Jobs and Growth Fund British Columbia: Application Guide

If your business plans to hire, expand, or invest in new capacity in British Columbia, the Jobs and Growth Fund British Columbia is a major federal funding program to consider. The program is delivered by Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan). It supports projects that help create quality jobs and build long-term economic growth in B.C..

This guide covers who can apply, what projects are eligible, how much funding is available, and how the application process works.

What Is the Jobs and Growth Fund in British Columbia?

The Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) is a federal program that gives money to businesses and groups working to strengthen B.C.’s economy. The fund focuses on creating jobs, helping businesses grow, and supporting economic recovery. Special attention goes to rural, Indigenous, and underrepresented communities.

The main goals of the program are:

Creating good jobs for people in B.C.
Helping businesses grow and be more innovative
Building strong industry groups and clusters
Supporting economic growth that includes everyone

PacifiCan runs the program, and only projects based in British Columbia can apply.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Eligibility depends on your organization and project. According to PacifiCan, eligible applicants usually include:

For-profit businesses that are incorporated in Canada and operate in B.C.
Not-for-profit organizations that support economic development
Indigenous organizations and communities
Post-secondary institutions (usually as partners or in special cases)

Your project must:

Happen in British Columbia
Clearly create or keep jobs in the region
Support long-term economic growth or make your business more competitive
Match PacifiCan’s priorities, such as supporting innovation or including underrepresented groups

There is also a special funding stream for businesses started after January 2020. This helps newer companies that faced challenges during the pandemic.

How Much Funding Can You Get?

The Jobs and Growth Fund gives contribution-based funding. This means the government will pay for part of your project costs, but not all.

Key points about funding:

Cost-sharing is required. You must pay part of the costs yourself.
Funding is project-based and only covers certain expenses.
Support can be repayable or non-repayable. This depends on your organization and project results.

Most business projects need to show they are financially strong and can keep jobs after the funding ends.

For more information on repayable and non-repayable funding, see:
Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada: Program Examples Explained

What Types of Projects Are Funded?

PacifiCan supports projects that show real economic benefits. Common examples of funded projects include:

Expanding or scaling up a business
Using new technologies or improving processes
Projects that help the environment or support green growth
Strengthening supply chains in the region
Hiring more workers for new or growing operations

Eligible expenses often include:

Buying equipment or machinery
Expanding or updating facilities
Labour costs directly related to the project
Professional services needed for the project

For more on what costs are allowed in Canadian funding programs, see:
What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?

How the Application Process Works

Applying for the Jobs and Growth Fund British Columbia is not just filling out an online form. PacifiCan encourages you to connect early.

Here are the usual steps:

Talk to a PacifiCan officer first
Share your project idea, budget, and how it will create jobs.
Project review
PacifiCan checks if your project matches their goals.
Submit your full application
Include details like your finances, project timeline, and job numbers.
Due diligence and approval
Larger projects may get a detailed review.
Sign a funding agreement
Money is released as you meet project milestones and report your progress.

Using tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher helps you quickly see if your project fits this or other federal and B.C. programs before you spend time applying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not speaking with PacifiCan first
Early contact is important. Applying without it often leads to rejection.
Overstating job creation
Be realistic. Only count jobs that are directly tied to your project.
Not investing enough yourself
Projects with little applicant investment are less likely to be chosen.
Weak long-term impact
The fund is for projects with lasting benefits, not short-term fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Jobs and Growth Fund still open in British Columbia?
Yes. The program is open, but funding is limited and may depend on your region or project focus.

Q: Do startups qualify for the Jobs and Growth Fund?
Yes. Businesses started after January 2020 can apply under a special stream if they can show growth and job creation.

Q: How much funding can a business receive?
There is no set maximum. The amount depends on your project’s size, budget, and impact. You must share the costs.

Q: Is Jobs and Growth Fund funding taxable?
Usually, government funding is taxable income. Check with your accountant for your situation.

Q: Do I need to talk to a PacifiCan officer before applying?
Yes. Early consultation is strongly encouraged and often required.

Next Steps

The Jobs and Growth Fund British Columbia could be a good fit if your business is ready to grow, hire, and invest for the future. Make sure your project creates jobs, has clear benefits, and includes a solid financial plan.

Find more programs like this with GrantHub before starting your application. GrantHub tracks hundreds of federal and provincial programs, including PacifiCan funding, to help you discover opportunities that match your business.

Jobs and Growth Fund British Columbia: Application Guide