How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $3000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program?

New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program is funded by Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Agriculture

What are New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program's eligibility criterias?

Applicants must be primary agriculture producers growing or raising products in British Columbia intended for sale. Applicants must not have reported farm income for more than 5 years. All owners, members, and shareholders must be residents of British Columbia and file income tax under the Income Tax Act in British Columbia.

New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program

Last Update: July 22, 2025

BC, Canada

The New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator (NEFBA) Program offers financial support to new agricultural producers in British Columbia for developing business plans and infrastructure investment to ensure commercial viability and income growth.

New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $3,000
Up to 75% of project cost

Timeline

Closing date : November 30, 2023

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting

Grant Providers

Government of British Columbia
Ministry of Agriculture

Program status

Closed

Overview of the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program program

The New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator (NEFBA) Program in British Columbia supports growth for new agricultural producers by offering financial assistance for developing business plans and implementing growth strategies. Eligible activities include cost-shared purchasing of commercial farm infrastructure and equipment to accelerate revenue growth and strengthen financial sustainability. The program is divided into two phases: Phase 1 focuses on business planning and Phase 2 provides competitive cost-share funding for infrastructure investments.

Financing terms and conditions

The New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program provides financial support through a structured reimbursement mechanism, catering to the needs of emerging farm businesses. The program aims to facilitate investment in infrastructure by offering cost-share funding to approved projects throughout its two-phase process.

Phase 1 approved applicants are eligible for $1,250 for self-developed business plans or up to $3,000 for consultant-supported business planning.
Phase 2 cost-share funding covers 75% of total project costs for approved projects costing $10,000 or less, with the applicant contributing the remaining 25% via cash or in-kind contributions.
For projects exceeding $10,000, the program funds 50% of the total project costs, requiring the applicant to cover the remaining 50% through cash or in-kind contributions.
In-kind contributions, such as staff time, are permissible as part of the applicant's share, and verification of these contributions may be required.
Reimbursement is dependent on the completion of projects and submission of all necessary documentation, including proof of expenses and contributions.

Eligible projects & activities

The New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program is designed to support the growth of new farm businesses. It focuses on developing business plans and strategies and providing financial support for infrastructure development to enhance commercial viability and sustainability.

Development and updating of business plans for new farm businesses.
Formulation of growth strategies to set and achieve farm income growth targets.
Cost-shared investments in commercial farm infrastructure and equipment.
Investment in infrastructure projects that support the financial growth of farm operations.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 3,000

Expanding an orchard with new apple tree varieties to increase yield

$ 3,000

Developing a new greenhouse for year-round vegetable farming

$ 3,000

Launching a beekeeping operation to produce honey and beeswax products

$ 3,000

Implementing a new irrigation system for a growing organic farm

$ 3,000

Upgrading equipment for a dairy farm to increase milk production efficiency

$ 3,000

Creating a new poultry barn for increasing egg production capacity

Eligibility criteria of the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program program

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and business operations.

Be a Primary agriculture producer growing or raising primary agricultural products in British Columbia which are intended for sale.
Not reported farm income for more than 5 years.
Be a commercial farm business operation whose primary purpose is the production and sale of agricultural products and is either a sole proprietorship or a B.C. registered business entity (partnerships, corporations, cooperatives, Indigenous economic development corporations, and band-owned businesses), or an unregistered business entity committed to registering as a business before the project completion in March 2024.
All owners, members, and shareholders must be residents of British Columbia and file income tax under the Income Tax Act in British Columbia.
Have not received cost-share funding from the Beneficial Management Practices Program or the On-Farm Food Safety Program after April 1, 2023.
Have not received funding for the same activities from the Indigenous Food System Partnership Program or the Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Fund.

Who is eligible?

The New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator (NEFBA) Program is designed for new agricultural producers in British Columbia who have not reported farm income for more than 5 years. Eligible applicants are primary agriculture producers committed to growing or raising agricultural products intended for sale. Specifically, applicants must:- Be a sole proprietorship or a B.C. registered business entity, including partnerships, corporations, cooperatives, Indigenous economic development corporations, and band-owned businesses, or be prepared to register as such by March 2024.- All business owners, members, and shareholders must reside in British Columbia and file income taxes under the Income Tax Act in British Columbia.- Not have received cost-share funding from certain specified programs, such as the Beneficial Management Practices Program or the On-Farm Food Safety Program, after April 1, 2023.- Not have received funding for the same activities from the Indigenous Food System Partnership Program or the Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Fund.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and industries due to their status or main activity. The restrictions focus on ensuring support is directed towards new and strategic entrants in the agricultural sector.

Community gardens for individual consumption.
Businesses involved in providing equipment for custom work.
Companies offering riding lessons or boarding horses.
Aquaculture businesses.
Companies raising animals for pets or domestic households.
Businesses involved in agri-tourism initiatives.
Forestry product companies.
Waste recovery businesses.
Companies benefiting from government program payments or non-commodity income.
Businesses involved in secondary food processing like preserving, canning, juicing, or baking.

Eligible expenses

The New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program provides financial assistance to help new farm businesses develop and implement business plans and growth strategies for increased revenue. The activities supported by this grant primarily involve business planning, coaching, and infrastructure investment.

Development of a new or updated business plan specifically for farm business growth.
Coaching services to assist in the creation of a robust business plan and financial strategy.
Preparation of a growth strategy template to demonstrate how cost-share infrastructure funding will aid in business growth.
Cost-share funding applications for investment in commercial farm infrastructure and equipment necessary for increased revenue.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically targeted at agricultural producers operating within British Columbia. Eligible companies must be situated within this geographic region.

Primary agriculture producers growing or raising agricultural products in British Columbia.

Eligibility criteria of the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program program

The evaluation and selection of projects under the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program are based on a merit-based review process ensuring alignment with the program's objectives.

Merit-based evaluation of the submitted Growth Plan.
Evaluation of Partial Budget showing financial growth potential of the project.
Quality and comprehensiveness of supplier quotes and related documentation.
Alignment of infrastructure investment with growth goals outlined in the business plan.

How to apply to the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program program

Check Eligibility

Ensure you are a primary agriculture producer in British Columbia.
Confirm that you have not reported farm income for more than 5 years.
Ensure your business is a commercial farm operation aiming to produce and sell agricultural products.

Complete Application for Phase 1

Prepare the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program Application.
Decide whether to pursue Stream 1 (self-developed plan) or Stream 2 (consultant support).
Submit the application form with all necessary documents.

Submit Phase 1 Application

Ensure your application is submitted before the intake period closes in fall 2024.
Applications must be sent to the designated submission address or platform as specified by the program guidelines.

Wait for Phase 1 Approval

Receive notification of approval by early December.
Successfully complete and submit your business plan and growth strategy for reimbursement by March 1, 2024.

Invitation and Preparation for Phase 2

If invited, prepare the application package for Phase 2.
Compile required documents including Partial Budget and Supplier Quotes.

Submit Phase 2 Application

Submit the complete application package for Phase 2 by the specified deadline.

Evaluation and Notification

Your application will undergo a merit-based evaluation process.
Receive notification of the decision by April 2024.

Finalize Contribution Agreement

If approved, review and sign the Contribution Agreement within 14 days.
Return the signed agreement to secure funding.

Additional information

The New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program provides financial assistance for new agricultural producers in British Columbia to develop and implement business plans and growth strategies, and it has specific eligibility criteria and funding allocations.

Application intakes for Phase 1 are now closed and will reopen in fall 2024.
Phase 1 applications are reviewed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, while Phase 2 applications are reviewed by both the Ministry and a panel of Farm Business Specialists.
The program does not guarantee Phase 2 funding for participants who complete Phase 1 successfully; application and merit-based evaluation are required.
Ineligible costs include but are not limited to GST, interest payments on loans, training and education courses, and operating expenses.
Cost-share funding reimburses 75% for projects up to $10,000 and 50% for projects exceeding $10,000.
Evidence of both cash and in-kind contributions is required at the project’s completion.
Applicants must sign and return the Contribution Agreement within 14 days to receive funding.
For infrastructure-related projects, additional supporting documents such as designs and diagrams are required.