How much funding can be received?

Marketing Initiative Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $20,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Marketing Initiative Program program?

To be eligible for the Marketing Initiative Program program, you must: Must be located within Northern Development's service region. Must be a local government, registered First Nations band, or registered non-profit organization.

What expenses are eligible under Marketing Initiative Program?

Launching new business attraction campaigns targeting outside investors or enterprises. Implementing initiatives to attract new residents to the community or region. Developing projects aimed at bringing more visitors to the area. Creating new investment attraction strategies to diversify local or regional economies.

Who can I contact for more information about the Marketing Initiative Program?

You can contact Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) by email at info@northerndevelopment.bc.ca or by phone at 250-561-2525.

Where is the Marketing Initiative Program available?

The Marketing Initiative Program program is available the province of British Columbia.

Is the Marketing Initiative Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Marketing Initiative Program is a Grant and Funding

Closed

Marketing Initiative Program

Last Update: March 4, 2026

British Columbia, Canada

Funding support for innovative regional marketing initiatives

Grant and Funding

Northern Development Initiative Trust

Overview

The Marketing Initiative Program offers up to $20,000 in grant funding to support new marketing campaigns or projects that promote economic vitality and diversification within a community or region. Eligible activities include business attraction, branding development, social media campaigns, investment and resident recruitment, and various marketing tactics distinct from ongoing initiatives.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Increasing community impact
Develop an online presence
Selling in a new market

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 20,000 $
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Receipt of requests is now closed

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

Arts, entertainment and recreation
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Location

British Columbia

Legal structures

Non-profit
Public or Parapublic institution

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

Indigenous Peoples
Rural or Northern Residents

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

All industries

Target groups

All the groups

Revenue structures

All structures

Scope

All dimensions

Activities funded

Launching new business attraction campaigns targeting outside investors or enterprises.
Implementing initiatives to attract new residents to the community or region.
Developing projects aimed at bringing more visitors to the area.
Creating new investment attraction strategies to diversify local or regional economies.

Eligibility

The applicant must be located within Northern Development’s service region.
The applicant must be a local government, a registered First Nations band, or a registered non-profit organization.
The project must be a new marketing initiative distinct from existing or recurring marketing activities.
The application must include a resolution of support from the appropriate local, municipal, regional, or First Nations government authority.
The project must clearly demonstrate measurable economic benefits for the community or region.

Who is eligible?

Local governments located within Northern Development’s service region
Registered First Nations bands within Northern Development’s service region
Registered non-profit organizations within Northern Development’s service region

Who is not eligible

Companies or organizations located outside Northern Development’s service region.
Private sector businesses (only local governments, registered First Nations bands, and registered non-profit organizations are eligible).

Eligible expenses

Graphic design
Web design and development
Marketing content development
Brand development
Filming and film production
Photography
Design and production of trade show exhibits
Printing costs
Advertising costs
Signage
Translation of marketing material
Copy writing and media buying
PST (Provincial Sales Tax)

Eligible geographic areas

Organizations located within Northern Development’s service region.

Selection criteria

Demonstrated potential to deliver a positive economic impact for the local area.
Ability to target markets beyond the local community.
Provision of clear, specific, and measurable outcomes for the project.
Alignment with Northern Development’s strategic priorities (e.g., collaboration between communities, First Nations participation, broad regional benefits).
Submission of a project that is distinct from regular/annual marketing activities and complementary to an existing marketing plan.

Additional information

Reporting on measurable outcomes is required both at project completion and approximately one year after the project ends.
Projects will only be evaluated if all required documentation, including supplementary materials, is submitted through the Online Application System.
Applications received after the intake deadline will be automatically moved to the next funding cycle for consideration.
The project must be distinct from regular or annual marketing initiatives to qualify for funding.