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Source verified July 6, 2026
PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative (EDI)
Support for Francophone economic development in British Columbia
Latest source updateLast Update: July 6, 2026Latest change: PacifiCan now directs EDI applicants in B.C. to SDECB/FDEFP, with broader Francophone support language and updated funding at $30.5 million over five years.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 6, 2026
Latest change: PacifiCan now directs EDI applicants in B.C. to SDECB/FDEFP, with broader Francophone support language and updated funding at $30.5 million over five years.
EDI in B.C. updated to SDECB delivery and national funding
PacifiCan’s EDI information for British Columbia now points applicants to the Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDECB) and its Fonds de développement économique francophone du Pacifique (FDEFP), replacing the older FDEFO/FEDO application path and contact email. The support description also now refers to Francophones in B.C., Francophone-led organizations, and Francophone entrepreneurs, rather than the narrower former wording tied to British Columbia’s Francophonie. The funding language now shows the national EDI program at $30.5 million over five years (2023 to 2028), replacing the previous $3.2 million over 5 years Western Canada pilot framing.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
PacifiCan funds the Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDECB) to support Francophone-led organizations and Francophone entrepreneurs in British Columbia. The Economic Development Initiative invests in projects with impact in diversification, economic immigration, green economy, youth, or tourism.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Language Minorities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Youth (<40)
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Culture and Arts
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Artists / creatives
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Projects must deliver real impact in at least one of these sectors: diversification and economic development, including trade and investment; economic immigration; green economy; youth; tourism.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Francophone entrepreneurs, including newcomers, women and youth.
- Businesses looking to hire qualified French-speaking candidates.
- French-speaking job seekers.
- Non-profit Francophone organizations.
Who is not eligible
Some types of companies may not be eligible for this grant. Eligibility criteria may exclude companies that do not work in French or do not contribute to the development and vitality of British Columbia's Francophonie.
- Companies that do not work in French
- Companies that do not contribute to the development and vitality of British Columbia's Francophonie
Eligible expenses
This grant supports projects that contribute to economic development and serve Francophone communities in British Columbia. The projects aim to enhance cultural initiatives, improve community infrastructure, and promote Francophone tourism.
- Creation of Francophone tourism circuits to enhance business activities and cultural awareness.
- Expansion of cultural and community spaces for various uses, including performing arts and educational purposes.
- Development of infrastructure to improve access to natural resources for recreational and tourism purposes.
- Digital broadcasting of Francophone performing arts to reach larger audiences and promote cultural events.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to projects supporting Francophone communities in specific regions of British Columbia. The eligible locations are designated to foster economic development among official language minority communities.
- Francophone communities in British Columbia.
Selection criteria
The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) grant in British Columbia has specific evaluation and selection criteria to determine project funding eligibility:
- Applicant(s) must work in French and contribute to the development and vitality of British Columbia's Francophonie.
- Projects must serve a Francophone clientele from OLMCs in British Columbia.
- Projects funded under the program may be local, provincial, or interprovincial in scope and must demonstrate measurable benefits in sectors like economic diversification, economic immigration, the green economy, youth, and tourism.
How to apply
- To apply for EDI funding through SDECB, see their project Fonds de développement économique francophone du Pacifique (FDEFP).
Additional information
- Eligibility varies for each program offered through SDECB.
- To apply for EDI funding through SDECB, see their project Fonds de développement économique francophone du Pacifique (FDEFP).
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative (EDI) Program
What is the PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative (EDI)?
PacifiCan funds the Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDECB) to support Francophone-led organizations and Francophone entrepreneurs in British Columbia. The Economic Development Initiative invests in projects with impact in diversification, economic immigration, green economy, youth, or tourism.
Who is eligible for the PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative (EDI) program?
To be eligible for the PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative (EDI) program, you must:
Applicants must work in French and contribute to the development and vitality of British Columbia's Francophonie.
Projects must serve a Francophone clientele from official language minority communities in British Columbia.
What expenses are eligible under PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative (EDI)?
Projects must deliver real impact in at least one of these sectors: diversification and economic development, including trade and investment; economic immigration; green economy; youth; tourism.
Who can I contact for more information about the PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative (EDI)?
You can contact Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) by email at info@sdecb.com or by phone at 1-877-732-3534.
Where is the PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative (EDI) available?
The PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative (EDI) program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative (EDI) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative (EDI) is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative (EDI)?
PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative (EDI) is funded by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)