Funding of successful applicants is provided as a reimbursement, not as a grant. Qualifying businesses may apply for a reimbursement to cover business training costs for education, training and/or certification that directly relates to the business’s ongoing resilience and sustainability. If your request is approved, you will be required to submit receipts and a certificate of successful completion in order to receive the reimbursement.
***NEW*** Funds are limited and priority is given to businesses that have been negatively impacted by a disaster.
The application form for the Business Training Reimbursement is in the dashboard of your myCommunityFutures account. Create an account or login and navigate to “$5,000 Business Training Reimbursement”. You can open the link under "My Coverage" or scroll to the bottom of the page to the "$5,000 Business Training Reimbursement" and click the "Start New" button. The application will not be visible if the applicant is not eligible to apply.
How do I find out if I’m eligible?
Login or create your account with myCommunityFutures. This will open your account Dashboard with eligibility showing under “My Coverage”.
Can a startup or not-for-profit apply?
Priority is given to businesses that have been negatively impacted by a disaster.
Startups are not eligible.
Select not-for-profits are eligible to apply, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Check your eligibility by opening your myCommunityFutures account and navigating to "My Coverage." If the not-for-profit is eligible, the application form will be visible and available.
What kind of Business Training is covered?
Business Training must directly relate to the business and is meant to strengthen operations, diversify revenue streams, increase resilience and improve sustainability.
See more details about eligibility here. (View PDF)
What is the deadline to submit an application?
Applications will be accepted until funds are no longer available. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval.
What is the deadline for me to complete my training?
When filling in the application, there is a space to include the date(s) for the requested training to occur. If the application is approved, the training deadline will be date(s) as entered on the application form.
Can my employees receive the Business Training?
Yes, however the reimbursement applies for up to 80% to a maximum of $2,500 per employee ($5,000 for owners). The total reimbursement limit per business is $5,000.
Is travel covered?
Eligible businesses can apply for a travel reimbursement for up to $1,500 per business for travel taking place within BC. However, training requests are unique and each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. There is a mileage and travel calculator tool in the application for the Business Training Reimbursement. You may be asked for further details after the application has been submitted.
See full details about travel reimbursements here. (View PDF)
What percentage of my costs can be reimbursed?
Up to 80% of approved Business Training costs are covered up to a maximum of $5,000.
What costs are not eligible?
The Reimbursement is focused on skill development and building the capacity of the business owner or not-for-profit manager. Examples of ineligible costs include the purchase of inventory, supplies, equipment, tools, machines, marketing/promotional items, and advertising. If you are unsure whether a cost related to the Business Training is covered, please contact us.
Personal development, training for personal interest, conferences, trade shows, general coaching and memberships are not covered.
Am I eligible for other free services?
If you qualify to apply for the $5,000 Business Training Reimbursement, then you may also be eligible for free Workshops, free Peer Masterminds and free Consulting services. Employees may also be eligible for free Workshops, but the owner must sign them up using the owner's account.
Check your eligibility by opening your myCommunityFutures account and navigating to "My Coverage."
What if I’m not eligible?
Funding for the Business Training Reimbursement is provided by PacifiCan and not otherwise available to Community Futures clients. Our Workshops, Peer Masterminds and Consulting services remain available on a fee-for-service basis.
There are 34 regions in BC served by a Community Futures office, each offering their own unique, regionally-based services along with connections to services from partners. You are encouraged to contact your nearest Community Futures office to explore additional supports.
1-604-289-4222
information@communityfutures.ca
