If you’re a beekeeper in British Columbia looking to improve bee health, the Bee BC Program offers targeted grant funding to help cover the cost of testing new practices and equipment. The program supports small, community-based projects that strengthen bee health across the province. Funding covers up to 80% of eligible costs to a maximum of $7,000.
This guide explains how the Bee BC Program works, who can apply, and how to improve your chances of approval.
The Bee BC Program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of British Columbia (IAF) on behalf of the Province of BC. Its main goal is to support projects that research, test, and share best management practices for bee health among BC beekeepers.
Unlike many agriculture grants, this program provides non-repayable grant funding. You do not have to pay the money back. The program encourages practical, shareable improvements in bee health.
Under the Bee BC Program, you can receive:
You must contribute the remaining 20% of project costs from your own or other non-program sources.
To qualify for the Bee BC Program, both your project and your beekeeping activities must meet certain criteria.
Your project must be:
Projects are often stronger when they involve multiple beekeepers or a local beekeeping community.
All activities funded through the Bee BC Program must:
Applications that do not clearly address compliance are often screened out early.
Funding can be used for practical, bee-health-focused costs. Eligible expenses include:
General operating costs or expenses not directly linked to bee health outcomes are not eligible.
The application process is straightforward, but details matter.
Define your project clearly
Explain what you are testing, why it improves bee health, and how you will share results.
Build a realistic project budget
List eligible costs and make sure requested funding does not exceed 80% of total expenses.
Confirm regulatory compliance
Show how your project follows the Bee Regulations under the Animal Health Act.
Submit your application through IAF BC
Applications are reviewed for fit with program goals and practical impact.
GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly check if your beekeeping project fits with provincial agriculture programs before you apply.
Assuming all expenses are eligible
Only costs directly linked to bee health improvements are covered.
Vague project outcomes
Applications must clearly explain how bee health will improve and how results will be shared.
Ignoring regulatory requirements
Failing to reference compliance with the Animal Health Act can disqualify your application.
Over-budgeting equipment
Equipment must be directly tied to bee health improvements, not general farm upgrades.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the Bee BC Program?
Small-scale, regional, or community-based beekeeping projects in British Columbia are eligible, provided they meet program criteria and focus on bee health.
Q: How much funding can I receive from the Bee BC Program?
You can receive up to 80% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $7,000 per project.
Q: Is Bee BC Program funding repayable?
No. Funding provided under the Bee BC Program is a non-repayable grant. You do not have to pay it back.
Q: What expenses are eligible under the program?
Eligible costs include bee health research, field testing, new equipment related to bee health, and implementation of new strategies.
Q: Do I need to follow provincial regulations to qualify?
Yes. All funded activities must comply with Bee Regulations under the Animal Health Act in British Columbia.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grants and funding programs across Canada—including agriculture and beekeeping support—so you can quickly see which options fit your business profile.
If your beekeeping project focuses on improving bee health and sharing results locally, the Bee BC Program can be a practical source of grant support. Before applying, confirm your eligibility, budget carefully, and make your outcomes clear. Tools like GrantHub help you compare Bee BC with other BC and federal agriculture programs, so you can choose the best funding mix for your operation.
Was this article helpful?
Rate it so we can improve our content.
Canada Proactive Disclosure Data
The Canadian government has funded over 400,000 businesses through 1.27 million grants and contributions. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.