BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) — Project Readiness
Last Update: January 24, 2025
BC, Canada
Support for manufacturing companies in BC
BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) — Project Readiness at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $50,000
- Up to 20% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : February 28, 2023
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Grant Providers
- Government of British Columbia
Status
Open
Overview of the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) — Project Readiness program
Get up to $50,000 to cover up to 50% of total eligible projects to complete final-stage business and project planning to help modernize and grow operations.
Financing terms and conditions
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.
Eligible projects & activities
The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund provides support for final-stage business and project planning necessary for launching manufacturing projects. The eligible activities focus on advancing detailed planning and assessments required for project implementation.
- Development of a business case to expand operations or diversify product lines.
- Conducting operational or technical assessments to improve processes or introduce new technology.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 50,000
Upgrading machinery for a sustainable textile production facility
$ 50,000
Expanding operations to increase production of eco-friendly packaging solutions
$ 50,000
Retrofitting a processing facility with new forestry technology
$ 50,000
Building a new facility for a local food manufacturing enterprise
$ 50,000
Implementing new technology in the food processing plant to improve efficiency
$ 50,000
Diversifying product lines with recycled materials for furniture manufacturing
Eligibility criteria of the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) — Project Readiness program
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 applicants for the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) include businesses, for-profit organizations, and entities that have for-profit manufacturing operations. This also encompasses First Nations and Indigenous- and First Nation-owned enterprises. To qualify, applicants must be registered to do business in B.C., operate in the manufacturing sector, have established operations and an existing employee base, and be in a viable financial position. Specifically, they must not be in foreclosure or for sale and should show current or projected growth, profits, and/or the ability to pay off short-term debts. Additionally, the projects eligible for this funding must be based in B.C., contribute to long-term regional economic growth, sustainability, or diversity, and be financially viable while leveraging market demand.
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.
Eligibility criteria of the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) — Project Readiness program
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.
How to apply to the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF) — Project Readiness program
1
Review Program Guide
Access the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund Program Guide to understand full details on eligibility and requirements.
2
Eligibility Assessment
Ensure that your business and project meet the eligibility criteria laid out for both applicant and project eligibility.
3
Initial Contact
Contact the program officials via email at ManufacturingJobsFund@gov.bc.ca to discuss your potential project, especially if it is highly aligned with the program priorities.
4
Prepare Application
- Prepare a detailed project proposal that aligns with the program's goals including objectives, project description, and anticipated outcomes.
- Gather necessary documentation such as business plans, financial records, and any other supporting documents required.
5
Application Submission
If the program intake is open, submit your application through the designated submission portal or email as instructed in the program guide.
6
Confirmation and Follow-up
- Receive confirmation of receipt of your application.
- Follow up with program officials if further information or clarification is needed.
Additional information
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.
Contact Government of British Columbia
manufacturingjobsfund@gov.bc.ca
Apply to this program
Grant and FundingClosed
British Columbia, Canada
PacifiCan's BSP supports high-growth business innovation and scale-up
Grant and FundingClosed
British Columbia, Canada
Financing to accelerate growth in British Columbia
Grant and FundingClosed
British Columbia, Canada
Money to accelerate British Columbia innovation in natural resources and applied science
Grant and FundingOpen
British Columbia, Canada
Supports BC agriculture workforce recruitment and skills training
Grant and FundingClosed
British Columbia, Canada
Supports business planning for B.C. agriculture and food sectors
Grant and FundingOpen
British Columbia, Canada
Genomics research funding competitions
Grant and FundingClosed
British Columbia, Canada
Financial support for B.C. beekeeping and Indigenous organizations
Grant and FundingClosed
British Columbia, Canada
Enhance irrigation infrastructure and water management in British Columbia's agricultural sector.
Grant and FundingClosed
British Columbia, Canada
Strengthen domestic agriculture by funding workforce development strategies in BC
Grant and FundingOpen
British Columbia, Canada
Supports BC student employment in agriculture sectors