How much funding can be received?

The Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) is a grant initiative by the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation, designed to support rural economic development through projects that foster economic diversification, resilience, clean growth opportunities, and infrastructure development. Eligible activities include building local economic capacity, promoting economic diversification through development projects such as feasibility studies and infrastructure design, and supporting communities impacted by changes in the forest sector. The program targets small rural and Indigenous communities, offering up to 100% project cost coverage depending on the funding category applied for.

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This grant is available to communities and organizations located outside of the Metro Vancouver and Capital Regional Districts in British Columbia. The eligible locations are specifically targeted to support regional economic diversification and resilience in rural areas.

Small rural communities with populations of less than 2,500.
Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities anticipating impacts from changes in the forest sector, located outside of Metro Vancouver and the Capital Regional District.

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

The applicant must be a local government, regional district, Indigenous government, Indigenous development corporation, Indigenous-led not-for-profit, or a not-for-profit organization.
The applicant must represent communities with populations less than 25,000, located outside Metro Vancouver and the Capital Regional District, or Indigenous communities.
For the REDIP-EC funding category, the community must have a population of less than 2,500.
For the REDIP-ED funding category, eligible locations are small rural communities with populations of less than 25,000 and Indigenous communities.
For the REDIP-FIT funding category, the applicant can be an Indigenous or non-Indigenous community experiencing or anticipating forest sector impacts.
Limited Partnerships cannot apply as lead applicants, but can act as partners to an eligible lead applicant.
Communities with under 25,000 population in Metro Vancouver and Capital Regional Districts can apply for an eligibility exemption.

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Eligible applicants for the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) include a range of local and Indigenous community organizations in British Columbia. These include:

Local Governments.
Regional Districts.
Indigenous Governments.
Indigenous Development Corporations.
Indigenous-led Not-for-profits.
Other Not-for-profits registered under the Societies Act in British Columbia.

Furthermore, businesses and limited partnerships can act as partners to these eligible lead applicants.

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This grant excludes certain entities and organizations from applying based on their status and activity focus. Key restrictions are outlined to focus funding on eligible applicants aligned with the program's goals.

Federal entities, including federal Crown Corporations.
Applicants not operating within the Province of British Columbia.
Businesses seeking to apply as lead applicants.
Limited Partnerships seeking to apply as lead applicants.
Political parties, political action groups or lobby groups.
Registered charities seeking to apply as lead applicants.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The REDIP grant supports rural economic development projects that build economic capacity and promote diversification and infrastructure development. Eligible activities aim to enhance organizational capacity, diversify the economic base, and support infrastructure projects aligned with community economic strategies.

Community assessment projects such as identifying community economic development capacity, needs, and opportunities.
Capacity building projects through targeted coaching, job shadowing, mentorship, and professional development.
Community consultation and project identification for future economic development.
Staff recruitment and retention initiatives to improve stability and increase resources in economic development roles.
Development of feasibility studies and business plans for new economic initiatives.
Design and planning activities for infrastructure projects to support business and sector growth.
Implementation of programs or services related to workforce development, business development, and sector retention and expansion.
Construction or upgrading of infrastructure to support economic development, stability, and investment attraction.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The REDIP covers specific expenses that are essential and directly related to the implementation and completion of the project.

Costs incurred after approval and on or before the project completion date.
Capital purchases essential to project implementation (up to 50% of REDIP funding).
Staff salaries in the lead or partner organizations working directly on project activities:
- REDIP-EC: up to 100% of REDIP funding
- REDIP-ED and REDIP-FIT: up to 25% of REDIP funding
Equipment and/or furnishing essential to project operations.
Utility, electrical, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer set-up/connection services to project site.
Consulting services and project management.
Design/engineering costs, environmental reviews, and archaeological assessments.
Indigenous consultation and culturally relevant hospitality costs as part of the consultation process.
Communications, marketing, or promotion-related costs.
Travel, accommodation, and meals related to the project based on government per diem rates.

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The evaluation and selection of projects for the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.

Project Need: Describes the details of the project clearly and demonstrates why the project is needed. Preference will be given to Indigenous, small, and remote communities; and communities that identify/exhibit the strongest need for support with economic development capacity.
- Economic Capacity: 20 points
- Economic Diversification: 14 points
- Forest Impact Transition: 10 points
Project Benefits: Identifies clear and tangible community benefits resulting from the project. Clearly describes how/why project activities will achieve intended outcomes. The project advances StrongerBC priorities of inclusive and clean growth. Details how the project will help create good, sustainable jobs in the community.
- Economic Capacity: 14 points
- Economic Diversification: 30 points
- Forest Impact Transition: 20 points
Project Timeline: Demonstrates that the project is thoroughly planned and ready for implementation.
- Economic Capacity: 10 points
- Economic Diversification: 10 points
- Forest Impact Transition: 8 points
Project Budget: Contains detailed descriptions and accurate estimates of project costs. Demonstrates costs are direct and essential to project implementation.
- Economic Capacity: 10 points
- Economic Diversification: 15 points
- Forest Impact Transition: 15 points
Project Risk & Feasibility: Identifies potential risk factors and sufficient mitigation strategies. Demonstrates that the organization has the resources and skills to complete the project.
- Economic Capacity: 6 points
- Economic Diversification: 11 points
- Forest Impact Transition: 11 points
Community Support / Planning: Provides strong linkages between project activities and community planning.
- Economic Capacity: 10 points
- Economic Diversification: 10 points
- Forest Impact Transition: 8 points
Diversity, Inclusion and Reconciliation: Demonstrates organizational commitment to diversity, inclusion and Indigenous reconciliation. Considers the potential impacts of the project on all community members.
- Economic Capacity: 10 points
- Economic Diversification: 10 points
- Forest Impact Transition: 8 points
Applicant Self-assessment: Preference for organizations with limited capacity to address economic development challenges.
- Economic Capacity: 20 points
Forest Impacts: Applicants must self-identify forest sector economic impacts.
- Forest Impact Transition (only): 20 points

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Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Learn about the program (Research & Contact)
- Refer to the REDIP Program Guide for complete details about the program.
- Contact the program team or your local Regional Manager for support and to ensure your project is eligible.
Step 2: Select a funding category and confirm your eligibility
- Ensure you are applying for the correct funding category.
- Confirm your eligibility and avoid common ineligible projects as listed in the program guide.
Step 3: Review your project idea with program staff (Consultation)
- Connect with REDIP staff or a Regional Manager for a project review session.
- Use the REDIP Scoping Call Checklist to prepare for your consultation.
Step 4: Create a Business BCeID
- Ensure your organization has a registered Business BCeID, as it is required for the application.
- Follow the Business BCeID instructions to create or confirm your BCeID.
Step 5: Prepare your application (Documentation & Drafting)
- Use the practice Word document application forms for drafting your responses.
- Prepare a completed Excel budget template specific to your funding category.
- Complete a Direct Deposit Form to be submitted with your application.
Step 6: Complete optional supporting documentation (Supplementary)
- Include additional documents such as project plans, permits, or letters of support if applicable.
Step 7: Submit your application (Online Submission)
- Submit your completed application via the REDIP online application form.
- Contact the program team for any concerns about submitting your application online.
Step 8: After your application is submitted (Post-Submission)
- Await communication from program staff for any additional information required.
- Funding decisions will be communicated in Spring 2025.

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The REDIP is a competitive grant program with detailed eligibility requirements and a structured application process. Eligible lead applicants must ensure their projects align with the program's economic development goals.

Applicants can be local governments, regional districts, Indigenous governments, Indigenous development corporations, and not-for-profits.
Projects need to directly serve the applicant's community, and those involving multiple communities must meet eligibility for each.
New Business BCeID is required for application, which can take several weeks to obtain.
Applicants can submit only one application per intake for one category: REDIP-EC, REDIP-ED, or REDIP-FIT.
Funding recipients must acknowledge the Province of British Columbia in promotional materials.
Eligible costs include those directly related to the project and must comply with federal/provincial standards.
Projects must provide documentation on budgets, partnership letters, relevant permits, and community support.

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RuralDevelopment@gov.bc.ca

250-356-7950

Apply to this program

Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) Overview

The Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) offers substantial funding opportunities to support economic growth, diversification, and resilience in rural communities across British Columbia. By focusing on clean growth and infrastructure development, the program aims to enhance the economic capabilities of smaller, rural, and Indigenous communities.

In-Depth Analysis of the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP)

administered by the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation (JEDI), seeks to fuel economic dynamism within rural vicinities by allocating considerable financial resources toward projects that meet rigorous eligibility requirements and align with broader policy goals of environmental responsibility and sustainable growth. With an annual funding allocation of $33 million, REDIP invests in projects that bolster economic diversification and build resilience while lifting infrastructure capabilities in communities outside the metropolitan cores of British Columbia.

This program operates with three distinct funding streams, each tailored to specific needs and goals. The Economic Capacity (REDIP-EC) funding targets very small rural communities and Indigenous groups, offering complete financial coverage for projects up to $100,000. These projects emphasize capacity building, professional development, community assessments, and staff retention to ensure the continuous growth and stability of local economies. The goal here is to provide these small communities with the requisite tools and infrastructure to foster a robust and supportive economic environment.

Meanwhile, the Economic Diversification (REDIP-ED) funding category provides up to $1 million per project. This funding requires applicants to shoulder 20% of project costs, focusing on more extensive development and infrastructure projects that can significantly elevate the economic profile of communities with populations under 25,000. This stream supports the construction of hard infrastructures, such as business hubs or technology centers, and the development of various programs poised to attract investment and provide vital services, all aimed at enhancing economic resilience and sustainability.

The third stream, Forest Impact Transition (REDIP-FIT), is crafted specifically for communities dealing with changes in the forest sector, such as those from old growth deferrals. This stream offers up to $500,000 and fully covers the costs of projects that aim at economic recovery and pivoting towards alternative revenue sources. This segment of the program is essential in addressing the acute economic shifts faced by communities heavily reliant on the forest industry, helping them transition smoothly and sustainably.

Importantly, the REDIP program is effectively designed to support Indigenous and rural communities, not only through financial means but also by promoting collaboration and partnership, and facilitating access to technical resources to amplify project impact. Applicants are encouraged to consult with the REDIP program staff at the start of the application process to ensure their proposed projects align with the overarching objectives and stringent evaluation criteria of REDIP.

Moreover, REDIP emphasizes strong accountability and results-oriented management, reflected in its stringent reporting requirements. Successful applicants must ensure timely and accurate reports to maintain eligibility for current and future funding cycles. This structured oversight ensures that the projects not only start strong but also deliver significant, long-term outcomes for the communities involved.

Overall, the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) is a comprehensive initiative that underscores British Columbia’s commitment to fostering vibrant, sustainable rural economies through targeted financial support and strategic development partnerships. It stands as a critical component of the province's broader economic strategy, ensuring that rural and Indigenous communities have the opportunity to thrive amidst changing economic landscapes and to participate actively in the province's growth and development story.