New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program (NEFBA)

• Program application form
• Business plan
• Growth strategy
• Partial budget
• Supplier quotes and related project documents

Who is eligible?

• Primary agriculture producers
• For-profit farm businesses
• Sole proprietorships and registered B.C. business entities
• Unregistered farm businesses committed to registering

Who is not eligible

• Aquaculture, seaweed, fish, and seafood producers or processors
• Not-for-profit organizations and industry associations
• Private training and educational institutions
• Municipalities and regional districts
• Unlicensed cannabis operations

Eligible expenses

• Business plan development or coaching
• Commercial farm infrastructure and equipment
• In-kind labour and owned equipment contributions

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• GST and loan interest
• Costs before approval or after project completion
• Land purchase or land and facilities rent
• Used equipment unless from a reputable dealership
• Perimeter fencing, PPE, and basic farm inputs

Eligible geographic areas

• British Columbia

• Eligibility requirements
• Quality of the business plan and growth strategy
• Merit of the Phase 2 project
• Ability of the project to support business growth
• Financial viability and readiness to complete the project

• Step 1: Prepare the application
  • Review the program guide and requirements.
  • Create the required business account to apply online.
  • Complete the program application and supporting documents.
• Step 2: Submit Phase 1 application
  • Submit the application online during the intake period.
  • Wait for eligibility review and approval notice.
• Step 3: Complete Phase 1 work
  • Develop or update the business plan and growth strategy.
  • Submit them for reimbursement by the required deadline.
• Step 4: Apply for Phase 2 by invitation
  • If invited, submit the Phase 2 package with the partial budget and supplier quotes.
  • Include any required project diagrams or related documents.
• Step 5: Sign agreement and claim reimbursement
  • Review and return the agreement within 14 days if approved.
  • Complete the project and submit the reimbursement claim with invoices and contribution proof.

• Applications are reviewed by Ministry staff and, for Phase 2, a panel of business specialists.
• Approved applicants receive an approval letter with eligible activities, funding amount, and reporting requirements.
• Applicants must return a written agreement within 14 days.
• Claims must include invoices and proof of cash and in-kind contributions.
• Projects are reimbursed after completion and review.

• The program is competitive and funding is not guaranteed.
• Only one application per farm business is allowed.
• Projects may be subject to audit, review, and evaluation by the Province.
• Applicants may be asked to complete post-project questionnaires after participation.