Shop Local BC - BC Chamber of Commerce

Funded by the Government of Canada and delivered through provincial and territorial chambers of commerce, the Shop Local initiative provides grants for programs and campaigns that encourage Canadians to shop local to help businesses navigate through and beyond the pandemic.

The federal government is investing $33 million in the initiative across Canada, of which project funds of $5 million are earmarked for British Columbia.

The BC Chamber of Commerce will deliver the Shop Local initiative in BC, ensuring that the program is inclusive, and funds are distributed equitably across the following seven economic development regions:

• Central-Cariboo

• Kootenay

• Mainland/Southwest

• North Coast/Nechako

• Northeast

• Thompson-Okanagan

• Vancouver Island/Coast

Key program dates:

• The Shop Local BC program will launch November 1, 2021.

• Applications will be received and assessed on a first-come-first-served basis through December 10, 2021.

• Funds will be disbursed on an ongoing basis through December 10, 2021, and no later than December 31, 2021.

Successful applicants will receive:

• 80% of the funds requested through December 10, 2021, and no later than December 31, 2021

• 20% of the funds requested following submission of a satisfactory post-campaign report

• Chamber of Commerce will report the outcomes of the Shop Local BC initiative to the federal government by March 31, 2022.

There will be two information webinars during which the presenters will walk through the application process, including the steps to submit an application via the Shop Local BC portal.

• Tuesday, October 26, 2021 from 9:30am to 10:30am PDT. Register here.

• Friday, October 29, 2021 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm PDT. Register here.