Buy BC Partnership Program

Insider Tip

The Ministry funds the project's eligible costs at the cost-share ratio — but you must self-fund upfront and claim reimbursement after project completion. Ensure your cash flow can cover 50–65% of project costs before receipt. Industry associations get the highest cost-share (70%) so multi-producer associations should apply as a collective rather than individually. New applicants get a better cost-share rate (50%) than returning ones (35%) — consider whether a first-time application or building on a prior year's activities maximizes your ask.

Rejection Pitfalls 5

• Buy BC logo licence not held or not applied for by the deadline
• Revenue below $30,000/year for the past two years
• Proposed activities are ineligible (e.g., trade shows outside BC, staff wages not directly tied to project implementation)

Success Profile

A BC food or seafood producer or processor earning $30K+ annually who sells under the Buy BC brand and wants to expand retail shelf presence or launch a regional advertising campaign. Strongest applicants have a specific, costed marketing plan tied directly to Buy BC branding activities.

Evaluation Criteria

Competitive merit-based review by MNP LLP on behalf of the Ministry. Projects are assessed on: (1) alignment with Buy BC program criteria and objectives; (2) specificity and clarity of the marketing plan; (3) anticipated reach and market impact within BC; (4) value for money — cost-effectiveness of proposed activities; (5) applicant eligibility and Buy BC licence status.

Application Steps

Required Documents 5

Eligible Expenses 6

• Paid advertising — digital, radio, print, TV, and transit ads
• Product labelling and packaging with Buy BC logo (design + first print run)
• Buy BC-branded marketing collateral and promotional materials
• In-store demonstrations and retail promotions
• Market development activities and sales expositions within BC
• Staff wages directly tied to project implementation activities

Ineligible Expenses 5

• Trade shows or marketing activities outside British Columbia
• Capital equipment or packaging machinery
• General business operating costs and overhead
• Repeat print runs of previously funded Buy BC packaging
• Activities commenced before Funding Agreement is signed

Intake Periods

Annual, typically January–February. 2026 intake: January 26–February 20, 2026. Next intake expected January 2027.

Deadline Notes

Annual intake cycle. The 2026 intake ran January 26–February 20, 2026. Next intake expected to open in January 2027. Monitor buybcpartnershipprogram.ca for announcements.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• Businesses not in primary agriculture, seafood production, processing, or cooperatives
• Retailers, distributors, or importers (not primary producers or processors)
• Organizations without BC head office or BC business authorization
• Applicants without a valid Buy BC logo licence

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Low Risk

Clawback applies if project activities are not completed as approved or if receipts are not submitted. Low overall risk given the small grant size and clear activity-based scope.