Business Scale-up and Productivity in British Columbia
The Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program supports high-growth businesses in British Columbia with interest-free, repayable funding to accelerate growth and innovation.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJune 15, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateSeptember 22, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Pacific Economic Development Canada
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grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
The Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program by PacifiCan supports high-growth businesses in British Columbia that are scaling up and producing innovative goods, services, or technologies. The program offers interest-free, repayable funding for activities such as productivity improvement, market development or expansion, and late-stage technology commercialization. Eligible businesses must be incorporated, have operated for at least two years, and confirm at least 50% of project funding from non-government sources.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
The BSP program is open to incorporated high-growth businesses that have been operating in British Columbia for a minimum of 2 years. Preference may be given to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with less than 500 full-time employees (FTEs).
- High-growth business that is scaling up and producing innovative goods, services, or technologies
- Incorporated to do business in Canada
- Have been in business for at least 2 years in Canada
- Have staffed operating facilities in British Columbia
- Submit evidence of confirmed funding, at the time of expression of interest submission, from all other sources, including government and non-government (non-government funding must represent at least 50% of the proposed project costs)
- Be looking to support or accelerate growth through activities such as: productivity improvement, business scale-up, or technology commercialization
- Maximum project duration of 3 years
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program is open to high-growth businesses in British Columbia that have been operating for a minimum of 2 years and are producing innovative goods, services, or technologies. Preference is given to small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with less than 500 full-time employees (FTEs).
- High-growth businesses
- Incorporated to do business in Canada
- Operating for at least 2 years in Canada
- Staffed operating facilities in British Columbia
- Confirmed funding from both government and non-government sources, with non-government funding representing at least 50% of the proposed project costs
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The provided context does not mention any specific types of companies that are not eligible for the grant. The eligibility criteria focus on high-growth businesses in British Columbia, but no explicit exclusions are noted.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. Up to 50% of eligible project costs may be requested from PacifiCan.
- Capital costs (equipment, machinery)
- Labour (wages, benefits)
- Marketing
- Costs related to intellectual property
- Technology development and commercial demonstrations
- Professional, advisory, technical services
grant_eligibility_criteria|project_activity
The Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program supports projects related to productivity improvement, business scale-up, and technology commercialization activities for high-growth businesses in British Columbia.
- Acquiring, adapting, and/or adopting new technologies and processes
- Process re-engineering
- Improving manufacturing capacity
- Market development or expansion
- Adopting best management practices, processes, and systems
- Business opportunity development
- Late stage product development to grow and diversify markets
- Technology demonstration (Technology Readiness Levels 7-9)
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zone for this grant is British Columbia.
- Businesses must have staffed operating facilities in British Columbia
- Businesses must be incorporated to do business in Canada
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for the Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program focus on the merit and alignment of the submissions with program objectives, priority areas, and significant economic benefits. Applications are assessed based on these factors to determine their capacity to achieve BSP objectives.
- Market potential
- Management capability
- Financial capacity
- Economic benefits
- Technology readiness (for technology commercialization projects only)
- Agency priorities
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Thoroughly review the BSP EOI Help Guide.
- Content: A comprehensive guide to assist in completing the EOI form.
- Implications: Ensures applicants understand the requirements and process.
- Step 2: Prepare mandatory documents.
- Content: Financial statements, business plan, confirmation of other funding sources.
- Implications: Documents must be complete and accurate for consideration.
- Step 3: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Content: Submit EOI along with mandatory documents before the deadline.
- Implications: Only one EOI per business is allowed per intake.
- Step 4: Wait for Invitation to Apply.
- Content: EOIs with strong merit and alignment will be invited to submit a full application.
- Implications: Not all EOIs will receive an invitation; a new EOI is required for future intakes if not selected.
- Step 5: Complete Full Application if Invited.
- Content: Detailed assessment includes business plan, financial projections, project costs.
- Implications: Thorough application required, further questions may be addressed directly by PacifiCan.
- Step 6: Await Funding Decision.
- Content: Decisions communicated within approximately 90 business days of complete application.
- Implications: Complete applications undergo rigorous evaluation.
- Step 7: Funding Disbursement based on Submitted Claims.
- Content: Claims may be submitted up to 4 times per year.
- Implications: PacifiCan reimburses approved portion of eligible project costs incurred and paid.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The grant provides interest-free, repayable funding to high-growth businesses in British Columbia, with a focus on innovation and economic benefits. It supports activities such as productivity improvement, business scale-up, and technology commercialization.
- Expressions of Interest (EOI) submission period: July 14, 2023, to September 22, 2023.
- Mandatory criteria include incorporation in Canada, at least two years of operation, and staffed facilities in British Columbia.
- Funding from PacifiCan can cover up to 50% of eligible project costs, with a minimum project cost of $200,000 and a maximum of $5 million per project.
- PacifiCan will only accept 1 EOI per business per intake, with a project start date of April 1, 2024, unless otherwise specified.
- Eligible costs include capital costs, labour, marketing, intellectual property, technology development, and professional services.
- Ineligible costs include basic R&D, land and buildings, salary bonuses, entertainment, refinancing, and amortization.
- Funding decisions are made within 90 business days after a complete application is submitted.
- A technical assessment may be conducted by NRC-IRAP for projects using novel technology.
- Repayment terms include a 1-year grace period followed by equal monthly payments over 5 years, interest-free.
grant_single_labels|contact
info@pacifican.gc.ca
1-888-338-9378
Apply to this program
PacifiCan's Business Scale-up and Productivity Program
The Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) is designed to support high-growth businesses in British Columbia that are scaling up and producing innovative goods, services, or technologies. The program provides interest-free, repayable funding to help these businesses develop and commercialize new products, improve productivity, and expand their market presence.
Comprehensive Guide to the Business Scale-up and Productivity Program
The Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) is a specialized funding initiative aimed at propelling the growth of high-potential businesses in British Columbia. This comprehensive guide will give you an in-depth understanding of the BSP program's eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, expected results, and more.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program, businesses must meet a series of stringent criteria:
- Businesses must be incorporated and must have been operating in Canada for at least two years.
- They should have staffed operating facilities in British Columbia.
- Preference is given to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with fewer than 500 full-time employees.
- Businesses should demonstrate high growth, typically indicated by a year-over-year revenue increase of at least 20%.
- Applicants must provide evidence of secured funding from both government and non-government sources, with non-government funding representing at least 50% of the project costs at the time of the expression of interest (EOI) submission.
Eligible Activities
The program is specially crafted to support activities that drive business growth, including:
- Productivity Improvement: Activities such as acquiring and adopting new technologies, process re-engineering, and improving manufacturing capacity.
- Business Scale-up: Initiatives like market development or expansion, adopting best management practices, and business opportunity development.
- Technology Commercialization: Late-stage product development, growth and diversification of markets, and technology demonstration for Technology Readiness Levels 7-9 as defined by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).
Priority Areas
While the BSP program is open to various sectors, preference may be given to projects with a demonstrated focus on:
- Export Orientation: Entry of Canadian products and services into new markets or significantly increasing market share in existing foreign markets.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Development and adoption of innovative technologies to create new products, enhance processes, and establish more cost-effective ways of working.
- Clean Resources: Transitioning to a low-carbon economy through innovation in the energy, mining, and forestry sectors.
- Clean Technology: Processes, products, or services that reduce environmental impacts to improve global competitiveness and regulatory compliance.
- Digital Industries: Information and communication technology (ICT), digital and interactive media, content industries, and companies that creatively capture, transmit, and display information electronically.
- Health/Bio-sciences: Developers and manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biomedical innovations, digital health solutions, and health analytics and diagnostics.
- Natural Resources Value-added Processing: Adding value to primary products/raw materials in the energy, mineral, or forestry sectors.
- Ocean Technology: Developing marine products and services, including underwater or remote vehicles, subsea sensors, and marine batteries.
- Value-added Agriculture/Agritech: Applying technology to improve production, profitability, and sustainability in agriculture, fisheries, and aquaculture.
Eligible Costs
Up to 50% of eligible project costs can be requested from PacifiCan, with a minimum request of $200,000 and a maximum of $5 million per project. Eligible project costs include:
- Capital costs like equipment and machinery
- Labour costs, including wages and benefits
- Marketing expenses
- Costs related to intellectual property
- Technology development and commercial demonstrations
- Professional, advisory, and technical services
Ineligible Costs
Not all expenses are covered under this program. Some ineligible costs include:
- R&D expenses classified under Technology Readiness Levels 1-6
- Land and buildings
- Salary bonuses and dividend payments
- Entertainment expenses
- Refinancing existing debts
- Amortization or depreciation of assets
- Lobbying activities
- Donations, dues, and membership fees
Expected Results
PacifiCan aims to fund projects that have a viable plan for producing strong economic outcomes, including:
- Creation of high-quality personnel (HQP) jobs in Canada
- Creation of non-HQP jobs in Canada
- Revenue growth ($)
- Export sales growth ($)
- Business sales growth resulting from commercialization ($), where applicable
Additionally, projects that support the economic participation of Indigenous people, women, and youth are highly encouraged.
Application Process
The BSP program accepts Expressions of Interest (EOIs) during specific intake periods, generally from mid-July to late September, with the next intake anticipated to have similar dates. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Expression of Interest: Businesses must submit EOIs by the specified deadline. Each business can submit only one EOI per intake period.
- Invitation to Apply: EOIs with the strongest merit and alignment with program objectives will be invited to complete a full application.
- Assessment: PacifiCan evaluates applications based on various criteria including market potential, management capability, financial capacity, and economic benefits.
- Funding Decision: Funding decisions are usually communicated within approximately 90 business days of receiving a complete application.
Documents Needed
To submit an EOI, you will need the following:
- Financial statements for the past two years, along with interim financial statements for at least the last six-month period
- Business plan and other documents detailing the proposed project, the company, and its management team
- Confirmation of other funding sources from both government and non-government entities
After Submitting an Expression of Interest
If your EOI is successful, you will be invited to complete a full application. The assessment process involves a detailed review to ensure the project aligns with the program’s objectives and has significant economic benefits.
Funding Disbursement
Funding is disbursed based on claims submitted for approved project costs. Businesses can submit claims up to four times per year. Receipts and proof of payment must be provided for all eligible costs.
Repayment Terms
Repayment terms offer a one-year grace period after project completion, followed by equal monthly payments over five years. The funding is interest-free, and there is no penalty for early repayment.
Contact Information
For more details or assistance, you can reach PacifiCan directly at 1-888-338-9378 or via email at info@pacifican.gc.ca.
The Business Scale-up and Productivity program is part of the national Regional Economic Growth through Innovation initiative aimed at supporting economic development and innovation across Canada.
