VICTORIA, B.C. - The Province is adding $90 million to four existing business programs in a support package aimed at British Columbia companies squeezed by U.S. tariffs, and Surrey manufacturers, food processors and exporters are among the businesses the money is meant to reach.
Premier David Eby announced the package on September 18, 2026, saying the funding will help businesses produce and sell more of their products locally and overseas, and protect and create jobs across B.C.
“President Trump’s unfair trade war is an attack on B.C. workers, businesses and communities, especially in our forest sector,” Eby said. “But we won’t let decisions made in Washington determine our future. That’s why we’re enhancing proven programs to help B.C. businesses find new customers, create jobs and build a stronger, more resilient and self-reliant economy.”
The largest share, an additional $30 million, goes to a renewed BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund. The Province says the fund helps businesses invest in new equipment, technology and infrastructure to boost productivity, develop new products, strengthen local supply chains and reach new markets, while hiring more people and protecting existing jobs.
The timing matters for Surrey companies weighing expansion projects. The fund’s program page, last updated October 6, 2026, says intake is currently closed and that further details on the renewed fund and its intake will be posted in the coming weeks, giving businesses time to prepare projects before applications open.
A second $30 million goes to the Integrated Marketplace initiative, which helps B.C. technology companies commercialize innovations, secure first sales and bring new technologies to market. The initiative is operating seven testbeds in sectors that include transportation, health care, marine and coastal, mining and critical minerals, and wildfire and emergency management.
The Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program receives an additional $15 million for regional economic infrastructure that helps attract investment and create jobs. A further $15 million will expand the BuyBC program beyond agriculture, promoting made-in-B.C. products in non-U.S. markets through increased international advertising and campaigns.
More than 1,600 B.C. businesses are registered to use the Buy BC logo to promote nearly 15,000 food and beverage products, according to the Province.
“The success of BuyBC shows the power of choosing local, and when people buy B.C. food and beverage products, they support our local farmers, processors and communities, while strengthening the province’s economy and food supply,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food.
Because the forest sector has taken the biggest hit from U.S. tariffs, the Province says funding applications from forestry businesses and forest-reliant communities will be prioritized and expedited for review.
The Manufacturing Jobs Fund has a track record local business owners can measure. Since it launched in 2023, it has provided more than $153 million for more than 150 projects, helping create or protect more than 4,800 jobs throughout B.C. and attract more than $1 billion in capital investment.
Business owners who want help finding the right program can book a free one-on-one consultation with a provincial business adviser at 1-855-698-2157 or Business.Advisors@gov.bc.ca. The Province also offers no-cost access to the Export Navigator and Trade Accelerator programs.
Source: Province of British Columbia
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