Northern British Columbia has $2.7 million in grants available for businesses and First Nations development corporations hurt by global tariffs. Applications opened Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026.
The money comes from the federal government through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, which is funded by employment insurance. Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) is running two new programs on the province’s behalf. They form Phase 2 of the Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund, launched in 2025. Phase 1 paid for labour market research and business advisory services. Phase 2 is meant to turn planning into action.
Business grants: up to $200,000
The Business Diversification and Sustainability program holds $1.8 million. Eligible small and medium-sized businesses can apply for as much as $200,000 each, and the grant can cover up to 75% of project costs. Money can go to equipment, new technology, and projects that open new markets, add products or services, or raise productivity. The program also aims to help firms keep workers and add jobs.
Applications close Oct. 15, 2026.
First Nations capacity building: up to $75,000
The First Nations Business Development Capacity Building program has $900,000 for development corporations across NDIT’s service region. Each applicant can receive as much as $75,000, covering up to 90% of eligible costs for specialized expertise. The idea is to help them build capacity, negotiate partnerships and pursue industrial and infrastructure projects that bring jobs and revenue.
This stream stays open until June 30, 2027, or until the money is fully allocated.
What officials said
“Our government is acting with urgency and prioritizing support for people in sectors facing the greatest impacts of global tariffs,” said Sheila Malcolmson, B.C. Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. Federal Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu said that as tariffs and global uncertainty test businesses, “too many workers and business owners in British Columbia are feeling the pressure.”
Steve Morissette, parliamentary secretary for rural development, said rural and remote communities in the North face “economic uncertainty and changing market conditions.” Adrian Dix, B.C. acting Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, tied the programs to the province’s Look West economic plan. Tamara Davidson, MLA for North Coast-Haida Gwaii, said employers there are working to adapt and keep workers.
The $2.7 million is part of a $5 million investment by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction across four funding streams responding to tariff effects.
