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Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS) - British Columbia - Canada
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Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS)

Supports scaling operations for food processors in BC
Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF)
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 25,000 - $ 150,000
Timeline
  • Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
British Columbia, Canada

Overview

The Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program provides up to $150,000 in funding to support facility upgrades, equipment acquisition, and related training for small food processors in British Columbia. Its purpose is to enhance productivity and competitiveness, particularly in the meat, seafood, fruit, vegetable, plant-based protein, dairy, bakery, and beverage sectors.

/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase performance through digital transformation
  • Develop a new product or service
  • Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 150,000 $
  • Minimum amount : 25,000 $
  • Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
  • Receipt of requests is now closed

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Manufacturing
Location
  • British Columbia
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • Public or Parapublic institution
  • For-profit business
  • Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
  • From $ 100,000 to $ 499,000 in revenue
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Research
  • Economic, Social and Community Development
  • Employment and Training
Target groups
  • Indigenous peoples
  • Rural / Remote communities
  • Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • Provincial

Next steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Build, upgrade, or expand infrastructure such as new cooler or freezer, production room expansion.
  • Purchase and installation of equipment or machinery, including IT systems, to increase production capacity or support product line expansion, along with specialized training related to the use of the equipment and/or machinery.
  • Activities or equipment to support development or adaptation of new products to meet customer needs in different markets.
  • Purchase and installation of new or upgraded/expanded facilities and infrastructure and equipment for increased production capacity.
  • Purchase and installation of new technology and systems, including innovative technologies, software, advanced automation such as robotics, digital or Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, and systems that enhance processing capacity.
  • Applied Research and development (R&D) for new and improved products, including lab analysis, packaging, and the use of technology for product development, requiring commercialization before February 1, 2026.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Established food and seafood processing businesses in British Columbia with a minimum of two years in operation and annual revenues between $100K and $499K.
  • Established commercial food hubs, commissary kitchens, and other shared-use commercial food processing facilities in British Columbia.
  • Primary meat processors licensed under Farmgate Plus or Abattoir facilities in British Columbia.

Who is not eligible

  • Retail food services or operations.
  • Fruit and vegetable packers, except when conducting other eligible forms of food processing on the same premises.
  • Processors/manufacturers of pet food, except where it provides value-add to waste from food supply.
  • Processors/manufacturers of cannabis-infused food products and beverages.
  • Restaurants and food service, including catering services.
  • Packaging material manufacturers.
  • Processors/manufacturers of health products or nutritional supplements.
  • Processors/manufacturers of alcohol-based beverages and ingredients meant for alcohol-based beverages.
  • New entrant businesses.
  • Animal feed processors.
  • Non-BC-based businesses.

Eligible expenses

  • Purchase and installation of new or upgraded/expanded facilities and infrastructure, including costs for renovations, site improvements, and construction.
  • New or upgraded equipment/machinery to increase production capacity or support product line expansion.
  • Related training and upskilling to support adoption and implementation, provided by an external organization or company.
  • Purchase and installation of new technology and systems, including innovative technologies, software, advanced automation, and digital or AI technology that would increase processing capacity.
  • Costs for facility changes, upgrades, and modifications required for installation of advanced automation or manufacturing technology or equipment.
  • Applied research and development (R&D) for new and improved products, lab analysis, and packaging including R&D for new products, access to laboratory equipment, and applied research support and expertise.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Province of British Columbia

Additional information

  • All public communications about a project funded by the program must be pre-approved by the IAF Communications Team.
  • Projects must receive approval from IAF before commencing; retroactive funding for activities completed prior to approval is not available.
  • Reimbursement of expenses will be based on audited receipts and the approved project budget.
  • Due to high demand and potential oversubscription, applying as early as possible is encouraged.
  • If a project is not completed or requires changes, IAF must be informed promptly through the IAF Client Portal.

Contacts

sfps@iafbc.ca

Frequently Asked Questions about the Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS) Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS). This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS)?

The Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program provides up to $150,000 in funding to support facility upgrades, equipment acquisition, and related training for small food processors in British Columbia. Its purpose is to enhance productivity and competitiveness, particularly in the meat, seafood, fruit, vegetable, plant-based protein, dairy, bakery, and beverage sectors.

How much funding can be received?

Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS) Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $150,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS) program?

To be eligible for the Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS) program, you must: Applicant must be located in the Province of British Columbia. Minimum of two years in operation with gross annual revenues between $100K and $499K for food/seafood processing businesses. Eligible under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes 311 or 312 for material product transformation.

What expenses are eligible under Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS)?

Build, upgrade, or expand infrastructure such as new cooler or freezer, production room expansion. Purchase and installation of equipment or machinery, including IT systems, to increase production capacity or support product line expansion, along with specialized training related to the use of the equipment and/or machinery. Activities or equipment to support development or adaptation of new products to meet customer needs in different markets. Purchase and installation of new or upgraded/expanded facilities and infrastructure and equipment for increased production capacity. Purchase and installation of new technology and systems, including innovative technologies, software, advanced automation such as robotics, digital or Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, and systems that enhance processing capacity. Applied Research and development (R&D) for new and improved products, including lab analysis, packaging, and the use of technology for product development, requiring commercialization before February 1, 2026.

Who can I contact for more information about the Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS)?

You can contact Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF) by email at sfps@iafbc.ca.

Where is the Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS) available?

The Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS) program is available the province of British Columbia.

Is the Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS) a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS) is a Grant and Funding

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