Competitiveness Consulting Rebate
BC, Canada
Money for consulting projects in Northern B.C
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
- Utilities
- Manufacturing
- Retail trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Accommodation and food services
grant_single|grantors
- Northern Development Initiative Trust
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get a rebate of up to $30,000/year to cover 50% of the cost of external business consulting projects that focus on increased resiliency, productivity, revenues, profitability and/or job creation.
grant_single_labels|projects
The eligible geographical areas for applicants of this grant are those within the Northern Development Initiative Trust region. This specific focus aligns with the goals of regional economic enhancement and support.
- Businesses located within the Northern Development Initiative Trust region.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$25,000
Creating operational efficiencies for a Kelowna-based organic farm cooperative.
$30,000
Development of a marketing strategy for a Vancouver-based eco-friendly packaging company.
$30,000
Create a comprehensive marketing strategy to increase customer engagement and boost revenue in Victoria, BC.
$12,500
Developing a comprehensive safety plan for a diverse workforce in Vancouver.
$25,000
Developing a workplace health and safety plan for a Toronto-based NPO.
$25,000
Develop a workplace health and safety plan to boost productivity and create a safer environment for employees.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the business profile and location.
- All applicants must be located/headquartered within the Northern Development Initiative Trust region.
- Privately owned and incorporated businesses, or sole proprietorships that have been established for two or more years with more than $30,000 in annual revenues.
- The business must have less than 500 employees.
- The business must have revenues less than $100 million.
- First Nations businesses and development corporations in eligible industries are included.
- Not-for-profit organizations whose sole purpose is to create jobs and economic benefit in their industry, e.g., community forests.
- Community contribution companies are also eligible.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Organizations eligible to apply for the Competitiveness Consulting Rebate must fit specific business and industry criteria related to their location, size, and industry type.
- Small and medium sized businesses that are privately owned and incorporated, with less than 500 employees and revenues under $100 million.
- First Nations businesses and development corporations in eligible industries.
- Community contribution companies and certain not-for-profit organizations dedicated to job creation and economic benefits within their industry, like community forests.
- Businesses must be located or headquartered in the Northern Development Initiative Trust region.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Certain businesses and organizations are not eligible to apply for this grant due to specific restrictions related to their status or location. These restrictions ensure that the funds are properly allocated to eligible entities within the Northern Development Initiative Trust region and comply with the program's guidelines.
- Businesses that do not have a major facility and key decision makers in the Northern Development Initiative Trust region.
- Start-up businesses without revenue.
- Publicly traded companies.
- Businesses with 500 employees or more.
- Businesses with annual revenues of $100 million or more.
- Non-profit organizations that do not meet the specific eligible criteria.
- Municipalities, regional districts, and First Nations bands.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Competitiveness Consulting Rebate supports business initiatives that aim to enhance operational effectiveness and strategic growth in eligible sectors. The activities eligible for this grant are designed to strengthen core business functions and improve resilience and productivity.
- Business planning, strategic planning, and management.
- Business development feasibility studies.
- Market development, marketing strategy, and communications.
- Export development, e-commerce platforms, and inventory processes.
- Human resource management.
- Operations and operational efficiency.
- Quality and safety management.
- Innovation initiatives.
- Financial system improvements.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers expenses related to consulting services and other costs directly associated with the project.
- Consulting fees, provided the consultant is based in Canada and the contract is fixed fee.
- Consultant travel costs directly associated with the project, limited to travel within Canada.
- Other costs directly associated with the project, which are approved on an individual project basis.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The selection criteria include:
- Applicant location/headquarters within the Northern Development Initiative Trust region
- Privately owned, incorporated businesses with less than 500 employees and revenues under $100 million
- First Nations businesses in eligible industries, First Nations development corporations, and select not-for-profit organizations
- Projects focusing on resiliency, productivity, revenues, profitability, and job creation
- Applicant contribution of minimum 25% of the project budget
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Initial Contact
- Reach out to Northern Development staff to discuss your proposed project and its eligibility under the Competitiveness Consulting Rebate program.
- Contact can be made via email at info@northerndevelopment.bc.ca or by phone.
- Step 2: Obtain Quote
- Acquire a detailed quote from a qualified consultant outlining the proposed scope of work, fees, and timeline.
- Step 3: Prepare Application
- Download and complete the Competitiveness Consulting Rebate Application Form.
- Gather necessary supporting documents such as proof of incorporation and details on other project funding sources.
- Step 4: Application Submission
- Submit the completed application form along with all required attachments to Northern Development electronically via email to info@northerndevelopment.bc.ca.
- Step 5: Application Review
- Northern Development staff will review the application for completeness and eligibility.
- Conduct a due diligence process which may include contacting the project proponents and consultants.
- Step 6: Notification of Decision
- Upon approval, receive a formal notification by phone or email.
- An agreement will be sent for the applicant's signature.
- Step 7: Project Completion and Reporting
- After completing the project, submit a completed Northern Development reporting form with required attachments for funding reimbursement.
- Report on the economic benefits specific to the project for a three-year period post-completion.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The Competitiveness Consulting Rebate program is currently closed and not accepting new applications.
- Projects must achieve completion as initially approved to qualify for funding, and any scope changes must be communicated to Northern Development.
- Applications are considered on a continuous basis until the annual budget is fully committed.
- Notification of funding approval must be received prior to project commencement; costs incurred before this notification are ineligible.
- Funding is part of the broader Northern Development funding options, and integration with multiple programs is possible if within maximum limits.
- Approved applicants must report economic impacts for a period of three years following project completion.
grant_single_labels|contact
info@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
250-561-2525
Apply to this program
Maximizing Business Growth with the Competitiveness Consulting Rebate
The Competitiveness Consulting Rebate provides financial assistance to small and medium-sized businesses in eligible industries to help cover the cost of consulting services. Offering a rebate of up to 50%, this program supports business projects aimed at enhancing resilience, productivity, and overall economic success.
Overview of the Competitiveness Consulting Rebate Program
The Competitiveness Consulting Rebate is an initiative designed to bolster the development and growth prospects of SMEs in Northern Canada's diverse economic landscape. By financing half of the consulting costs, up to $30,000 annually, the program facilitates access to essential consulting services that businesses might otherwise find financially burdensome. These services are instrumental in crafting strategies that enhance organizational resilience, productivity, and competitive edge in the market.
Small and medium-sized businesses eligible for this rebate must operate in specific industries such as accommodation, agriculture, aquaculture, energy, forestry, high tech, hospitality, industrial supply chain, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, retail, retail services, tourism operators, and transportation. These industries play a vital role in the economic framework of the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) region, where the program is active.
The primary aim of the Competitiveness Consulting Rebate is to drive tangible improvements in business operations and outcomes. This includes enhancements in operational efficiencies, increased revenues, profitability, job creation, and overall business sustainability. By supporting consulting projects that focus on business planning, strategic development, marketing, export development, and human resource management, the program helps businesses navigate challenges and leverage growth opportunities.
Applications for the Competitiveness Consulting Rebate are reviewed on a continuous basis, providing businesses the opportunity to apply any time of the year, provided the annual budget is not fully allocated. The approval process is designed to be efficient, with decisions typically rendered within one week of receiving a completed application along with a consultant's proposal.
Eligible businesses can submit a comprehensive application detailing their project's potential economic benefits, including job creation, revenue growth, and productivity improvements. This rigorous evaluation ensures that only projects with a high likelihood of positive impact receive funding, thereby optimizing resource allocation towards projects that promise significant economic return and sustainability.
Furthermore, the program's requirements stipulate that funds are only allocated to projects with costs exceeding $2,000, and businesses must contribute at least 25% towards the project budget themselves. This co-funding approach not only ensures shared responsibility but also enhances the commitment of businesses to the successful implementation of their consulting projects.
Once approved, businesses must complete their projects as specified in their application to receive their rebate. This ensures that the intended economic impacts and improvements are achieved. Upon project completion, businesses are required to report on the outcomes, demonstrating measurable benefits such as job creation, revenue increases, and other economic enhancements.
The Competitiveness Consulting Rebate stands as a strategic investment in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, aimed at empowering businesses to grow, innovate, and contribute to a robust economic future for the Northern Development Initiative Trust region. By lowering the financial barrier to obtaining expert consulting services, the program facilitates business transformation and sets the stage for long-term economic vitality.
