How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $5000000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

PacifiCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Business Scale-Up and Productivity

Q: What are PacifiCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Business Scale-Up and Productivity's eligibility criterias?

Incorporated, high-growth for-profit business in British Columbia Operating for at least 2 years in Canada Staffed operating facilities in British Columbia

Last Update: June 7, 2025

BC, Canada

Financing to accelerate growth in British Columbia

PacifiCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Business Scale-Up and Productivity at a glance

Eligible Funding

From $200,000 to $5,000,000
Up to 50% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : July 14, 2023
Closing date : September 22, 2023

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Manufacturing
Information and cultural industries
Health care and social assistance

Grant Providers

Government of Canada
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)

Status

Closed

Overview of the PacifiCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Business Scale-Up and Productivity program

Get a financial contribution to help you scale up and expand, adopt and commercialize innovative technologies and processes, or diversify your markets.

Financing terms and conditions

PacifiCan funding may cover up to 50% of eligible project costs.
Minimum funding per project is $200,000 and maximum is $5 million.
A single organization may receive up to $10 million across multiple projects.
At least 50% of the total project funding must come from confirmed non-government sources at the time of application.
Repayment is interest-free, with a 1-year grace period after project completion, followed by equal monthly payments over 5 years; no penalty for early repayment.

Eligible projects & activities

Scaling up business operations to increase production capacity and expand markets.
Implementing new technologies or processes to improve productivity and efficiency.
Commercializing innovative products or services to access new or existing markets.
Expansion into export markets through market development initiatives.
Developing and demonstrating advanced technologies that are ready for market launch.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 1,600,000

Commercialize a new AI-driven financial advisory platform

$ 1,500,000

Develop and commercialize an innovative renewable energy system

$ 775,000

Scale up organic farm operations with new equipment and marketing strategies

$ 1,000,000

Implement a state-of-the-art AI-driven manufacturing line for enhanced productivity

$ 1,350,000

Develop advanced cybersecurity solutions for small businesses

$ 1,200,000

Expand operations by opening a new warehouse and distribution center

Eligibility criteria of the PacifiCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Business Scale-Up and Productivity program

The business must be incorporated in Canada and have been operating in British Columbia for at least 2 years.
The applicant must be a high-growth, for-profit business scaling up and producing innovative goods, services, or technologies.
The company must have staffed operating facilities located in British Columbia.
The applicant must show evidence of confirmed funding from all other sources, with at least 50% of the proposed project costs from non-government sources.
The project must aim to support or accelerate growth through productivity improvement, business scale-up, or technology commercialization activities.

Who is eligible?

High-growth, incorporated businesses operating in British Columbia
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with less than 500 full-time employees (preference may be given)
Businesses in advanced manufacturing
Clean technology and clean resources sectors
Companies involved in digital industries, health/bio-sciences, value-added natural resources processing, ocean technology, and agritech/value-added agriculture

Eligible expenses

Capital costs, such as equipment and machinery essential to the project.
Labour expenses, including wages and benefits directly tied to the project.
Marketing costs associated with the project.
Costs related to intellectual property.
Technology development and commercial demonstration expenses.
Professional, advisory, and technical service fees relevant to the project.

Eligible geographic areas

British Columbia

Eligibility criteria of the PacifiCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Business Scale-Up and Productivity program

Market potential of the proposed project.
Management capability of the applicant organization.
Financial capacity to execute and repay the project.
Economic benefits and expected outcomes for British Columbia.
Technology readiness (for technology commercialization projects only).
Alignment with PacifiCan’s agency priorities.

How to apply to the PacifiCan — Regional Economic Growth through Innovation — Business Scale-Up and Productivity program

Review Eligibility and Program Guidelines

Check that your business meets the eligibility criteria.
Thoroughly read the BSP Expression of Interest (EOI) Help Guide.

Prepare Required Documents

Gather financial statements for the past two years and interim financial statements for at least the last six-month period.
Develop a business plan and project description highlighting how your company meets the high-growth definition.
Obtain confirmation of other funding sources including official letters of intent, funding agreements, and current bank statements.
If applicable, prepare an export plan for projects involving export orientation.

Submit Expression of Interest

Complete the Expression of Interest form available on PacifiCan's application portal.
Upload all mandatory documents as specified in the EOI Help Guide.
Submit your EOI before the deadline.

Confirmation and Monitoring

Confirm submission completion and check for an automated notification from PacifiCan.
Periodically check the application portal for updates on your EOI status.

Full Application (if invited)

If shortlisted, prepare and submit a comprehensive application package including detailed business plans, financial forecasts, and project cost breakdowns.
Engage with PacifiCan to address any questions or requests for additional information during the assessment phase.

Additional information

Selected projects are required to report on inclusiveness efforts related to Indigenous people, women, and youth.
Applications may undergo a technical assessment by national level programs for projects involving novel or clean technology.
Each business is limited to one Expression of Interest per intake period and one successful application per year.
Financial statements and proof of non-government funding sources must be provided at the time of the initial expression of interest submission.