Closed
Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS)
Supports small food processors to scale up operations
Last Update: April 9, 2026
Funding available
$ 25,000 - $ 150,000
Timeline
- Open Date : September 21, 2023
- Closing date : November 2, 2023
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $150,000 in cost-shared support for small food processor scale-up projects in British Columbia. It supports facility upgrades, equipment, technology, training, and applied R&D to improve productivity and competitiveness.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase production or service capacity
- Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 150,000 $
- Minimum amount : 25,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : September 21, 2023
- Closing date : November 2, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- From $ 100,000 to $ 499,000 in revenue
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Facility expansion and infrastructure upgrades
- Installation of new equipment or machinery
- Adoption of new technology and automation systems
- Applied research and new product development
- Related training and upskilling
Documents Needed
- Organization registration information
- Proof of audited financial statements or CRA documents
- Proof of operations for shared-use facilities
- Supporting materials such as cash flow plans or quotes
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Food and seafood processing businesses
- Commercial food hubs and commissary kitchens
- Shared-use commercial food processing facilities
- Primary meat processors with Farm Gate Plus or abattoir licences
Who is not eligible
- Retail food services and restaurants
- Food packers without eligible processing activity
- Pet food, cannabis-infused, alcohol-based, health supplement, or animal feed processors
- Packaging material manufacturers
- Non-BC-based businesses and new entrant businesses
Eligible expenses
- Facility upgrades, renovations, and construction
- New or upgraded equipment and machinery
- New technology, software, and automation systems
- External training and upskilling linked to the project
- Applied R&D, lab analysis, and product development support
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- In-kind contributions
- Staff wages not directly tied to project delivery
- General operating costs and regular capital expenses
- Marketing, market development, and feasibility planning
- Activities related to alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis products
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for eligibility and priority alignment
- Some applications may be assessed by a technical review or advisory committee
- Funding decisions are sent by email within 30 days
- If approved, the applicant signs a contribution agreement with IAF
- Project work and spending can start only after agreement approval
Additional information
- Projects can run for up to 24 months.
- Funding decisions are communicated by email.
- Reporting is done through the IAF Client Portal.
- Funding acknowledgements are required in public communications.
Contacts
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)?
This program provides up to $150,000 in cost-shared support for small food processor scale-up projects in British Columbia. It supports facility upgrades, equipment, technology, training, and applied R&D to improve productivity and competitiveness.
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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was November 2, 2023.
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:
Based in British Columbia
Established food or seafood processor
Meets revenue and operating history requirements
What expenses are eligible under Small Food Processor Scale-Up Program (SFPS)?
Facility expansion and infrastructure upgrades
Installation of new equipment or machinery
Adoption of new technology and automation systems
Applied research and new product development
Related training and upskilling
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 or by phone at none.
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.