Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund: Business Advisory Supports

Overview:

The Business Advisory Supports program helps rural and remote businesses access professional expertise to address business challenges, strengthen operations, and support employment opportunities. Funding is available to offset the costs of hiring third-party professional advisors, with a focus on helping businesses respond to tariff-related impacts, improve resilience, and sustain or create jobs in Northern British Columbia.

Funding Amount:

• Up to $30,000
• Covers up to 85% of eligible project costs
• Up to $50,000 may be available for complex projects, covering up to 85% of eligible project costs

Eligibility / Who It’s For:

Eligible applicants include:

• Small and medium-sized businesses
• Community Contribution Companies (C3s)
• First Nation businesses (eligible industries)
• Wholly owned First Nation Development Corporations
• Not-for-profit organizations (eligible purposes)

Applicants must be located within eligible Northern British Columbia communities.

Project Examples:

Funding may support professional advisory services such as:

• Business planning and strategy development
• Market analysis and diversification planning
• Financial and operational assessments
• Tariff impact mitigation strategies
• Human resources and workforce planning
• Business sustainability planning
• Economic growth and expansion strategies
• Professional consulting services that support employment retention or creation

Province/Scope:

British Columbia

Deadline:

December 31, 2026 or until available funding has been fully allocated.