If your BC-based tech company is having trouble covering basic operating costs, even paying a membership fee can feel impossible. The BC Tech Member Hardship Fund is designed to help in these situations. It covers the cost of BC Tech Association membership for eligible members who are facing financial hardship. This support helps you stay connected to programs, advocacy, and funding opportunities when you need them most.
The BC Tech Member Hardship Fund is a program created by the BC Tech Association and supported by its members. Together, BC Tech members have contributed $20,000 to help fellow members who are struggling financially by paying their BC Tech membership fees.
This is not a cash grant. Instead, the fund pays all or part of your BC Tech membership fee. This allows you to keep your membership active during a tough period.
Key facts:
To apply for the BC Tech Member Hardship Fund, your business must meet certain criteria.
You may be eligible if:
There are no set revenue or employee minimums. Early-stage, pre-revenue, and growing tech companies can all apply as long as they are active BC Tech members and can show financial need.
The application process is simple, but acting quickly is important.
Step-by-step process:
Check your membership status
You must already be a BC Tech member to qualify.
Write a short explanation of hardship
Clearly explain why paying the membership fee is hard right now. This might include cash flow problems, delayed fundraising, or sudden costs.
Send your request to BC Tech
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, while funds are available.
Wait for confirmation
If your request is approved, BC Tech will apply the hardship funding to your membership fee.
Because funding is limited, it’s best to apply as soon as you need help. Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can also help you find other BC and Canada-wide programs for tech companies facing financial challenges.
Knowing what this program does and does not cover helps you plan for your needs.
The fund covers:
The fund does not cover:
Since the support is used to pay a fee and not given as cash, it usually does not count as taxable income for your business.
1. Applying without active membership
Only current BC Tech members can apply. Non-members are not eligible.
2. Expecting cash support
This fund does not give out cash. It only pays BC Tech membership fees.
3. Waiting until your membership renewal is overdue
Funds are limited and given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply as soon as you need help.
4. Giving a vague explanation of financial hardship
A clear and honest explanation improves your chances. Avoid sending a request with little or no detail.
Q: What is the BC Tech Member Hardship Fund?
It is a member-funded program that covers BC Tech membership fees for members facing financial hardship. It helps companies stay connected to BC Tech resources during difficult times.
Q: Who can apply for the BC Tech Member Hardship Fund?
Only current BC Tech members who are experiencing financial difficulty can apply. The fund is not open to non-members.
Q: How much support does the BC Tech Member Hardship Fund provide?
The fund covers the cost of BC Tech membership fees. It does not provide cash or funds for other business needs.
Q: Is the BC Tech Member Hardship Fund repayable?
No. The support is non-repayable and is used directly for your membership fees.
Q: Is there an application deadline?
There is no fixed deadline. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis while funds remain.
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