Economic Development Action Plan

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Thank you for your input, the survey is now closed.

Related information: The Cowichan Valley Regional District is also developing an economic development plan. Learn more at ecdevcowichan.com


North Cowichan is developing an Economic Development Action Plan that will guide economic and business direction over the next several years. This action plan will outline our opportunities and challenges, and prioritize goals to help us realize a more welcoming municipality for economic prosperity.

With the support of an economic development consultant, North Cowichan would like to hear from businesses, industries, business-serving organizations, and area First Nations, on your ideas for economic development, where you see opportunities and challenges, and where to focus our actions.


North Cowichan aspires to create a thriving local economy that offers high-quality and high-paying jobs, supports a diverse range of successful and sustainable businesses, provides a solid tax base to support community services and amenities, and makes it possible for all residents to enjoy a decent standard of living. Economic development is also critical to advancing the Municipality’s other goals related to sustainability, regeneration, and becoming more resilient. It is important that our economy reduces pressure on local environmental systems while improving equity, as outlined in our Official Community Plan.

Thank you for your input, the survey is now closed.

Related information: The Cowichan Valley Regional District is also developing an economic development plan. Learn more at ecdevcowichan.com


North Cowichan is developing an Economic Development Action Plan that will guide economic and business direction over the next several years. This action plan will outline our opportunities and challenges, and prioritize goals to help us realize a more welcoming municipality for economic prosperity.

With the support of an economic development consultant, North Cowichan would like to hear from businesses, industries, business-serving organizations, and area First Nations, on your ideas for economic development, where you see opportunities and challenges, and where to focus our actions.


North Cowichan aspires to create a thriving local economy that offers high-quality and high-paying jobs, supports a diverse range of successful and sustainable businesses, provides a solid tax base to support community services and amenities, and makes it possible for all residents to enjoy a decent standard of living. Economic development is also critical to advancing the Municipality’s other goals related to sustainability, regeneration, and becoming more resilient. It is important that our economy reduces pressure on local environmental systems while improving equity, as outlined in our Official Community Plan.

  • Circular Economy Accelerator Program accepting applications

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    North Cowichan-based businesses can now submit applications to the Circular Economy Accelerator Program led by the Vancouver Island-based Synergy Foundation with support from the Island Coastal Economic Trust and the Vancouver Island & Coast Economic Developers Association.

    This program provides hands-on support to Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast-based businesses who seek to adopt circular economy principles, find operational efficiencies, reduce emissions, and develop innovative practices while increasing revenue and cutting operational costs.

    Through the program, businesses will complete a site visit with a circular advisor and receive an opportunities assessment detailing opportunities to incorporate circular economy solutions and reduce waste, energy use, and emissions. They will also receive environmental metrics to help track their progress, attract investment, and build a reputation as a green leader.
    Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all spots are full, with six spots available for North Cowichan-based businesses.
    This program previously ran as a pilot from 2022 to 2023, with Duncan Paving and West Coast Prefab participating in the initiative and identifying opportunities to increase re-use of materials while reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
    More information and applications can be submitted to:
  • Economic Development Cowichan developing a strategic plan

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    Economic Development Cowichan (EDC) is creating a comprehensive Strategic Plan to guide its activities over the next 5 years, and has launched a series of surveys seeking input from business owners and the members of the public.

    Learn more and participate in their engagement opportunities at ecdevcowichan.com

  • Digital and sustainable product development grant opportunities!

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    Grant and program opportunities! Please visit the external websites for more information.

    Project Zero Incubator Program. Application deadline February 26, 2024. For early-stage start ups and established businesses/non-profits with a new idea for a sustainable product. Free support to write a business plan, learn entrepreneurial and operational skills, connect with mentors and develop investor pitches.

    Canada Digital Adoption Program. Boost Your Business Technology and Grow Your Business Online program streams for grants to develop digital adoption plans, zero-interest loans for implementation, youth placement wage subsidies, and e-commerce setup grants.

  • Grant Opportunities!

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    Here are some grant programs that may be of interest to your business. Please visit the external websites for more information.

    • Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program. Deadline June 30, 2024. Facilitates the adoption of transformative technologies and products in the Canadian forest sector by bridging the gap between development and commercialization through capital investment projects (up to $10M) or studies (up to $1M).
    • BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund. Ongoing intake. 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 through project readiness (up to $50K) or capital investment ($100K-$10M)
    • Securing Small Business Rebate (BC Chamber of Commerce). Applications first-come first-served to January 31, 2025. Funds for commercial property crime and vandalism repairs ($2K/year), or to implement eligible preventative measures ($1K).
    • BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative. First-come first-served. Tailored support to tourism businesses looking to incorporate environmental sustainability or climate adaptation measures into operations including planning support and microgrants up to $15K.
    • Indigenous Tourism Fund: Micro and Small Business Stream. Applications accepted on ongoing basis until all funding has been allocated. Help to the Indigenous tourism industry recover from the pandemic, build capacity and position itself for long-term, sustainable growth ($25K).
  • Economic development, in the news

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    Nov 15, 2023: New Cowichan Valley strategies offer opportunities for jobs and green investment (ICET)

Page last updated: 18 Apr 2024, 09:53 AM