BC Small Business Grants and Funding Programs
Active grants and funding programs for BC small businesses in 2025-2026 — federal, provincial, and municipal sources.
If you own a small business in British Columbia, a range of federal and provincial grants and funding programs can help you grow, hire, adopt technology, and invest in clean energy. Knowing which ones you qualify for can put thousands of dollars back into your business each year.
Canada Digital Adoption Program (CDAP)
CDAP was launched in 2022 to help small and medium-sized businesses adopt digital tools. The program offers two streams: the Grow Your Business Online grant (up to $2,400 to help with e-commerce costs) and the Boost Your Business Technology grant (up to $15,000 to develop a digital adoption plan).
As of 2025, the Grow Your Business Online stream has largely been subscribed in BC, but the Boost Your Business Technology stream continues to accept applications through regional delivery partners like the BC Tech Association and Alacrity Canada.
BC Employer Training Grant
- Covers up to 80% of eligible training costs for employees, to a maximum of $10,000 per employee per fiscal year.
- Priorities include digital skills, clean economy training, and health-care support roles.
- Available to BC-based businesses with fewer than 150 employees — you need to submit a training plan before the training begins.
SR&ED for BC Businesses
The Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentive remains the largest federal R&D program. BC-based CCPCs can claim a refundable 35% federal credit on up to $3 million of qualifying expenditures, plus a provincial non-refundable credit worth 10%.
Small craft breweries, software studios, and manufacturing shops are among the BC businesses that qualify — the key is demonstrating technological uncertainty and systematic investigation. In 2023, BC businesses claimed over $420 million in SR&ED credits.
If your project involves clean technology or life sciences, the BC Innovation Council can help you navigate both SR&ED and complementary provincial grant programs.
CleanBC Programs
- The CleanBC Industry Fund supports capital projects that reduce industrial emissions — grants range from $100,000 to $5 million.
- The Better Homes and Better Buildings programs offer rebates for energy-efficient retrofits that lower operating costs for commercial property.
- The Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) programs provide point-of-sale rebates for business fleet electrification.
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan)
PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency for BC. Their Business Scale-up and Productivity program offers interest-free repayable contributions of up to $10 million for high-growth firms. The Women Entrepreneurship Strategy fund also flows through PacifiCan with grants up to $100,000.
Application windows open quarterly, and demand is high — businesses with a clear growth plan and matching funds are prioritized.
Key Takeaways
- 1CDAP's Boost Your Business Technology stream offers up to $15,000 for digital adoption planning.
- 2The BC Employer Training Grant covers up to 80% of training costs — use it for upskilling your team.
- 3SR&ED remains the most generous R&D credit; BC businesses claimed over $420 million in 2023.
- 4CleanBC and PacifiCan programs offer substantial capital for clean-tech and high-growth companies.
Need help applying this to your situation?
Our CPA-led team can review your specifics and implement these strategies for you.
Book a Free ConsultationRelated Articles
New Immigrant Tax Guide
Complete guide for newcomers filing taxes in Canada — residency, reporting foreign income, and first-year credits.
Dividend vs. Salary Strategy
Owner-manager compensation optimization: how to decide between paying yourself via salary, dividends, or a mix.
Small Business Tax Credits
Hidden tax opportunities for Canadian small businesses — credits, deductions, and incentives you may be missing.