Minister Sajjan announces funding from PacifiCan's new headquarters in Surrey, a hub supporting the agency's work with partners to enhance services to businesses
Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced over $17 million in PacifiCan funding for 10 organizations to help businesses in key sectors, such as life sciences, clean technology, and construction, scale up their operations.
Launched in October 2023, PacifiCan's Business Acceleration Pilot (BizAP) responds directly to the unique needs of businesses across the province, from Victoria to Prince George and beyond. The projects announced today will help small and medium-sized businesses to grow by enhancing access to investment capital, customers and commercial networks here in B.C., across Canada and in international markets.
For example, Life Sciences BC, an organization that supports and represents British Columbia's life sciences business community, is receiving over $1.1 million to deliver the Global Business Development Program and the Life Sciences Showcase. These initiatives will equip businesses with the skills and knowledge to attract private capital, build global networks, and create an opportunity to showcase their companies to investors. This investment will help businesses with high growth potential achieve their scale up ambitions and bolster B.C.'s leadership in the life sciences sector.
Also receiving BizAP funding today to serve B.C. businesses are:
- Accelerate Okanagan
- Circle Innovation Solutions
- Discovery Foundation
- Foresight Canada
- Hubspace
- Light House Sustainability Society
- Simon Fraser University
- University of British Columbia
- Victoria Innovation, Advance Technology and Entrepreneurship Council
The investments announced today are expected to help create more than 2500 jobs and support more than 900 businesses across British Columbia. More details about the organizations receiving funding can be found in the backgrounder.
Minister Sajjan made this announcement from PacifiCan's new headquarters, located at the heart of the dynamic city of Surrey. Having this federal agency headquartered in B.C. will strengthen connections between British Columbians and Ottawa.
With its new headquarters in Surrey, PacifiCan now has staff living in and delivering support from nine communities across the province and from Ottawa. By offering regionally tailored programming, PacifiCan is helping B.C. businesses grow at home and compete on a global stage. Together with its partners, PacifiCan is championing B.C. entrepreneurs and innovators and building a vibrant economy that benefits all British Columbians.
