TACC Business Equity Program
Get up to $99,999 or $250,000 in non-repayable funding to start or expand your business in BC. This is a contribution grant, so you must provide at least 15% cash equity and secure other financing.
“Applicant cash equity must consist of at least 15% of “Total Project Cost” plus 25% of Business Planning Costs.”
From the official program page
Before you spend a dollar
Do not spend a dime or sign contracts until you receive the formal Letter of Offer; approval takes up to 6 weeks.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You are a Status or non-Status Indian, Métis, or Inuk living in British Columbia.
- You are starting, expanding, acquiring, or modernizing a business with a project cost of at least $25,000, or $10,000 for marketing and innovation.
- You can secure other financing and contribute at least 15% cash equity of the total project cost.
Probably not the right fit if
- You are not an Aboriginal person or a business majority-owned and controlled by Aboriginal persons.
- Your business involves alcohol, tobacco, gaming, payday loans, or sexually exploitive materials.
- You want to buy land or buildings, or you have already committed to project costs before receiving formal approval.
How much you'd realistically get
Up to $99,999 for individual or incorporated businesses; up to $250,000 for community-owned businesses.
What may be supported
- Developing business plans, marketing plans, or feasibility studies.
- Establishing a business or acquiring information technology.
- Expanding or acquiring a profitable business.
- Implementing marketing initiatives such as advertising campaigns or trade shows.
- Innovation projects including product development or new technology investment.
What's excluded or restricted
- Community infrastructure unrelated to commercial enterprise (public office buildings, recreation and friendship centres, gaming houses, public halls).
- Pawn shops.
- Payday loan firms.
- Gaming operations.
- Business activities involving the production or distribution of alcohol.
- Business activities involving the production or distribution of tobacco.
- Business activities involving the production or distribution of sexually exploitive materials.
- Purchase of land.
- Purchase of buildings.
- Purchase of investment property.
- Costs for which legal commitment was made prior to project approval.
- Standalone applications (must be applied for in conjunction with other financing/equity).
How applying works
Effort: involvedYou must prepare a detailed business plan, secure other financing commitments, and provide extensive documentation including proof of ancestry and financial statements.
- 01Confirm you meet the Aboriginal ancestry and residency requirements.
- 02Secure commitments from other financial sources and ensure you have the required cash equity.
- 03Complete the 'Application for Assistance' form and attach all required documentation, including proof of ancestry, identity, equity, and financing commitments.
- 04Submit the application to TACC and wait for the formal Letter of Offer.
- 05Only after receiving the Letter of Offer, incur project costs and submit the Claim Summary Form with evidence of costs for reimbursement.
Who to ask: Phone: 604-926-5626; Email: info@tacc.ca; Address: 508-100 Park Royal South, West Vancouver, BC V7T 1A2
Before you apply
Your application will likely need written quotes
Programs like this usually ask for written estimates for the work before they approve anything, and some require as many as three. BBN Labs works with you on this: we prepare a quote for the work this program funds — scope, costs and timelines you can put straight into your application. Free, no obligation.
Get my quote for this program →Documents commonly required
- Evidence of Aboriginal ancestry and identity.
- Proof of sufficient personal cash equity.
- Proof of commitments from other financial sources.
- Resume and recent financial statements (if existing business).
- Business plan (if available or requested).
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN builds your business website and e-commerce store using the grant’s technology funding, giving you a professional online presence that captures customers 24/7.
- BBN uses TACC grant funds to set up your Local SEO and Google Business Profile, designed to help locals find your shop when searching for your services.
- BBN launches a digital marketing campaign and Google review system with the advertising budget, driving more foot traffic and building trust with social proof.
- BBN implements a modern POS and online ordering system with the innovation funds, streamlining sales and saving your team hours of manual work daily.
What to know before you count on it
- This is a contribution, not a full grant: you must provide other financing and at least 15% cash equity.
- You pay first and claim reimbursement later; you need cash flow to cover costs upfront.
- Funding is selective and competitive; approval depends on business viability and plan quality.
- The grant is taxable income; ask your accountant how this affects your tax return.
What are your odds?
Selection is discretionary based on business viability and plan quality; there is no guarantee of approval.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to repay this money?
No, it is a non-repayable contribution. However, it is considered taxable income, so consult your accountant.
Can I use this to buy land or a building?
No, the purchase of land, buildings, and investment property is explicitly excluded.
How much equity do I need to contribute?
You must contribute cash equity, usually at least 15% of the total project cost plus 25% of business planning costs.
How long does the approval process take?
Initial review takes up to 10 working days, and business plan analysis takes up to 30 working days (6 weeks).
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What you can combine it with
Can be combined with TACC Loans or the NRT Equity Match Grant (if applying with a TACC Loan).
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Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Record last updated ; last verified yesterday with the official source. Source: official program page.