Government Funding Opportunities for British Columbia Businesses: 2025–2026 Overview

Published on: August 04, 2025

Author: Team Navoriah

British Columbia offers a dynamic range of government funding programs to support innovation, inclusive hiring, workforce training, and agri-tech adoption. Whether you're a startup, a growing enterprise, or a farm operator, there are active programs open for applications in mid-2025 that can directly support your operations and expansion goals.

At Navoriah, we help businesses navigate the complexities of public funding with clarity and confidence. Below, we’ve outlined the funding programs that are currently open for applications, including eligibility and deadlines.

✅ 1. BC Employer Training Grant (ETG)

Funding Type: Reimbursement grant

Maximum Funding: Up to $10,000 per employee and $300,000 per employer per fiscal year

Status: Open now (rolling intake until March 31, 2026)

Who Can Apply:

• All BC-based employers including for-profit companies, non-profits, and Indigenous-owned organizations

• Must be offering external, third-party training aligned with job-related skills development, onboarding, or certification

Funding Coverage:

• 60–100% of training costs (varies by stream and training purpose)

• Eligible for existing and new employees

Purpose: This program helps employers improve staff productivity, retain talent, and address skill gaps through reimbursed training. It's especially valuable for businesses preparing for expansion, technology adoption, or operational restructuring.

✅ 2. Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI)

Funding Type: Wage subsidy

Maximum Funding: Up to $10,000 per placement (minimum 240 hours)

Deadline to Apply: November 20, 2025

Who Can Apply:

• BC-based technology companies, non-profits, or social enterprises

• Must hire a student or recent graduate from an underrepresented group, including Indigenous youth, women in STEM, newcomers, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+, and racialized individuals

Eligibility Notes:

• Employers can receive up to 10 subsidies per fiscal year

• The hired intern must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee

Purpose: The ISI program supports inclusive employment and talent development in the innovation sector. It reduces financial barriers for employers while helping diverse young professionals gain industry experience.

✅ 3. BC On-Farm Technology Adoption Program

Funding Type: Cost-share capital grant

Maximum Funding: Variable, based on the technology and project scope

Status: Open now (third intake)

Who Can Apply:

• Registered BC-based farm operators or agri-businesses

• Must be adopting labour-saving or automation technologies that improve productivity or working conditions

Eligible Technologies:

• Harvesting automation

• Smart irrigation and fertigation

• Robotic systems for animal care

• Automated monitoring or feeding systems

Purpose: Funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP), this program helps modernize on-farm operations, address labour shortages, and increase competitiveness in the agri-food sector.

✅ 4. PacifiCan Jobs and Growth Fund – Indigenous Stream

Funding Type: Non-repayable contributionMaximum Funding: Up to 70% of project costsStatus: Open now

Who Can Apply:

• Indigenous-owned or Indigenous-led businesses based in BC

• Indigenous organizations involved in innovation, green technology, food systems, clean energy, or manufacturing

Purpose:This targeted stream of the Jobs and Growth Fund supports projects that enhance long-term economic resilience and business growth in Indigenous communities across BC.

Eligible Projects May Include:

• Clean technology adoption

• Infrastructure modernization

• Supply chain strengthening

• Workforce development and job creation

📊 Summary Table of Open Programs – BC (August 2025)

Program	Funding Amount	Eligible Applicants	Deadline
ETG (Employer Training Grant)	Up to $300K/year	All BC-based employers	Rolling (until Mar 31, 2026)
ISI (Innovator Skills Initiative)	Up to $10K per intern	Tech firms, non-profits, social enterprises	November 20, 2025
On-Farm Tech Adoption	Variable (cost-shared)	BC farm operators & agri-tech businesses	Open now
Jobs and Growth – Indigenous Stream	Up to 70% of project costs	Indigenous-led businesses and orgs in BC	Open now

💼 How Navoriah Can Support You

Navigating the requirements of multiple funding programs can be complex—especially when deadlines, documentation, and eligibility rules vary. At Navoriah, we help you:

• Identify the most suitable programs for your business type and goals

• Develop strong, fundable applications

• Structure budgets and KPIs aligned with funding requirements

• Ensure compliance, reporting, and milestone tracking

  
  

📩 For funding navigation or proposal support, reach out to us at info@navoriah.com

🌐 Visit: www.navoriah.com