New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program
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.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|closingDateNovember 30, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Government of British Columbia
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
This program supports agricultural producers operating within the province of British Columbia, Canada. The geographical eligibility is focused on promoting new farm business growth specifically in this region.
- Producers operating in British Columbia.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$3,000
Kelowna
Expanding an orchard with new apple tree varieties to increase yield
$3,000
Victoria
Developing a new greenhouse for year-round vegetable farming
$3,000
Richmond
Launching a beekeeping operation to produce honey and beeswax products
$3,000
Vancouver
Implementing a new irrigation system for a growing organic farm
$3,000
Nanaimo
Upgrading equipment for a dairy farm to increase milk production efficiency
$3,000
Surrey
Creating a new poultry barn for increasing egg production capacity
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The NEFBA Program covers specific expenses related to the development and implementation of farm business plans and infrastructure investments to achieve growth and financial sustainability.
- Development of a new business plan or updating an existing business plan.
- Consultant fees for business plan coaching or services.
- Infrastructure and equipment investment necessary to accelerate revenue growth, provided as part of a partial budget described how the investment will support financial growth.
- Supplier quotes for requested infrastructure and/or equipment investments.
grant_single_labels|criteria
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.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: 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.
- Step 2: 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.
- Step 3: 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.
- Step 4: 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.
- Step 5: Invitation and Preparation for Phase 2
- If invited, prepare the application package for Phase 2.
- Compile required documents including Partial Budget and Supplier Quotes.
- Step 6: Submit Phase 2 Application
- Submit the complete application package for Phase 2 by the specified deadline.
- Step 7: Evaluation and Notification
- Your application will undergo a merit-based evaluation process.
- Receive notification of the decision by April 2024.
- Step 8: Finalize Contribution Agreement
- If approved, review and sign the Contribution Agreement within 14 days.
- Return the signed agreement to secure funding.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
AgriBusiness@gov.bc.ca
Apply to this program
Accelerate Your Farm Business as a New Entrant
The New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program provides financial assistance to new agricultural producers in British Columbia looking to develop and implement robust business growth plans. This program aims to enhance the commercial viability of emerging farm businesses by supporting essential infrastructure investments and facilitating comprehensive business planning.
Detailed Overview of the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program
The New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator (NEFBA) Program is designed to support the burgeoning agricultural sector in British Columbia by assisting new farmers in establishing solid business foundations. Targeted at individuals who have been reporting farm income for less than five years, this program recognizes the unique challenges faced by new entrants in the competitive agricultural market. With the NEFBA, these new producers can receive vital support in crafting comprehensive business plans and growth strategies that are crucial for fostering sustainable development and operational scalability.
This initiative is split into two distinct phases, each offering specific forms of assistance. In Phase 1, qualified applicants are provided with financial aid to either update existing business plans or develop new ones from scratch. This phase ensures that applicants are well-prepared with a strong groundwork for their business operations. Resources are available to help create a solid business growth strategy, thus equipping participants with the knowledge required for potential future expansion and enabling them to form strategic partnerships with lenders and other financial stakeholders.
In the subsequent Phase 2, participants who successfully complete Phase 1 and demonstrate ongoing eligibility are invited to apply for cost-share funding. This phase specifically targets infrastructure development, subsidizing investments in commercial farming facilities and equipment necessary to deliver long-term profitability and financial resilience. The merit-based application process for Phase 2 ensures that funds are strategically allocated to those projects with the highest potential impact.
The financial structure of the NEFBA Program underscores a collaborative investment approach. In Phase 2, projects up to $10,000 can receive up to 75% reimbursement for eligible costs, with the remainder covered by the applicant through cash or in-kind contributions. For larger-scale projects exceeding $10,000, the program covers 50% of the approved costs. This framework not only provides significant financial relief but also encourages the efficient allocation and usage of private resources, fostering a culture of prudent financial management and investment among new entrants.
Eligibility for this program is tailored to ensure that it serves its purpose of nurturing new agricultural talent. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to develop viable farm businesses with the primary focus on producing and selling agricultural commodities within British Columbia. By adhering to these eligibility requirements, the program assures that its support is directed toward those who are genuinely poised to contribute to the province’s agricultural economy.
Applicants must be diligent in their submissions, as the competitive nature of the application process means that not all who apply may receive funding. Careful attention to detail, a thorough demonstration of the project’s potential, and a strategic alignment of business goals with the resources available through the NEFBA Program are crucial for success. Ultimately, this holistic approach aims to bolster the agricultural landscape of British Columbia by empowering new farmers to develop into successful, sustainable operations.
