News Release
Victoria
Monday, November 14, 2022 12:15 PM
Local governments, First Nations and other organizations looking to strengthen their communities can apply for new funding to build capacity and diversify rural and remote economies in B.C.
The Government of B.C. is investing as much as $33 million in 2022-23 to create the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), which will support projects that promote economic diversification, resilience, clean-growth opportunities and infrastructure development.
“People across rural B.C. are passionate about their communities and are incredibly resilient in the face of challenges,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. “As part of our StrongerBC Economic Plan, we’re working shoulder to shoulder with local governments and First Nations to help diversify local economies to support good, stable jobs for people for years to come.”
Communities can receive funding through three streams:
Economic diversification – Projects that plan or implement programs, services and infrastructure to support economic development and diversification in communities with populations of 25,000 or less (maximum funding: $1 million).
Economic capacity – Projects that build local capacity and improve ability to support economic development and diversification in communities with populations of 2,500 or less (maximum funding: $100,000).
Forest impact transition – Projects that support economic recovery and diversification in affected forest-dependent communities (maximum funding: $500,000).
“Leaders in rural and Indigenous communities across B.C. work tirelessly to build economies that provide steady employment, stable services and exciting economic opportunities for their residents,” said Roly Russell, Parliamentary Secretary for Rural and Regional Development. “Our government is helping to build on this resilience through a suite of initiatives, and I’m excited to add REDIP to that list. From capacity-building to internet connectivity to enhanced and new infrastructure, we’re working with communities in every corner of the province so that people can thrive wherever they live.”
The REDIP is funded in part by $185 million over three years from Budget 2022 to provide co-ordinated and comprehensive supports for forestry workers, industry, communities and First Nations that may be affected by restrictions on old-growth logging.
Local governments, Indigenous communities and organizations, Indigenous development corporations and not-for-profit organizations can apply for funding starting Nov. 15, 2022. A second intake will be open next year, with more information available in spring 2023.
Building resilient communities is a key action of the StrongerBC Economic Plan, helping move British Columbia forward by tackling the challenges of today while growing the economy.
Learn More: New economic diversification program builds more resilient rural communities | BC Gov News
Multi-year unrestricted grants for non-profit organizations disproportionately impacted by the pandemic to support their recovery and long-term resiliency.
The Recovery and Resiliency Fund is a new fund made possible through a partnership between Government of BC, Vancouver Foundation, and United Way BC that will distribute $30 million to non-profit organizations. Vancouver Foundation will also contribute an additional $4 million while also actively seeking additional sources to increase the overall funding available.
For further information, please visit Recovery and Resiliency Fund | Vancouver Foundation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2022
TITLE: COMMUNITY FUTURES INTRODUCES A FREE NEW TOOL TO HELP BUSINESSES PLAN FOR DISASTER
Community Futures Nadina has launched a new online tool that will help prepare for and mitigate the impact of disasters that affect their business. The tool is free for all businesses to use.
The past two years have been challenging for businesses of all sizes. British Columbia experienced multiple natural disasters on top of having to cope with the lingering effects of COVID-19 on the economy.
The Business Continuity Planning Tool will help business owners identify hazards to their business, core assets and functions, and how to mitigate those risks. The tool has been tested in group settings for over four years and has received glowing reviews.
“We’re excited to announce this free online tool that allows business owners to focus on what they can control when disaster strikes. It will assist you to be prepared to respond and poised to recover. We highly recommend this tool because it has been proven to be straightforward to use and guides you easily through each step at your own pace. The future is uncertain and the best way to face this uncertainly is with a well-made plan.” – Wendy McCulloch, Executive Director of Community Futures BC
Businesses located in the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District that are interested in learning more about the tool and helping their business prepare for disasters are encouraged to reach out to their local Community Futures office. For more information, please contact our office!
