British Columbia businesses face pressure to cut emissions, adopt new technology, and build more inclusive workplaces—all at the same time. The Jobs and Growth Fund, delivered by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), was created to help meet these challenges. It supported projects that created jobs, improved environmental performance, and promoted economic inclusion. In BC, the program invested $85.4 million as part of a national $700 million fund.
Although the BC intake is now closed, the Jobs and Growth Fund remains a strong example of how federal funding can support green and inclusive business growth in BC. Its approach influences how new programs are designed today.
The Jobs and Growth Fund was a federal program designed to help businesses and non-profits recover from the pandemic and build a stronger future. In British Columbia, it was managed by PacifiCan, the federal agency for regional economic development in the province.
Key facts for BC:
Projects were selected if they could create good jobs, make BC businesses more competitive, and help more people participate in the economy. This included projects in cities, rural areas, and Indigenous communities.
Helping BC businesses become more sustainable was a main goal of the fund. PacifiCan supported projects that encouraged companies to grow while protecting the environment.
Some of the green-focused activities included:
Clean technology adoption
Buying energy-efficient equipment, using low-emission manufacturing, or switching to cleaner production systems.
Sustainable growth planning
Projects that helped businesses lower waste, cut energy use, or meet environmental standards.
Green regional clusters
Bringing together businesses, schools, and non-profits to build clean-tech and sustainability networks.
These investments helped BC businesses reduce costs, shrink their environmental impact, and prepare for stricter climate rules.
The Jobs and Growth Fund also aimed to make BC’s economy more inclusive. PacifiCan gave priority to businesses and organizations that created opportunities for people who are often left out.
Inclusion priorities included:
Businesses owned or led by underrepresented groups, such as:
Non-profit organizations that:
This focus helped ensure that economic growth reached more people across BC, not just large or established businesses.
The fund supported more than just green and inclusive goals. It also aimed to help BC businesses grow and compete globally.
Projects often included:
Digital adoption and advanced digital tools
Using automation, advanced manufacturing, and data-driven technologies to improve productivity. (Sometimes called “Industry 4.0,” these tools include robotics, sensors, and smart software.)
Sector scale-up
Expanding businesses in areas like:
Supply-chain resilience
Making BC less dependent on imports and strengthening local production.
These investments were designed to create long-term, high-quality jobs and help BC companies compete around the world.
If you’re searching for similar funding, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you explore current federal and provincial programs for your business or non-profit.
Assuming the fund is still open in BC
The BC stream closed by March 31, 2024. Applying to closed programs wastes time. Make sure you check for current options.
Thinking only clean-tech companies qualified
Many sectors, such as food and manufacturing, were eligible if their projects supported sustainability or digital upgrades.
Overlooking non-profit eligibility
Non-profits, especially those focused on training and inclusion, could also apply.
Ignoring cost-sharing requirements
The fund required applicants to cover part of the project costs. Funding was not always a full grant.
Q: Is the Jobs and Growth Fund still open in British Columbia?
No. The BC intake closed by March 31, 2024, or once funding ran out. The program page is now archived.
Q: Who was eligible to apply in BC?
For-profit businesses, non-profits, and organizations creating jobs and supporting inclusion in BC could apply.
Q: What types of green projects were supported?
Supported projects included clean-tech upgrades, sustainable operations, and building green industry clusters.
Q: Did startups qualify for the Jobs and Growth Fund?
Yes. There was a special funding stream for businesses started after January 2020.
Q: How was funding typically structured?
Funding was given as repayable or non-repayable contributions, with cost-sharing required.
The Jobs and Growth Fund demonstrates how federal support can drive green and inclusive business growth in BC. While this fund is now closed, similar programs are available to support clean growth, digital adoption, and inclusive hiring across the province. To find current opportunities that fit your business, sector, and location, consider using GrantHub to search for programs that match your needs.
See also:
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