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B.C. relaunches New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program

Nov. 8, 2023 – B.C. has relaunched the New Entrant Farm Business Accelerator Program, with the goal of assisting “new and small-scale farmers grow their business and help strengthen food security in their communities.”

Farmers can now apply for the first phase of the program which provides support for business planning and a growth strategy. The second phase will support the implementation of that growth strategy and includes funding for on-farm infrastructure and equipment, such as greenhouses, tractors and irrigation systems.

The new program is an update to the Small Business Acceleration Pilot Program launched in 2020 as part of the Province’s COVID-19 Stronger BC economic recovery plan. It supported more than 60 farmers. The updated program builds on the pilot.

Applications for the first phase of the program will be accepted until November 30, or until funds are fully allocated. Applicants who complete Phase 1 are eligible to apply for Phase 2 funding.

The program is receiving $600,000 through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a five-year (April 1, 2023, until March 31, 2028) $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of the agriculture, agrifood and agriculture‐based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially / territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.