Buy BC Partnership Program

Step 1: Review program guide and timelines- Download and read the current Buy BC Partnership Program Guide from the program website.- Note the intake window (January 26, 2026 to February 20, 2026 at 16:00 PST), anticipated project start date (April 1, 2026), and project completion deadline (November 13, 2026).- Optional: Attend or watch the recording of the online program information session held on January 29, 2026.Step 2: Obtain or confirm Buy BC logo licence- Apply for a Buy BC logo licence for your eligible products via the Ministry of Agriculture and Food website (BuyBC.gov.bc.ca/join-buy-bc/).- Ensure your application for logo licensing is submitted no later than February 13, 2026 to allow time for review and approval.- Confirm that your products are correctly licensed and that you hold a valid Buy BC logo licence before submitting a funding application.Step 3: Complete eligibility self-assessment- Use the eligibility self-assessment tool provided through the Buy BC Partnership Program or MNP Application Portal to confirm that your organization and proposed project meet the program requirements.- Contact Program Administration (admin@BuyBCPartnershipProgram.ca) if you have questions about the eligibility of specific activities or expenses.Step 4: Register or sign in to the MNP Application Portal- Access the MNP Application Portal via the Buy BC Partnership Program website (www.BuyBCPartnershipProgram.ca).- If you are a new user, create an organizational account in the portal.- If you have previously applied to the Buy BC Partnership Program or the BC Agriculture and Food Export Program using the MNP Portal (launched May 2023), sign in using your existing account credentials.Step 5: Select the appropriate funding stream- Within the portal, choose the funding stream that matches your organization type: Stream 1 – Producers, Processors and Cooperatives, or Stream 2 – Industry Associations, Boards and Councils.- Confirm that you will submit only one application for the intake.Step 6: Gather project information and supporting quotes- Define your proposed project activities using only eligible activity types (e.g., paid advertising, Buy BC logo labelling/packaging, marketing collateral, B.C.-focused trade shows and sales expositions, B.C.-focused in-store demonstrations and promotions, staff wages).- For each activity, outline objectives, timelines, and expected outputs and impacts in line with the program outcomes.- Obtain written quotes for any individual budget item with a cost of $5,000 or more; keep these documents ready to upload or reference in your application.Step 7: Complete the project budget template- Download the Project Budget template (see Appendix 2 of the Program Guide for a sample structure) from the portal or program website.- Itemize each expense by activity type and output (for example, separate lines for booth rental, booth graphics, shipping samples, digital ads, videos, staff wages).- Indicate unit quantities, unit costs, total cost, cost-share percentage, and the Buy BC funding request for each line.- Ensure your budget respects all applicable funding caps (for example, labelling/packaging with logo, marketing collateral, social media campaigns, staff wages).- Save the completed budget file to upload with your application.Step 8: Fill out the online application form- In the MNP Application Portal, open a new application for the current intake.- Enter organizational information and contact details as requested.- Describe your project work plan, including specific activities, timelines, locations, and service providers (if known).- Explain how your project aligns with the program objectives and expected outcomes, and how you will measure results.- Upload the completed Project Budget file and any required supporting quotes for items of $5,000 or more.Step 9: Review and submit the application online- Carefully review all sections of the application form and the attached budget for completeness, internal consistency, and eligibility of activities and costs.- Confirm that you hold a valid Buy BC logo licence and that the application is finalized before the deadline.- Submit the complete application through the MNP Application Portal no later than 16:00 Pacific Standard Time on February 20, 2026.- Note that once submitted, the application and project budget cannot be changed.Step 10: Await merit-based assessment and decision- Program Administration reviews complete applications between February 21 and March 31, 2026 using a competitive, merit-based process aligned with published assessment criteria.- Monitor the email address provided in your application for formal notification of the funding decision.- If your application is not approved, you may request feedback from Program Administration.Step 11: Finalize and sign the Funding Agreement- If approved, review the Funding Agreement sent by Program Administration outlining eligible activities, approved budget, project timelines, reporting and reimbursement requirements, and any specific terms and conditions.- Seek clarification from Program Administration if any part of the Agreement is unclear.- Sign and return the Funding Agreement as instructed; ensure it is fully executed by both parties before incurring project expenses.Step 12: Implement project and obtain approvals for communications- After the Funding Agreement is fully executed, begin implementing approved project activities and incurring eligible expenses.- Prepare all marketing, promotional, and communication materials that will use the Buy BC logo or funding acknowledgement.- Submit these materials to Program Administration for review and written approval before production or public release, following the instructions provided in your Funding Agreement.Step 13: Complete reporting and request reimbursement- Track all project expenses and retain invoices and proof of payment that correspond to the activities and budget in your Funding Agreement.- Use the reporting and expense claim templates provided by Program Administration to prepare your progress or final report, including required performance indicators and outcomes for each funded activity.- For producers, processors, and cooperatives, submit a single progress/final report and expense claim at the end of the project; for industry associations, submit a mid-term report and claim (if required) and a final report and claim at project end, by the deadlines stated in the Funding Agreement.- Submit your reports, expense claims, invoices, and proof of payment to Program Administration as instructed to receive reimbursement of eligible, approved costs.