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BC Small Business Venture Capital Program
Tax credits for B.C. small business investment
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 25,000 - $ 10,000,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
This program supports B.C. small businesses by helping investors receive tax credits on eligible equity investments. It applies to registrations, additional equity requests, and ongoing annual reporting for eligible business corporations and venture capital corporations.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 25,000 $
- Up to 30% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 100 employees maximum
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Manufacturing and processing of goods produced in B.C.
- Research and development of proprietary technology
- Development of interactive digital media products
- Clean technology development and commercialization
- Destination tourism and scale-up activities
Documents Needed
- Completed registration application
- Business plan or executive summary
- Central securities register
- Annual return form and supporting financial statements
- Share purchase report
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- British Columbia-based small businesses
- Eligible business corporations (EBCs)
- Venture capital corporations (VCCs)
Who is not eligible
- Businesses that are not incorporated or not registered to operate in B.C.
- Businesses not substantially engaged in a qualifying activity
- Businesses without a permanent place of business in B.C.
- Businesses with more than 100 employees, together with affiliates, at the time of initial investment
Eligible expenses
- Export-related shipping and forwarding costs
- Warehousing and distribution costs
- Installation, maintenance, inspection and permitting costs for equipment outside B.C.
- Some prototype, trade show, regulatory and clinical trial costs related to proprietary technology exports
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Lending
- Investment outside British Columbia
- Investment in land, unless incidental to the business activity
- Purchases from related investors or affiliates, unless at fair market value in the ordinary course of business
- Use of funds for prohibited purposes under the Act
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after all required information is submitted.
- Registration and additional equity requests are generally processed within 10 business days.
- If approved, the administrator issues a registration or equity authorization letter.
- Tax credit certificates are issued after investment is recorded and requirements are met.
- Annual reporting is required to remain in good standing.
Additional information
- The program operates under limited annual tax credit budgets.
- Eligible corporations can be listed on a public register if they consent.
- Investors should request the pre-approved authorization before investing.
- The government does not guarantee share value or match investors with businesses.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the BC Small Business Venture Capital Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the BC Small Business Venture Capital Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the BC Small Business Venture Capital Program?
This program supports B.C. small businesses by helping investors receive tax credits on eligible equity investments. It applies to registrations, additional equity requests, and ongoing annual reporting for eligible business corporations and venture capital corporations.
How much funding can be received?
BC Small Business Venture Capital Program Funds up to 30% of admissible expenses, capped at $10,000,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the BC Small Business Venture Capital Program program?
To be eligible for the BC Small Business Venture Capital Program program, you must:
Incorporated in B.C.
Substantially engaged in a qualifying activity
Minimum $25,000 equity capital
What expenses are eligible under BC Small Business Venture Capital Program?
Manufacturing and processing of goods produced in B.C.
Research and development of proprietary technology
Development of interactive digital media products
Clean technology development and commercialization
Destination tourism and scale-up activities
Who can I contact for more information about the BC Small Business Venture Capital Program?
You can contact Government of British Columbia (BC) by email at InvestmentCapital@gov.bc.ca or by phone at 1-800-665-6597.
Where is the BC Small Business Venture Capital Program available?
The BC Small Business Venture Capital Program program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the BC Small Business Venture Capital Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
BC Small Business Venture Capital Program is a Tax Credits