How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $30000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Competitiveness Consulting Rebate?

Competitiveness Consulting Rebate is funded by Northern Development Initiative Trust

What are Competitiveness Consulting Rebate's eligibility criterias?

Applicants must be privately owned, incorporated businesses with less than 500 employees. Businesses must have revenues less than $100 million. Businesses must be located within the Northern Development Initiative Trust region.

Competitiveness Consulting Rebate

Last Update: January 24, 2025

BC, Canada

Money for consulting projects in Northern B.C

Competitiveness Consulting Rebate at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $2,000 to $30,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Continuous Intakes

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

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 Providers

Northern Development Initiative Trust

Status

Open

Overview of the Competitiveness Consulting Rebate program

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.

Financing terms and conditions

This grant provides substantial support and an advantageous rebate structure to enhance project feasibility and execution. The modalities ensure alignment with strategic project outcomes and financial prudence.

Rebate covers up to 50% of total eligible project costs, with a maximum grant amount capped at $30,000 per year.
Applicants are required to contribute a minimum of 25% towards the project budget.

Eligible projects & activities

Eligible projects for this grant focus on enhancing business capabilities and improving operational effectiveness. They aim to support small and medium-sized businesses in becoming more resilient and competitive in their respective markets.

Customized workplace health and safety plan development.
Creation of a marketing strategy to boost company visibility and sales.
Enhancement of operational efficiencies to streamline processes.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 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.

Eligibility criteria of the Competitiveness Consulting Rebate program

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.

Who is eligible?

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.

Who is not eligible

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.

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.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to companies located within a specific geographical region determined by the Northern Development Initiative Trust. Only businesses headquartered in this region are eligible to apply.

All applicants must be located/headquartered within the Northern Development Initiative Trust region.

Eligibility criteria of the Competitiveness Consulting Rebate program

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

How to apply to the Competitiveness Consulting Rebate program

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.

Obtain Quote

Acquire a detailed quote from a qualified consultant outlining the proposed scope of work, fees, and timeline.

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.

Application Submission

Submit the completed application form along with all required attachments to Northern Development electronically via email to info@northerndevelopment.bc.ca.

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.

Notification of Decision

Upon approval, receive a formal notification by phone or email.
An agreement will be sent for the applicant's signature.

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.

Additional information

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.

Contact Northern Development Initiative Trust

info@northerndevelopment.bc.ca

250-561-2525

Apply to this program

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