Rural Economic Development

REDIP supports rural economic development projects that promote economic capacity building, economic diversification, resilience, clean economy opportunities, and infrastructure development. For more information and program details, visit the Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program. 

The BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund helps manufacturing companies modernize, innovate and grow by providing funding for capital projects in all regions in B.C., particularly in communities affected by economic impacts or downturns. To learn more, go to BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund.

A list of co-ordinated and comprehensive supports for workers, communities and businesses to offset any economic impacts that may follow from new restrictions on harvesting old growth forests and other changes in the forest sector. For more information, visit Supports for Forestry Workers, Communities and Businesses.

Specialized government staff are available throughout B.C. to provide a wide range of free and accessible economic development services. Find your regional contact at Economic Development Services.

Community transition services are available to rural communities experiencing significant economic impacts, such as the closure or reduced operations of a major employer. Services are tailored to the specific needs of the community. Learn about the steps in a community transition process. 

This guidebook supports rural communities, planners, practitioners, and other personnel with resident retention and attraction planning and activities. There are tools, tips, information, guiding questions, case studies and practical worksheets. Each section includes information to generate ideas that rural communities can adapt and use.

Resident Retention and Attraction Guidebook for Rural British Columbia (PDF, 4MB)

This resource provides case studies on workforce housing to support rural communities interested in pursuing their own workforce housing projects. 

Workforce Housing Case Studies and Resources (PDF, 2.3MB)

Staff are available to support your community and economic development across B.C.

Find the regional contact for your area or contact us at RuralDevelopment@gov.bc.ca.

• Economic Development Funding and Grants
• B.C. Community Climate Funding Guide
• Training and Employment Grants
• AgriService BC
• Tourism Funding Programs
• New Relationship Trust Funding Programs 
• BC Housing Funding Opportunities
• Civic Info BC Grant Directory
• Transportation Funding and Grants
• Economic Trust of the Southern Interior Funding Streams
• Island Coast Economic Trust Funding Programs
• Northern Development Initiative Trust Programs

• Strategic Planning Toolkit
• Performance Measurement Toolkit
• Economic Development Toolkit – BC Assembly of First Nations
• Business Walks