Selling more BC-made food and beverage products often comes down to marketing budget, not demand. The Buy BC Partnership Program helps producers, processors, and cooperatives cover the cost of local marketing so you can reach more BC consumers. The program offers $5,000 to $30,000 in reimbursement-based funding for eligible promotional activities.
This guide explains who can apply, what costs are covered, and how the application process works for producers, processors, and co-ops in British Columbia.
The Buy BC Partnership Program — Producers, Processors and Cooperatives is a provincial program designed to increase demand for BC agri-food and seafood products sold within British Columbia.
You may be eligible if your business is based in BC and falls into one of these categories:
You must also:
Tools such as GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if your business type and revenue level fit this program before you apply.
Funding amounts are tied to your annual gross revenue, with higher-revenue businesses eligible for higher caps.
Funding supports marketing and promotional activities that increase consumer awareness and sales of BC products within the province. Eligible costs typically include:
Expenses must directly promote BC-grown, BC-raised, or BC-made products.
The program does not cover:
A valid Buy BC logo licence is mandatory. If you do not already have one, you must apply and be approved before the program deadline.
Your application must clearly show:
Be specific. Vague marketing plans are a common reason applications score poorly.
Applications are submitted through the Buy BC Partnership Program portal while the intake is open. The program is competitive, and funding is not guaranteed even if you meet eligibility.
If approved:
Applying without a Buy BC logo licence
Applications are not approved unless the licence is active by the deadline.
Underestimating cash flow needs
This is reimbursement funding. You must cover all costs upfront.
Including non-BC marketing activities
Promotion must target consumers within British Columbia only.
Submitting a generic marketing plan
Strong applications clearly link each activity to increased BC sales.
Q: Is the Buy BC Partnership Program repayable or non-repayable?
The funding is reimbursement-based, meaning you receive funds after eligible expenses are incurred and approved. It is not an upfront grant.
Q: Can cooperatives apply on behalf of members?
Yes. Producer and processor cooperatives are eligible if they meet the program’s BC sourcing and cost-share requirements.
Q: How much funding can first-time applicants receive?
First-time producers, processors, and co-ops can receive $5,000 to $30,000, depending on annual gross revenue and project scope.
Q: Are cannabis producers eligible?
Yes, cannabis producers may apply if they meet BC sourcing rules and hold a valid Health Canada licence.
Q: Can I use Buy BC funding with other grants?
In some cases, yes. Stacking may be allowed as long as you do not exceed 100% public funding for the same expenses.
The Buy BC Partnership Program is one of several active marketing grants for agri-food businesses in British Columbia. GrantHub tracks hundreds of live grant programs across Canada and helps you quickly see which ones match your business profile, revenue level, and province—so you can focus your time on applications that fit.
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