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Food Processing Growth Fund (FPG)
BC, Canada
Supports scaling BC food processors for productivity and growth
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateJune 6, 2023
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Food Processing Growth Fund offers structured financing options to support growth in BC's food processing sector, emphasizing cost-shared funding and flexibility in project execution.
- Provides cost-shared funding of up to 75% of eligible expenses for approved projects.
- Requires a minimum contribution of $100,000, with a maximum of $1,000,000, inclusive of up to $100,000 specifically allocated for training components.
- For exclusively training-related projects, the funding ranges from a minimum of $50,000 to a maximum of $100,000.
- Allows stacking of funds from other government programs up to a limit of 90%, with exceptions for certain IAF-managed programs.
- Payments may be tied to periodic financial and activity reporting to ensure proper fund utilization.
- Final payments are contingent on the final report and satisfactory completion of project activities approved initially.
- Funding is project-specific and non-transferable, with activities needing prior approval, as retroactive costs are not covered.
grant_single_labels|projects
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.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Food Processing Growth Fund, applicants must meet specific criteria related to their geographical location and business profile.
- The applicant must be located in the Province of British Columbia.
- The applicant must be an established food and/or seafood processing business, with a minimum of two years in operation.
- The applicant must have a minimum of $500,000 in gross annual revenues, verified through audited financial statements.
- The applicant may be an established commercial food hub, commissary kitchen, or other shared-use commercial food processing facility.
- The applicant may be an industry group or association.
- Subsidiaries can apply separately from their parent organization, but must be legal entities that meet the two-year and $500,000 revenue criteria as a subsidiary, ensuring total funding does not exceed project limits for the parent organization and its subsidiaries.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
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.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Food Processing Growth Fund are based on specific prioritization criteria set by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to ensure a strong alignment with the fund's objectives.
- Priority 1: Eligible Participants
- Established BC-based food and seafood processing businesses (high priority).
- BC-based commercial food hubs, commissary kitchens and other shared-use commercial food processing facilities (equal priority with c).
- BC Industry groups and associations (equal priority with b).
- Priority 2: Projects that will positively impact the use of BC inputs
- Companies/organizations that currently use BC inputs or will increase procurement once the project is completed.
- Companies/organizations that do not currently use BC inputs and/or will not increase procurement once the project is completed.
- Priority 3: Commodities
- Group 1 (highest priority): Seafood, Meat, Fruit and Vegetable.
- Group 2: Plant-based protein, Dairy, Bakeries and tortilla, Beverages, Grain and oilseed milling.
- Group 3 (lowest priority): Sugar and confectionary, Other foods.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Preliminary Registration
- Create an account on the IAF Client Portal.
- Set up a personal profile with your name and email address.
- Complete organization registration including name, contact details, organization type, BC ID / CRA numbers, and primary contact information.
- Step 2: Apply to the Food Processing Growth Fund
- Select "Food Processing Growth Fund" from the funding opportunities listed in the portal.
- Enter project details such as applicant type, project start and end dates, and specific project activities.
- Confirm that project activities align with and support the program goals.
- Provide anticipated project benefits and details about project lead and resources for implementation.
- Include information on project expenses and funding required, along with permit status if applicable.
- Attach audited financial statements and any additional appendices or supplementary materials that bolster the application.
- Step 3: Submit Application
- Review the full application in the IAF Client Portal for accuracy and completeness.
- Submit the application through the portal before the next available review date.
- Step 4: Await Confirmation and Further Communication
- Receive a confirmation notification from IAF once the application has been successfully submitted.
- Be prepared for possible follow-up communication from IAF for additional information or clarification if necessary.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
fpg@iafbc.ca
