Closed
New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program (NEFBA)
Funding for new farm business growth and infrastructure
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,000 - $ 15,000
Timeline
- Closing date : November 30, 2023
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
The program provides up to $1,250 for a self-developed business plan or up to $3,000 for consultant support, plus Phase 2 cost-share funding up to 75% of project costs to a maximum of $15,000. It supports new farm businesses with business planning, growth strategies, and commercial farm infrastructure investments.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop a new product or service
- Increase operational productivity
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 15,000 $
- Minimum amount : 1,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : November 30, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Financial cooperative
- For-profit business
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Developing or updating a farm business plan
- Preparing a growth strategy
- Purchasing commercial farm infrastructure or equipment
- Implementing infrastructure projects to support farm growth
Documents Needed
- Program application form
- Business plan
- Growth strategy
- Partial budget
- Supplier quotes and related project documents
Eligibility
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
Processing and Agreement
- 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.
Additional information
- 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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program (NEFBA) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program (NEFBA). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program (NEFBA)?
The program provides up to $1,250 for a self-developed business plan or up to $3,000 for consultant support, plus Phase 2 cost-share funding up to 75% of project costs to a maximum of $15,000. It supports new farm businesses with business planning, growth strategies, and commercial farm infrastructure investments.
How much funding can be received?
New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program (NEFBA) Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $15,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program (NEFBA) program?
To be eligible for the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program (NEFBA) program, you must:
Primary agriculture producer in British Columbia
Farm income reported for 5 years or less
Commercial for-profit farm business
What expenses are eligible under New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program (NEFBA)?
Developing or updating a farm business plan
Preparing a growth strategy
Purchasing commercial farm infrastructure or equipment
Implementing infrastructure projects to support farm growth
Who can I contact for more information about the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program (NEFBA)?
You can contact Government of British Columbia (BC) by email at AgriBusiness@gov.bc.ca or by phone at 1-888-221-7141.
Where is the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program (NEFBA) available?
The New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program (NEFBA) program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program (NEFBA) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program (NEFBA) is a Grant and Funding