Two new funding programs worth $1.65 million was introduced Tuesday at the True North Business Development Forum in Prince George to support innovation projects in Northern BC.
The Northern Industries Innovation Fund is committing $750,000 annually to help small businesses create innovative technology.
This will provide rebate funding up to $50,000 to a maximum of 50 percent of a project’s budget in industries such as energy, agriculture, aquaculture, and forestry.
Minister of Forests Doug Donaldson says people who work towards technology innovation are usually short funding.
“People, especially the innovators, are often doing it out of their own homes, they’re doing it in their own backyards, they’re doing it in connection with another partner.”
The second program, called the strategic initiatives fund, is committing $900,000 to allow municipalities and First Nations to apply for grant funding to support long-term sustainability projects.
“The funding is focused on smaller companies and where they’re in the startup or first stage,” says Minister of Jobs, Trade, and Technology Bruce Ralston.
“A little bit of funding in that first stage can really go a long way, so that little bit extra for a good idea can really make a difference in developing and growing a thriving company.”
Applications for the Northern Industries Innovation Fund will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the annual money is exhausted with applications for the Strategic Initiatives Fund being accepted until March 15.
(Files from Jeff Slack with MYPRINCEGEORGENOW)
Something going on in the Cariboo you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].
