BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) — Project Readiness

The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund provides tailored financial support to assist manufacturing sectors in expanding and innovating their operations. Each stream offers different funding limits and co-financing proportions for eligible projects.

• Project Readiness stream offers funding up to $50,000, covering up to 50% of total eligible project costs.
• Capital Investment stream requires a minimum project cost of $100,000, offering funding between $100,000 to $10,000,000.
• For Capital Investment, funding covers up to 20% of total eligible project costs, with projects needing to be approximately between $500,000 to $100 million.
• Funding disbursements are structured based on the completion of project milestones.

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed manufacturing activities.

• Applicants must be businesses or for-profit organizations.
• Entities should have for-profit manufacturing operations, including First Nations and Indigenous- and First Nation-owned enterprises.
• The applicant must be registered to do business in B.C.
• Applicants must operate within the manufacturing sector, creating products using industrial or mass production processes.
• Applicants should have established operations either at the proposed project location or elsewhere.
• The applicant must have an established employee base.
• Applicants must be in a viable financial position with evidence of current or projected growth, profits, and/or ability to pay off short-term debts.
• Applicants must not be in foreclosure or for sale.
• First Nations and Indigenous-owned enterprises preparing to acquire or buy into an established manufacturing operation may also apply.

Who is eligible?

Eligible expenses

The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund supports capital projects that foster modernization, innovation, and sustainable growth within the manufacturing sector, with a focus on forestry and the use of alternative materials. The eligible projects are aimed at enhancing operations and contributing to local economic development, particularly in regions affected by economic challenges.

• Development of a business case to expand operations or diversify product lines.
• Conducting operational or technical assessments to improve processes or introduce new technology.
• Building or expanding a manufacturing facility.
• Upgrading equipment or machinery to support new product lines.
• Adopting innovative processes to manufacture value-added forestry products from biomass or other alternatives.
• Retrofitting a processing facility to expand or adopt new technology and processes.
• Improving processes for fabrication.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to manufacturing companies in British Columbia. The funding primarily supports projects that align with the economic needs of regional and Indigenous communities within B.C.

• All regions in British Columbia.

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives, but specific point scores are not provided.

• Contribution to long-term regional economic growth, sustainability, and/or diversity.
• Creation, maintenance, or diversification of job opportunities for local workers.
• High degree of project readiness and direct benefits to communities.
• Demonstration of alignment with the program goals.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The program aims to invest up to $180 million in manufacturing projects across B.C.
• Funds will be allocated to projects that can show significant benefits to communities, particularly regional and Indigenous communities.
• Funding is disbursed in installments, hinged on meeting specific project milestones.
• Projects are expected to start within one year after funding approval.
• Ongoing communication with the program administrator is encouraged for potential high-alignment projects.