The Coast Funds is seeking applications for its Economic Development Funding Program.

Focuses on the start-up or expansion of First Nations owned-and- operated businesses and economic infrastructure that directly supports multiple businesses including entrepreneurs.

The economic development fund supports eligible sustainable businesses and community-based employment opportunities in the project area, consistent with goals of conservation. Its goals for PARTICIPATING FIRST NATIONS include:

• Increasing capacity to realize diverse and sustainable economic development opportunities, including increased access to skills development and training;
• Enhancing the economic infrastructure of the North and Central BC Coast to support First Nations businesses within the PROJECT AREA;
• Growing the economic share of commercial activities, such as shellfish aquaculture, tourism, and cultural products;
• Increasing the number of businesses owned by First Nations communities or individuals living in the Project Area;
• Leveraging increased investment in sustainable business partnerships; and
• Improving employment levels and decreasing unemployment rates.

Eligible Projects

The economic development fund supports environmentally sound and sustainable economic development activities throughout the GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST AND HAIDA GWAII. Priority will be given to projects that have positive environmental or social impacts, direct or indirect.

Projects and businesses that may be eligible for funding:

• Shellfish aquaculture
• Fisheries
• Technology and communications infrastructure (e.g. broadband internet)
• Wildlife viewing
• Nutraceuticals
• Mushroom harvesting
• Non-timber forest products
• Tourism, including cruises, trails, and strategic cultural/marketing infrastructure
• Ecosystem-based management compliant forestry operations
• Non-nuclear and non-carbon burning energy projects
• Green building projects
• Small scale, non-toxic, subsurface rock, mineral or gem extraction projects
• Economic development capital corporations that utilize funding standards consistent with the Fund’s policies and guidelines.
• Transportation infrastructure (e.g. airports, wharves, marinas)
• Small Business infrastructure (e.g. retail market space, small business or artisan incubator facilities)
• Other infrastructure that will support any of the above projects and businesses.

Eligible Applicants

• A PARTICIPATING FIRST NATION (one of the 27 First Nations or 3 Regional Organizations specified in Schedule G of the Conservation Investments and Incentives Agreement as represented by the authorized governing body of the Nation; or
• Any other entity fully or partially owned or controlled by the Participating First Nation which has a resolution from the Participating First Nation supporting a complete funding application; or
• An individual member of a Participating First Nation or business owned by any such individual who has a resolution supporting a complete funding application.

For more information, visit Coast Funds.