2EA3F2

Building Economic Development Capacity

In this funding stream, we focus on supporting First Nations, smaller, rural and disaster-affected communities in building their economic
development capacity, as well as supporting economic development partnerships and collaborations throughout the Southern Interior. We hope to serve as a catalyst for new economic development initiatives, and we know that sometimes a community needs a first-in funder to seed projects and encourage other funders. Our goal is to:

Enhance the capacity of southern interior communities to fulfill their economic development aspirations and knowledge.
Support local and regional economic development projects within the Southern Interior.
Facilitate strategic partnerships and encourage collaboration between communities and economic development agencies.

Our Funding Intakes will generally be of three main types:

SMALL SCALE PROJECTS (up to $25K)
Priority given to communities and First Nations with < 7,500 residents.

LARGE SCALE PROJECTS (up to $75K)
Priority given to communities with
< 25,000 residents.

COLLABORATIVE/REGIONAL PROJECTS
To encourage collaboration between local governments and First Nations, as well as cross-regional initiatives.

Small Scale project applicants may be eligible to receive up to $25,000 to a maximum of 100% of the project budget.
Large Scale project applicants may be eligible to receive up to $75,000 to a maximum of 50% of the project budget.
Collaborative project applicants may be eligible to receive up to $75,000 to a maximum of 60% of the project budget.

Eligible Applicants for funding include:

Local governments (municipalities and regional districts) and their associated economic development organizations
Indigenous communities and their associated economic development organizations
Non-Profit Business Support organizations serving the region, such as:
- Other Economic Development organizations
- Industry Associations
- Accelerators and Cooperative Groups

Depending on the Intake, projects eligible for funding may include:

Economic development planning, feasibility assessments, research, grant writing support to access funding sources which leverage ETSI-BC funding by a factor of 10
Business retention and expansion initiatives
Business engagement initiatives
Developing Business diversification and investment-ready strategies
Key Industry sector analysis/development
Community economic revitalization
Collaborative regional planning and/or business/investment attraction projects
Cost-sharing of economic development interns to help implement new projects

From time to time, ETSI-BC will support other Economic Development initiatives. Click HERE to see examples of other supported activities.

Supporting Information:

Application Guides: Review and download the application guide here.
Information Sessions: Join us for interactive sessions where we’ll walk you through the application process:
- September 1, 2026, at 1:00 PM (Pacific Time): Register Here
- September 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM (Pacific Time): Register Here
Next intake opens September 1, 2026