PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative

Organizations working to strengthen Francophone business activity and community-led economic growth in Western Canada have an opportunity to access targeted funding through the PacifiCan — Economic Development Initiative. This program supports projects that go beyond day-to-day operations and focus on building long-term economic capacity, whether that’s through innovation, partnerships, tourism development, youth engagement, or green economy initiatives. It’s particularly relevant for groups serving official language minority communities and looking to create measurable economic impact.

Delivered by Pacific Economic Development Canada in collaboration with other federal partners, the initiative provides non-repayable contributions, often up to around $50,000, to help offset the costs of well-defined projects. Small and medium-sized businesses, along with nonprofits and community organizations, have used this support to launch bilingual tourism experiences, expand cultural and economic infrastructure, adopt digital tools, and strengthen collaboration across regions. Projects can be local or broader in scope, as long as they contribute to economic diversification and the vitality of Francophone communities.

For Francophone-led organizations in British Columbia and across Western Canada that are planning a new initiative or expansion, this program can play a meaningful role in turning ideas into action. Reviewing the full program details can help determine whether your project aligns with the initiative’s goals and funding approach.