Venture Capital Corporation
Last Update: July 22, 2025
BC, Canada
Equity investments for BC businesses
Venture Capital Corporation at a glance
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Tax Credits
Expert Advice
Loans and Capital investments
Eligible Industries
- Transportation and warehousing
- Information and cultural industries
- Arts, entertainment and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
Grant Providers
- BC Ministry of Finance
- Government of British Columbia
Program status
Open
Overview of the Venture Capital Corporation program
Individuals and corporate investors can get a tax refund of 30 % when they invest in a registered British Columbia Venture Capital Corporation.
Financing terms and conditions
The Venture Capital Corporation program facilitates investment by venture capital corporations in eligible small businesses in British Columbia. The program supports these investments through specific financial instruments and tax credits.
- Tax credit supported investment, subject to pre-approved authorization, enabling investors to benefit from tax incentives.
- Investments focused on start-ups and emerging expanding eligible small businesses, driving economic growth and innovation.
- Administration of an Investment Protection Account to safeguard investment stakes.
- Provision for staggered investment following Administrator Approval Transactions.
- An option for tax credit issuance tied to investment amounts, aiding in cost recovery for investors.
Eligible projects & activities
A Venture Capital Corporation is designed to invest in startups and small businesses that are either emerging or in the process of expanding. They focus on channeling investment into eligible ventures, leveraging the expertise of venture capitalists and angel investors.
- Investment in start-ups that are developing innovative products or services.
- Funding support for emerging businesses in need of growth capital.
- Financial backing for small businesses looking to expand operations.
- Provision of business knowledge and expertise to assist small businesses in scaling.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 90,000
Expanding production capacity for eco-friendly packaging in food industry
$ 30,000
Establishing a community hub for skill development and social enterprise in downtown
$ 81,000
Developing an AI-driven financial analysis tool for small to medium-sized businesses
$ 60,000
Developing a new financial management software for small businesses
$ 45,000
Launching a new organic skincare product line targeting Canadian consumers
Eligibility criteria of the Venture Capital Corporation program
The eligibility for venture capital corporation registration and participation is defined by certain criteria focusing on the business's nature and activities.
- The corporation must be established for the exclusive purpose of investing in start-ups and emerging or expanding eligible small businesses.
- The venture capital corporation typically needs to be managed by experienced venture capitalists or angel investors.
- The business must operate within British Columbia and support the development of its economic ecosystem.
- The corporation must comply with the registration and authorization requirements to raise tax credit supported investments.
Who is eligible?
The eligibility to apply for the Venture Capital Corporation (VCC) program is specifically focused on VCCs formed for the purpose of investing in start-ups, as well as emerging and expanding eligible small businesses. These VCCs are managed by venture capitalists or angel investors. Furthermore, the program is targeted towards supporting British Columbia's small businesses through government and non-government initiatives.
Eligible expenses
The Venture Capital Program focuses on investing in start-ups, and emerging and expanding eligible small businesses. It is designed to encourage economic growth by financing innovative and high-potential business ventures.
- Investment in start-ups with high growth potential in British Columbia.
- Funding for emerging small businesses seeking to expand operations.
- Support for innovative business models and technologies within eligible sectors.
- Providing capital for businesses poised for economic impact and job creation.
- Facilitating partnerships between venture capitalists and entrepreneurial ventures.
Eligible geographic areas
The Venture Capital Corporation grant is applicable to businesses within British Columbia, as indicated by the support programs and resources available for small businesses in the area. This focus is evident from references to the regional economic development support targeted at British Columbia's enterprises.
- Businesses located within the province of British Columbia.
How to apply to the Venture Capital Corporation program
1
Preliminary Research and Gathering Information
- Access the Public Register of VCCs to ensure current status and authorization for raising tax credit supported investments.
- Read the Investment Capital Program Guidelines for relevant details and eligibility criteria.
2
Contact the Administration Office
- Reach out to the Investment Capital office using the provided contact information for additional guidance or clarification needed.
- Obtain any relevant forms or instructions that may not be available online.
3
Prepare Your Application Package
- Complete all necessary forms required for submission.
- Compile any supporting documents that showcase the business plan and potential for growth.
4
Submit Your Application
- Follow the specific submission guidelines provided by the administration office.
- Ensure that the application is submitted before any specified deadline.
5
Await Confirmation and Follow-Up
- Receive confirmation of receipt from the funding body.
- Monitor for any requests for additional information or interviews.
Contact BC Ministry of Finance
investmentcapital@gov.bc.ca
250-952-0136
Apply to this program
Grant and FundingOpen
British Columbia, Canada
Supports commercial building owners to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Tax CreditsOpen
British Columbia, Canada
Tax credit for energy-efficient retrofits in commercial buildings
Grant and FundingOpen
British Columbia, Canada
Money for consulting projects in Northern B.C
Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen
Lytton, British Columbia
Lytton Business Restart Program aids in economic recovery efforts
Grant and FundingOpen
British Columbia, Canada
Money for consulting projects in Northern B.C
Grant and FundingClosed
British Columbia, Canada
PacifiCan's BSP supports high-growth business innovation and scale-up
Grant and FundingClosed
British Columbia, Canada
Financing to accelerate growth in British Columbia
Grant and FundingClosed
British Columbia, Canada
Wage subsidy for B.C's tech sector
Grant and FundingClosed
British Columbia, Canada
Supporting B.C. book publishers attending domestic and international events
Partnering and CollaborationOpen
British Columbia, Canada
Funding in the development of novel and innovative digital technology solutions