Buy BC Partnership Program: How to Apply (Industry Associations, Boards & Councils)

If you represent an industry association, board, or council in British Columbia, the Buy BC Partnership Program can help fund marketing campaigns that promote B.C. agri-food and seafood products. The program offers up to $75,000 in non-repayable, reimbursed grant funding to increase consumer demand inside the province. This simple guide explains who is eligible, what the program covers, and how to apply with confidence.

Program Overview: Purpose and Goals

The Buy BC Partnership Program — Industry Associations, Boards or Councils is delivered by the Government of British Columbia. Its main goal is to grow awareness and sales of B.C.-made food, beverage, and seafood products through coordinated marketing and promotion.

This program is designed for sector organizations, not individual retailers or marketing agencies. By supporting joint marketing efforts, the program helps strengthen the presence of B.C. products in the local market.

Eligibility, Funding, and Eligible Expenses

Who can apply

To be eligible under the industry associations, boards, or councils stream, your organization must meet all of the following criteria:

Be an agriculture, food and beverage, and/or seafood industry association, board, or council
Have a head office in B.C. or be authorized to do business in the province
Be able to pay all project costs upfront and request reimbursement after completion
Provide at least 30% of the total project budget from non-program sources
Carry out activities that promote B.C.-produced agri-food or seafood products within B.C.

How much funding is available

Funding amount: $5,000 to $75,000
Type: Non-repayable, reimbursed grant funding (you pay eligible expenses first, then receive reimbursement)
Cost-share requirement: Minimum 30% self-funding for industry associations

Your approved funding amount depends on the scope, reach, and impact of your proposed marketing activities.

What expenses are eligible

Eligible costs must be directly tied to increasing demand for B.C. products. Common eligible expenses include:

Marketing and advertising campaigns (digital, print, radio, out-of-home)
Promotional materials highlighting B.C. agri-food or seafood
In-store or point-of-sale promotions (when tied to B.C. products)
Trade or consumer marketing initiatives within B.C.
Creative development costs related to approved campaigns

General operating costs, activities outside B.C., or expenses not clearly linked to promoting B.C. products are typically not eligible.

Application Process: Steps to Apply

Applying to the Buy BC Partnership Program is straightforward, but preparation matters.

Step 1: Confirm your Buy BC logo licence

Applicants must hold a valid Buy BC logo licence. This is a separate process and should be completed before submitting your funding application. Licensing is mandatory for approved marketing materials.

Step 2: Build a clear project plan and budget

Your application should clearly outline:

The B.C. products or sectors being promoted
Target audiences within British Columbia
Marketing channels and timelines
A detailed budget showing at least 30% self-funding

Your budget must match your activities. If costs are unclear or too high, your application may be delayed.

Step 3: Submit your application

The program is currently open, and applications are assessed based on eligibility and alignment with program objectives. Funding is not guaranteed, so strong alignment with Buy BC goals is key.

Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you confirm fit and compare this program with other B.C. marketing grants quickly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying without enough cash flow
This program reimburses you after project completion. If you cannot carry 100% of costs upfront, your application may fail.
Missing the 30% cost-share requirement
Industry associations must show clear, confirmed non-program funding covering at least 30% of total costs.
Unclear link to B.C. products
Generic branding campaigns without a strong B.C. focus are often rejected.
No Buy BC logo licence in place
Licensing is mandatory. Waiting until after approval can delay or jeopardize funding.

Tips for a Strong Application

Be specific about your target audience. Explain how your campaign will reach British Columbians and boost demand for B.C. products.
Show measurable impact. Include goals for increased sales, awareness, or market reach.
Keep documentation organized. Save all receipts and records for eligible expenses. You’ll need these for reimbursement.
Apply early. Funding is limited and applications are reviewed as received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is eligible for the Buy BC Partnership Program for industry associations?
Eligible applicants include agriculture, food and beverage, and seafood industry associations, boards, or councils with a B.C. presence and the ability to self-fund part of the project.

Q: Is Buy BC Partnership Program funding repayable?
No. This program provides non-repayable grant funding. However, you must pay eligible expenses upfront and are reimbursed after approval and verification.

Q: How much funding can industry associations receive from Buy BC?
Industry associations can receive between $5,000 and $75,000, provided they contribute at least 30% of total project costs.

Q: What marketing expenses are covered under the program?
Eligible expenses include advertising, promotional materials, and campaign costs that directly increase demand for B.C. agri-food or seafood products within the province.

Q: Are Buy BC Partnership Program funds taxable?
Funding may be considered taxable income depending on how it is used. Confirm treatment with your accountant to avoid surprises.

Next Steps

The Buy BC Partnership Program is a strong fit if your organization promotes B.C. agri-food or seafood at a sector level and can manage reimbursed funding. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile and see how Buy BC compares to other provincial marketing supports.

See also:

What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?
How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules
Loans vs Grants for Women in Agriculture: Key Differences Explained

This approach helps you plan smarter, apply with clarity, and avoid costly missteps.

Buy BC Partnership Program: How to Apply (Industry Associations, Boards & Councils)