Supports for Forestry Workers, Communities and Businesses

Rural areas in B.C. are vital to the province's economy and well-being, driven by the dedication and resilience of the people and their communities. The Province knows there are challenges too and is committed to helping through comprehensive and targeted supports.

Current support programs and tools

FOR WORKERS and CONTRACTORS

• B.C. Employer Training Grant: Provides funding to impacted self-employed workers and contractors for skills training to pivot their businesses.
• WorkBC.ca: Responds to inquiries and connects employers and job seekers with the information they need to access provincial labour market programs and resources. For example:
  • WorkBC Centres | WorkBC: has local employment services including job search resources, skills assessment, training, work experience placement and online services
  • Job Board: connects employers with job seekers
  • Find Your Path : offers personalized, interactive education & career planning tool
  • Explore Careers: has tools and resources to help with your career path
  • StrongerBC future skills grant: covers up to $3,500 for eligible short-term skills training at public post secondary institutions
  • SkilledTradesBC pre-apprenticeship trades training: delivers trades training and employment programs through community service providers, training providers and Indigenous communities.

FOR BUSINESSES and EMPLOYERS

• 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.
• B.C. Employer Training Grant: Provides funding to impacted self-employed workers and contractors for skills training to pivot their businesses.
• Employer Resources | WorkBC Learn how to grow your business and discover resources to help you hire, train, support and keep employees.
• Resources for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs: Find resources to start, manage and grow your small business in British Columbia
• Value Added Accelerators: Supports value-added manufacturers in their respective regions. Contact Erin Burgess for the Coast Area, Marley Chewter for the southern interior  (Kootenay-Boundary and Thompson-Okanagan regions), and Aurora Lavender for the north (Cariboo, Northeast, Omineca, and Skeena regions).   

​FOR COMMUNITIES

• Community Workforce Response Grant (CWRG) addresses urgent workforce challenges by providing funding to communities and sectors for cohort-based, short-term (less than 52 weeks) in-demand occupational skills training, to support unemployed or precariously employed individuals in securing sustainable employment.
• Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program: Supports rural economic development projects that promote economic capacity building, economic diversification, resilience, clean economy opportunities and infrastructure development.
• B.C. Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN): Works with First Nations to provide them with the tools and information they need to build successful, sustainable plans for economic development.
• Economic Development Funding & Grants: Find financial support for your economic development initiatives by easily searching our database
• Specialized Government Staff: Provides free and accessible economic development services to local governments, Indigenous communities, businesses, and economic development agencies throughout the province. They assist communities in planning and implementing economic development priorities. 
• Community Transition Services: Provides on-the-ground supports after an economic disruption such as a mill closure. The team coordinates with ministries and organizations to ensure supports are in place for individuals and communities.