Pacific Economic Development Canada
$6.4M Boost for BC Business & Community Growth
Funding will help B.C. companies access the investment capital, customers, and expert advice they need to grow and help communities capitalize on development opportunities
British Columbians are known for their entrepreneurial and community spirit. As B.C. organizations grow, they create jobs, boost local exports, and strengthen the economy. However, many businesses lack access to the supports they need to reach their full potential. PacifiCan is here to help B.C. businesses and communities thrive.
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $6.4 million in PacifiCan funding for seven organizations to drive business growth and support economic development initiatives in British Columbia. This includes $5.1 million for three organizations through PacifiCan’s Business Acceleration Pilot (BizAP) that will help small- and medium-sized businesses scale up, expand into new markets and strengthen B.C.’s economy.
Launched in October 2023, PacifiCan’s BizAP responds directly to the unique needs of businesses across the province. The three projects announced today, as well as the 10 announced in January, will help high-growth businesses access investment capital and connect to new customers and commercial networks in B.C., across Canada, and in global markets.
Among the BizAP funding recipients, Alacrity Canada will receive $2,481,097 to expand its programming for small- and medium-sized businesses ready for rapid growth. With a track record of supporting 24,000 B.C. entrepreneurs, Alacrity’s Advanced Pathways for Export Program (APEX), will prepare companies for diversified trade opportunities and provide personalized mentorship from industry experts and connections with global investors. This investment will help businesses with high growth potential achieve their scale-up ambitions and bolster B.C.’s position as a leader in key sectors such as clean technology and manufacturing.
The Fireweed Institute is receiving $1,394,650 to develop and deliver new programming tailored to high-growth-potential Indigenous businesses, and BC Tech is receiving $1,222,969 to help technology-focused businesses scale up their operations. These three BizAP investments are expected to help create more than 1,700 jobs, support 300 businesses across British Columbia, and drive more than $110 million in revenue growth for these companies.
As part of today’s announcement, Minister Sajjan also announced $1.3 million in funding through PacifiCan’s Community Economic Development and Diversification program to help four not-for-profits boost local economic growth in communities across the province.
The organizations receiving this funding are:
https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development/news/2025/03/pacifican-invests-64-million-to-drive-business-growth-and-support-community-economic-development-initiatives-across-british-columbia.html