Food Processing Growth Fund (FPG)
- Open Date : April 26, 2023
- Closing date : April 2, 2026
Overview
The Food Processing Growth Fund is a three-year initiative funded by the Government of BC, offering up to $1,000,000 in cost-shared funding per project to support the scale-up of BC's value-added food processing sector by enhancing productivity through infrastructure upgrades, new equipment, and training. Eligible activities include investing in new or improved facilities, advanced technologies, applied R&D, and specialized training.
At a glance
Funding available
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
- Maximum amount : 1,000,000 $
- Minimum amount : 100,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
- Open Date : April 26, 2023
- Closing date : April 2, 2026
Eligible candidates
- Manufacturing
- British Columbia
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- $ 500,000 minimum revenue
- All organization sizes
- Canadians
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- All structures
- Provincial
Next Steps
Activities funded
The Food Processing Growth Fund supports projects that focus on scaling operations and enhancing productivity within the food processing sector in British Columbia. Eligible projects aim to upgrade facilities, implement new technologies, and foster skill development to strengthen the competitiveness of local processors.
- Purchase and installation of new or upgraded facilities and infrastructure, including renovations and site improvements.
- Acquisition and installation of new equipment and machinery to increase production capacity or diversify product lines.
- Implementation of innovative technologies and systems, such as robotics and AI, for enhanced processing capabilities.
- Research and development for new and improved products, including lab analysis and packaging.
- Specialized training and upskilling related to infrastructure or equipment upgrades and the adoption of new processes.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
The Food Processing Growth Fund is designed for eligible participants within the food processing sector in British Columbia. Those who can apply include:1. Established BC-based food and seafood processing businesses - Businesses with a minimum of two years in operation and at least $500,000 in gross annual revenues.2. BC-based commercial food hubs, commissary kitchens, and other shared-use commercial food processing facilities - These facilities cater to multiple users by offering space and resources for food production.3. BC Industry groups and associations - This includes organizations representing a collective group of businesses within the food processing sector.Subdivisions of parent companies are also eligible if they qualify independently from the parent, meeting the two-year operation and revenue requirements.
Who is not eligible
The Food Processing Growth Fund explicitly outlines ineligible entities to ensure the program aligns with its goals of supporting specific sectors. The following types of companies and industries are not eligible to apply for this grant:
- Retail food services or operations.
- Processors or manufacturers of pet food, except where providing value-add to waste from the food supply.
- Processors or manufacturers of cannabis-infused food products and beverages.
- Restaurants and food service, including catering services.
- Packaging material manufacturers.
- Processors or manufacturers of health products or nutritional supplements.
- Processors or manufacturers of alcohol-based beverages and ingredients meant for alcohol-based beverages.
- New entrant businesses.
Eligible expenses
The grant covers expenses related to the enhancement and expansion of facilities, equipment, technology, research, and training in the food processing sector.
- Purchase and installation of new or upgraded/expanded facilities and infrastructure, such as new cooler/freezer or production room expansion.
- Investment in new/upgraded equipment or machinery to increase production capacity or support product line expansion.
- Purchase and installation of new technology and systems, including advanced automation, software, AI technology, and systems that increase processing capacity.
- Applied Research & Development activities for product improvement, lab analysis, packaging, technology use, and access to laboratory equipment for food and ingredient development and analysis.
- Training that supports infrastructure or equipment upgrades or adoption, including specialized training for production and operational staff.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available exclusively for companies located within the Province of British Columbia. The focus is on supporting local economic growth and productivity in the food processing sector.
- Established food and/or seafood processing businesses located in British Columbia.
- Commercial food hubs, commissary kitchens, and other shared-use commercial food processing facilities situated in British Columbia.
- Industry groups and associations operating within the confines of British Columbia.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program allows stacking of funds from other government programs up to 90%, except for select programs delivered by IAF.
- All communications and marketing materials must be pre-approved by the IAF Communications Team to ensure appropriate funding acknowledgment.
- Funding cannot be transferred to other projects or activities not initially approved.
- A maximum of 50% of cash costs may be provided upfront with an approved cash flow plan.
- Applicants are encouraged to provide supporting materials such as a cash flow plan or quotes with their application.
- Interim and final reports are required at regular intervals for funding reimbursement and project tracking.
- Successful applicants must retain all invoices and receipts, as reimbursement will be based on audited receipts and the approved project budget.
- Projects must be completed within a maximum of 24 months from the start date, with all projects ending no later than February 1, 2026.