Buy BC Marketing and Licensing Programs: Who Qualifies?

Buy BC Marketing and Licensing Programs: Who Qualifies?

Many B.C. food and seafood groups want to use the Buy BC brand to increase local sales, but the rules can feel unclear. The Buy BC Marketing and Licensing Programs are designed to support organizations that promote B.C.-grown, raised, and made products to consumers across the province. If you represent an industry group, board, or council, eligibility depends on your structure, your project, and how you plan to use the Buy BC brand.

This guide focuses on who qualifies under the Buy BC Partnership Program — Industry Associations, Boards or Councils, and how it differs from other Buy BC funding streams.

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Who Qualifies for Buy BC Marketing and Licensing Programs?

The main funding stream for sector-wide promotion is the Buy BC Partnership Program — Industry Associations, Boards or Councils. This program supports collective marketing that increases demand for B.C. agri-food and seafood products.

Eligible organization types

To qualify, your organization must be one of the following:

• An agriculture, food and beverage, and/or seafood industry association
• A recognized board or council representing a B.C. agri-food or seafood sector

Individual businesses do not apply under this stream. Producers and processors have a separate Buy BC program (see comparison below).

Location and legal requirements

Your organization must:

• Have its head office in British Columbia, or
• Be legally authorized to do business in B.C.

This ensures Buy BC funding supports promotion that directly benefits the provincial food economy.

Funding amounts and your share of project costs

Eligible industry associations can receive:

• $5,000 to $75,000 per approved project
• Funding is provided as reimbursement, not upfront cash

You must contribute at least:

• 30% of total eligible project costs from non‑program sources

Your organization must be able to pay all project expenses first and then submit claims for reimbursement.

Eligible marketing activities

Funding supports marketing and promotional activities that increase consumer awareness and sales of B.C. products, including:

• Advertising and digital marketing campaigns
• In‑store or point‑of‑sale promotions
• Buy BC–branded materials and creative assets
• Consumer awareness initiatives tied to B.C. origin

Expenses must clearly promote B.C. agri-food or seafood products, not individual brands or imported goods.

Buy BC logo licensing requirement

Before using Buy BC branding, applicants must hold a valid Buy BC logo licence. Licensing approval is a separate step from funding, but it is required for any project that uses the Buy BC name or logo.

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How This Compares to Other Buy BC Programs

Buy BC also offers funding for individual businesses under the Buy BC Partnership Program — Producers, Processors and Cooperatives.

Key differences include:

• Who can apply
  • Associations, boards, councils: promotion for the entire sector
  • Producers/processors/co‑ops: individual business marketing
• Maximum funding
  • Associations: up to $75,000
  • Producers/processors: up to $30,000
• Your share of project costs
  • Associations: 30%
  • Producers/processors: 50%–65%, depending on prior participation

If you are unsure which stream fits your organization, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter Buy BC programs by organization type in seconds.

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Common Mistakes and Tips for Success

Even experienced associations can make errors during the application process. Here are some common mistakes to watch for, and tips to improve your chances:

1. Applying as an individual business under the association stream
   This stream is only for industry-level organizations, not single producers or brands.

2. Expecting upfront funding
   Buy BC funding is reimbursed after expenses are paid and approved.

3. Using Buy BC branding without a licence
   Projects using the logo require an approved Buy BC licence before launch.

4. Submitting projects that promote non-B.C. products
   Activities must clearly focus on B.C. agri-food or seafood to be eligible.

5. Missing required documents or unclear project details
   Make sure your application explains how your project will benefit the sector and includes all required information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Buy BC Partnership Program funding repayable?
The funding is provided on a reimbursement basis. You pay project costs first, then receive funding after approved claims are submitted.

Q: How much funding can industry associations receive?
Eligible associations can receive between $5,000 and $75,000 per project, depending on scope and budget.

Q: Do we need a Buy BC logo licence before applying?
Yes. Any project using Buy BC branding must have an approved logo licence in place before marketing materials are used.

Q: What expenses are not typically eligible?
Costs not directly tied to consumer marketing—such as general administration or activities promoting non-B.C. products—are usually excluded.

Q: Are Buy BC funds taxable?
Grant funding is generally considered taxable income. Confirm the treatment with your accountant based on your organization’s structure.

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What To Do Next

If your association promotes B.C. food or seafood at a sector level, the Buy BC Marketing and Licensing Programs can help cover a significant part of your marketing costs. Check current Buy BC and provincial marketing grants—GrantHub tracks these across Canada—so you can match programs with your organization’s goals and budget before you apply.

See also:

• Canada Brand program: Eligibility for food and beverage products
• How to Prepare Your Food Business for Product Launch, Scale‑Up, and Distribution
• Is Your Agriculture or Agri‑Food Project a Strategic Priority?