PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative
Last Update: July 22, 2025
BC, Canada
Funding to support francophone businesses and communities in British Columbia
PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
Grant Providers
- Government of Canada
- Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)
Program status
Open
Overview of the PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative program
Get a non-repayable contribution for projects and initiatives that foster economic diversification, business development, innovation, partnerships and increased support for francophone SMEs.
Eligible projects & activities
The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) supports projects that enhance the economic participation and vitality of Francophone communities in British Columbia through diverse initiatives. Eligible projects focus on cultural, tourism, and community development activities that offer tangible benefits to these communities.
- Development of a Francophone tourism circuit to promote business activities and cultural awareness.
- Expansion of cultural and community spaces for arts and community events.
- Creation of infrastructure to improve access to natural resources and enhance recreational opportunities.
- Digital broadcasting of Francophone arts and events to wider audiences through improved technology.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 90,000
Expansion of the Francophone community center to meet growing community needs
$ 75,000
Development of a Francophone tourism circuit to promote local businesses
$ 68,000
Enhanced access to the Red River for recreational activities
$ 70,000
Creating a Francophone tourism mobile app to explore Quebec City’s historic sites
$ 85,000
Building a Francophone cultural library to support community engagement
$ 80,000
Digital broadcast of Francophone performing arts events to reach a wider audience
Eligibility criteria of the PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative program
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the language of operation and target community impact.
- 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 (OLMCs) in British Columbia.
Who is eligible?
There are eligible types of companies for this grant. Businesses working in French to contribute to the development and vitality of British Columbia's Francophonie are eligible.
- Companies serving a Francophone clientele from official language minority communities in British Columbia.
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.
Eligibility criteria of the PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative program
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 the PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative program
1
Contact Local FEDO
- Identify and contact your local Francophone Economic Development Organization (FEDO) in British Columbia.
- Discuss your project idea with them to ensure alignment with the grant's objectives and eligibility criteria.
2
Prepare Application Documentation
- Prepare a detailed project proposal that outlines the project’s goals, impact, and alignment with the focus sectors (e.g., economic diversification, economic immigration, green economy, youth, tourism).
- Ensure all necessary supporting documents are collected, such as business plans, letters of support, and budgets.
3
Submit Application
- Email the completed application package to fdefo@cecs-sk.ca.
- Include all required documents and ensure the email is sent before any application deadlines provided by your local FEDO.
4
Follow-Up
- Await confirmation of receipt from the FEDO managing your application.
- Be prepared to provide additional information or clarification if requested.
Additional information
- Projects must align with the Economic Development Initiative goals and priorities outlined in the official guidelines.
- Applicants should ensure their projects clearly demonstrate a positive impact on economic diversification, business development, innovation, partnerships, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises in official language minority communities.
Contact Government of Canada
fdefo@cecs-sk.ca
Apply to this program
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