Buy BC Partnership Program — Producers, Processors and Cooperatives
BC, Canada
Funding to promote British Columbia agri-food and seafood
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 06, 2025
- grant_single|closingDateJanuary 28, 2025
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Retail trade
grant_single|grantors
- Government of British Columbia
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get funding up to $30,000 to cover the costs associated with marketing and promotional activities designed to increase consumer demand and sales of British Columbia agri-food and seafood products within the province.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
This grant is structured to provide financial support through a cost-sharing model, aimed at promoting local food and beverage products from British Columbia. The terms are designed to cover a portion of eligible expenses, helping businesses to capitalize on marketing and promotional activities.
- Financial assistance is provided via a cost-shared funding model, requiring recipients to cover a portion of the total project costs.
- For first-time recipients in the Producers and Processors stream, the funding support is structured as a 50% Ministry contribution matched by a 50% recipient contribution.
- Returning recipients in the Producers and Processors stream receive a 35% Ministry contribution, requiring a 65% contribution from the recipient.
- The maximum funding available for Producers, Processors, and Cooperatives is capped annually, with up to $15,000 for those with less than $250,000 in gross revenue and up to $30,000 for those with more.
- Industry Associations can receive up to 70% of eligible project costs reimbursed, with a yearly maximum funding limit of $75,000.
- Eligible projects must incur costs upfront, which are reimbursed following the completion and reporting of the project within the agreed terms of the Funding Agreement.
- Specific funding caps are applied to certain activity types, such as a $10,000 limit on packaging with the Buy BC logo and a $5,000 limit for marketing collateral.
- The program does not support funding on a first-come, first-served basis but instead assesses applications on a merit basis to align with the program's objectives.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Buy BC Partnership Program offers funding for projects that support local marketing activities, aiming to increase consumer awareness and sales of agriculture, food, and beverage products in British Columbia. Eligible activities focus on advertising, in-store promotions, trade shows, and the creation of marketing materials.
- Conducting paid advertising campaigns including Buy BC-branded digital, radio, print, or TV advertisements.
- Participating in B.C.-focused market development trade shows and sales expositions targeting consumers and buyers.
- Organizing in-store product demonstrations and promotions in food service and retail outlets.
- Designing, developing, and printing Buy BC-branded marketing collateral and promotional materials.
- Labeling or packaging products with the Buy BC logo for the first time.
- Covering staff wages related to the direct implementation of eligible project activities.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 30,000
Developing a print and digital marketing campaign for BC seafood products
$ 27,000
Hosting a BC agri-food conference to connect producers with consumers
$ 29,000
Organizing a series of local food festivals to promote BC food and beverages
$ 28,000
Launching a comprehensive social media campaign for BC organic produce
$ 30,000
Creating a video series highlighting the stories of BC farmers and their products
$ 25,000
Creating an interactive website to boost sales of local BC farm products
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Buy BC Partnership Program grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.
- The applicant must fit under one of two funding streams: Producers and Processors, or Industry Associations.
- Producers must be primary agriculture, seafood producers, and cooperatives, including growers, harvesters, ranchers, and those producing fresh food or agricultural and seafood products 100% grown, caught, or raised in BC.
- Processors must transform raw agricultural, food, beverage, and/or seafood materials into new products with at least 51% of the final costs of production originating in BC.
- Applicants must have a head office in BC or be authorized to do business in BC.
- Applicants must have been approved for and hold a valid Buy BC logo licence.
- Producers and processors must have a minimum of $30,000 in annual revenue for each of the past two years.
- Applicants must be able to carry the cost of their total project until completion before applying for reimbursement.
- Applicants must be able to self-fund a minimum percentage of the total project budget (50% for first-time recipients and 65% for returning recipients in Stream 1; 30% for Applicants in Stream 2).
- Applicants can submit only one application per intake.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Organizations eligible to apply for the 2025 BuyBC Partnership Program are divided into two main streams: Producers and Processors, and Industry Associations. These streams outline the types of organizations and businesses that qualify for funding based on specific criteria related to their operations and contributions to the local agriculture, food, and beverage sectors in British Columbia.
- Stream 1 - Producers and Processors: Includes primary agriculture and seafood producers and cooperatives. This encompasses growers, harvesters, ranchers, and other businesses responsible for producing fresh food, agricultural, and seafood products that are 100% grown, caught, or raised in BC.
- Processors under Stream 1: Businesses that transform raw agricultural, food, beverage, and seafood materials into new products with at least 51% of the final production costs originating in BC.
- Applicable Stream 1 candidates must hold a valid Buy BC logo license and demonstrate at least $30,000 in annual revenue for each of the past two years.
- Stream 2 - Industry Associations: Comprises industry associations, boards, and councils that support BC-based producers, processors, and cooperatives. These associations must represent the collective interests of these groups.
- Both streams require applicants to have their headquarters in BC or be authorized to operate in BC.
- For the producers and processors stream, there is a cost-share requirement of 50% ministry and 50% applicant for first-time recipients, and 35% ministry and 65% applicant for returning recipients.
- Industry associations in Stream 2 experience a cost-sharing of 70% ministry and 30% applicant.
- Organizations such as farmers' markets, agricultural fairs, and food hubs are eligible for the Buy BC logo license but not for cost-shared funding.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain types of companies and industries from eligibility for cost-shared funding. Restrictions ensure that funds are directed to businesses aligned with the program's primary focus on agriculture, food, and beverage products in B.C.
- Farmers’ markets, agricultural fairs, food hubs, other processing facilities, non-profit organizations, exhibitions, retailers, wholesalers, or distributors.
- Businesses that do not have a head office in B.C. or are not authorized to do business in B.C.
- Companies with annual revenue lower than the specified minimum for their respective stream.
- Organizations without a valid Buy BC logo license.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the marketing and promotion activities under the Buy BC Partnership Program.
- Paid advertising, including digital, radio, print, transit, and TV ads.
- Labelling or packaging products with the Buy BC logo, including design and printing costs for the first run.
- Marketing collateral and promotional materials production, such as videos, brochures, and banners.
- B.C. focused market development trade shows and sales expositions participation costs, including booth rentals and shipping product samples.
- B.C. focused in-store demonstrations and promotions, covering costs related to product sampling and employing brand ambassadors.
- Staff wages for project activity implementation.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This grant is available to companies with a head office or business authorization within British Columbia. Eligible locations are outlined to support the promotion of local BC food and beverage products.
- Businesses with a head office in British Columbia.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the 2025 BuyBC Partnership Program are based on a set of criteria designed to align project goals with the program’s objectives, while ensuring broad benefit and effective use of resources.
- Project Objectives & Alignment with Program Outcomes (25%): Projects that demonstrate alignment with 5 or 6 of the Immediate Outcomes identified will be scored more favourably.
- Project Work Plan (40%): The comprehensiveness, clarity, and definition of project activities (i.e., reasonable timelines, service providers, deliverables).
- Expected Project Impact (25%): How well the applicant demonstrates the projected impact, with clearly defined targets that are realistic based on budget, timeline, and type of activity.
- Past Project Reporting and Performance (10%): Consideration of past achievements, including within-budget projects and timely reporting by previous recipients; first-time applicants receive full marks for this criterion.
- Integration of the Buy BC Logo: Special emphasis on projects incorporating the Buy BC logo, particularly in packaging (Producers and Processors stream).
- Establishment of New Business Relationships: Projects fostering connections with grocery and food service buyers (Producers and Processors stream).
- Regional Participation and Diversity: Engagement from diverse or underrepresented regions and business types, such as Indigenous or women-owned enterprises (Producers and Processors stream).
- Partnerships and Collaboration: For industry associations, focus is on collaboration with key stakeholders to enhance sector impact (Industry Associations stream).
- Measurable Impact: Emphasis on demonstrable economic impact and sector benefits from projects (Industry Associations stream).
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Complete a self-assessment to determine if your organization is eligible for Buy BC cost-shared funding.
- Contact Program Administration for questions on eligibility and project activities.
- Step 2: Consult Program Guide
- Read the Program Guide to understand the program objectives.
- Review the list of eligible activities and costs to ensure your project meets funding criteria.
- Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents
- Collect quotes for budget items over $5,000.
- Ensure you have a valid Buy BC logo licence for your products.
- Step 4: Register and Complete Application
- Register your organization on the MNP Application Portal if not previously registered.
- Choose the appropriate funding stream and fill out the application form detailing your project.
- Prepare a Project Budget document and attach it to your application.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Submit the completed application and Project Budget through the MNP Application Portal by the deadline of January 27th, 2025, 16:00 PST.
- Step 6: Wait for Decision
- Applications will be evaluated and decisions communicated by Program Administration.
- If successful, proceed with entering a Funding Agreement.
- If not selected, feedback can be requested.
- Step 7: Funding Agreement
- If approved, review and sign the Funding Agreement detailing obligations and terms of funding.
- Step 8: Project Execution
- Begin incurring project expenses only after the Funding Agreement is signed.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Priority may be given to projects that align with certain program objectives, such as increasing the visibility of products in new regions within British Columbia.
- Applicants who have not received funding in previous years may have a favorable scoring on certain criteria.
- Past performance and reporting quality can impact the merit evaluation of repeat applicants.
- Projects not completed within timelines or without modifications may not be eligible for future intakes.
- Applicants are encouraged to participate in the online webinar for additional guidance on the application process.
grant_single_labels|contact
admin@BuyBCPartnershipProgramca
Apply to this program
Support for Promoting BC's Local Food and Beverage Products
The 2025 BuyBC Partnership Program offers cost-shared funding to eligible BC producers, processors, and industry associations to enhance their promotional activities. This initiative is part of a broader effort to increase consumer awareness and sales of local agriculture, food, and beverage products across British Columbia.
Details of the BuyBC Partnership Program and Its Role in Supporting Local Industries
The BuyBC Partnership Program is a vital part of the province's commitment to boosting the local food and beverage industry. Administered by MNP LLP on behalf of the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the program aims to enhance the visibility and marketability of BC-produced goods. It provides annual cost-shared funding of up to $2 million, supporting initiatives aimed at increasing consumer awareness, availability, and sales of BC products in grocery stores and other commercial venues.
This funding program is structured to support a wide range of promotional activities which are integral to the growth and sustainability of the local food and beverage sector. Eligible entities, categorized under producers, processors, cooperatives, and industry associations, can apply for funding to support specific activities like labelling, packaging, and conducting in-store demonstrations and promotions. Such activities are designed to significantly enhance the market presence of the BuyBC brand, making it more recognizable to consumers at the point of sale.
Additionally, the program supports participation in BC-focused market development trade shows and sales expositions, creating an opportunity for producers to engage directly with consumers and commercial buyers. By fostering new business relationships and expanding product listings in retail and foodservice outlets, these activities play a critical role in building a robust market for local products. The program’s emphasis on incorporating the BuyBC logo into marketing materials further strengthens branding efforts, helping distinguish BC products in a competitive marketplace.
To qualify for funding, applicants must demonstrate a history of significant annual revenue, maintain a valid BuyBC logo licence, and be prepared to self-finance a portion of their project costs. This ensures that recipients are committed and capable participants, capable of carrying project expenses until reimbursement, thereby enhancing accountability and project success. The program mandates that projects adhere to strict criteria, ensuring that funding is directed toward initiatives capable of delivering measurable economic impacts, further supporting the viability of BC’s agricultural economy.
The BuyBC Partnership Program represents a concerted effort to bolster local economies by supporting the agricultural sector’s marketing and sales activities. By aligning with the program's objectives, BC producers and processors can enhance their marketing strategies and drive consumer demand. This initiative not only supports local businesses but also emphasizes sustainable economic growth by encouraging the purchase of high-quality, locally-produced goods.
Overall, the BuyBC Partnership Program is an essential pillar of strategic economic support for BC’s agricultural and food sectors, encouraging innovation and sustained growth. Its design ensures that resources are effectively allocated to amplify the market presence of BC products, contributing to a vibrant and sustainable local food economy. By participating in this program, local producers not only receive financial backing but also become part of a larger movement to promote and support BC's rich agricultural heritage.
