Island Coastal Economic Trust Training Bursary: Application Guide

Island Coastal Economic Trust Training Bursary: Application Guide

If you work in economic development on Vancouver Island or the coastal mainland, paying for professional training can be a real barrier. The Island Coastal Economic Trust Training Bursary helps cover the cost of short-term economic development courses and related travel, with funding of up to $1,000 per applicant. The program is designed for people who would not otherwise be able to attend training due to financial constraints.

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What Is the Island Coastal Economic Trust Training Bursary?

The Economic Development Training Bursary and Travel Subsidy is an ongoing program run by the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET). Its goal is to build local economic development capacity and support knowledge sharing across the ICET region.

This bursary supports:

• Tuition or registration fees for approved economic development training
• Travel costs where distance or geography creates a barrier to attendance

Applications are assessed as they are received, and funding is available while the program budget remains open.

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Funding Amount and Eligible Costs

Successful applicants can receive:

• Up to $1,000 total per person
  • Can be used for training tuition
  • May also cover eligible travel expenses when required to attend in person

The bursary is needs-based. ICET gives preference to applicants who would not be able to participate in training without financial assistance.

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Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the Island Coastal Economic Trust Training Bursary, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• Located in the ICET region
  This includes Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and coastal communities within the ICET service area.
• Actively involved in economic development, such as:
  • Working for a local government, First Nation, or economic development organization
  • Supporting community or regional economic initiatives
• OR transitioning into an economic development role
  The program supports both current practitioners and those entering the field.
• Able to demonstrate financial need
  Priority is given to applicants facing cost or travel barriers.

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What Training Programs Are Eligible?

The bursary focuses on short-term economic development training, not formal degree programs.

Eligible training typically includes:

• Professional development courses from organizations such as:
  • BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA)
  • Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC)
  • International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
• Workshops, conferences, or certificate programs related to:
  • Community economic development
  • Investment attraction
  • Indigenous economic development
  • Regional collaboration

Post-secondary degree or diploma programs are generally not eligible, especially if the course is part of a longer academic program.

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How the Application Process Works

The application process is straightforward and designed for working professionals.

Typical steps include:

1. Identify an eligible training program that aligns with your role or career transition.
2. Estimate your costs, including tuition and any required travel.
3. Complete the ICET application form, explaining:
   • Your role in economic development
   • Why the training is important
   • Why you need financial support
4. Submit your application early, as funding is allocated on a rolling basis.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and funding type in seconds, especially if you are comparing multiple training supports in British Columbia.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying for degree-based programs
Courses that are part of a college or university degree are usually not eligible.

2. Not explaining financial need
This is a needs-based bursary. Weak explanations of financial barriers reduce your chances.

3. Waiting too long to apply
Funding is not guaranteed year-round. Applications are reviewed as they come in.

4. Applying without a clear economic development connection
Training must clearly support economic development work, not general professional skills.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much funding can I receive from the Island Coastal Economic Trust Training Bursary?
You can receive up to $1,000 per applicant. This can be used for training tuition and eligible travel costs.

Q: Is the bursary only for people currently working in economic development?
No. You can also apply if you are transitioning into an economic development role, as long as the training supports that path.

Q: Does the bursary cover travel expenses?
Yes. Travel subsidies are available when distance or geography creates a cost barrier to attending training in person.

Q: Is this program first come, first served?
Yes. Applications are assessed as they are received, and funding remains available until the budget is fully allocated.

Q: Are online courses eligible?
They can be, as long as the course is short-term and clearly related to economic development training.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of active training and workforce development grants across Canada — checking which ones match your role and location can help you stack funding where allowed.

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