioritize pilot funding with committed hosts, define clear success metrics, and budget for certification and integration. Use ISC Testing Stream or BC Fast Pilot for public or utility testbeds, then convert pilots into paid deployments.

How does helloDarwin help with BC commercialization funding in 2026?

helloDarwin unifies expert consulting and a SaaS platform to map eligibility, automate discovery, and manage applications across Innovate BC, IRAP, PacifiCan, ISC, SDTC, and clusters. We build fundable roadmaps, craft budgets and matching strategies, and prepare letters of support and pilot plans.

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