Closed
Food Processor Productivity Program
Lean training and productivity support for B.C. processors
Last Update: June 7, 2026
Funding available
$ 5,000 - $ 20,000
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
This program supports B.C. food and beverage processors with Lean training and operational assessments. It also offers cost-shared funding of up to 75% of eligible project costs, to a maximum provincial contribution of $20,000, for approved productivity improvements.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop team skills
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 20,000 $
- Minimum amount : 5,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- From $ 500,000 to $ 6,000,000 in revenue
Organisation size
- 4 employees minimum
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Lean maturity assessment and operational productivity assessment
- Lean training, including Lean 101 and Lean Yellowbelt
- On-site improvement sessions and follow-up coaching
- Productivity improvement projects identified through the assessment report
Documents Needed
- Online application form
- Operational Productivity Assessment Report
- Information needed to confirm eligibility
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Food processors
- Beverage processors
- Seafood processors
- Cannabis processors
- Nutraceutical processors
Who is not eligible
- Facilities dedicated only to packing, cleaning, bagging, handling, or storing primary products
- Retail food services and operations
- Restaurants and catering services
- Packaging material manufacturers
- Cultivation-only or retail-only cannabis businesses
Eligible expenses
- New or upgraded equipment
- Automation or digitization systems
- Infrastructure modifications
- Specialized consulting expertise
- Productivity-focused training
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
Selection criteria
- Eligibility and readiness of the applicant.
- Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Phase 2 projects must align with the Operational Productivity Assessment Report.
How to apply
- Step 1: Submit online application
- Complete the program application form online.
- Step 2: Application review
- The CME team reviews the application and may contact the applicant with questions.
- Applications are assessed against the eligibility criteria.
- Step 3: Acceptance into Phase 1
- Receive confirmation of acceptance into Phase 1.
- Step 4: Begin Phase 1 activities
- Participate in the Lean Maturity Assessment and training program.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by CME and assessed against the program eligibility criteria.
- First applicants are reviewed by April 17, 2026, then on an ongoing first-come, first-served basis.
- Applicants selected for Phase 1 receive confirmation of acceptance before participation begins.
- Phase 2 applications are reviewed only after Phase 1 completion and readiness assessment.
Additional information
- Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Space is limited and eligibility plus readiness affect approval.
- Phase 1 includes follow-up coaching after the assessment.
- Phase 2 is only available after Phase 1 completion.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Processor Productivity Program Program
What is the Food Processor Productivity Program?
This program supports B.C. food and beverage processors with Lean training and operational assessments. It also offers cost-shared funding of up to 75% of eligible project costs, to a maximum provincial contribution of $20,000, for approved productivity improvements.
How much funding can be received?
Food Processor Productivity Program Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $20,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Food Processor Productivity Program program?
To be eligible for the Food Processor Productivity Program program, you must:
B.C. food, beverage, or seafood processor
Minimum four employees
Required cash contribution
What expenses are eligible under Food Processor Productivity Program?
Lean maturity assessment and operational productivity assessment
Lean training, including Lean 101 and Lean Yellowbelt
On-site improvement sessions and follow-up coaching
Productivity improvement projects identified through the assessment report
Who can I contact for more information about the Food Processor Productivity Program?
You can contact Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) by email at Mehdi.Gohardehi@cme-mec.ca or by phone at 236-660-7838.
Where is the Food Processor Productivity Program available?
The Food Processor Productivity Program program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Food Processor Productivity Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Food Processor Productivity Program is a Grant and Funding