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Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy Program (IFBP)

Program Category: Clean Energy, Climate Adaptation, Built Environment, Environment, Community Infrastructure
Program Sub-Category: Mapping, Risk Assessments, Environmental Stewardship, Economic Development, Innovation, Waste Reduction and Circular Economy
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Status: Open

Funder

BC Ministry of Forests (FOR)

Deadline Details

Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until all funding is allocated.

Funder Organization Type

  • BC Provincial Government
  • Non-Governmental Organization or Society

The Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy Program (IFBP) enables Indigenous communities to unlock the economic, social, and environmental benefits of their participation in BC’s forest sector with partners across BC, through specific project support. These projects are related to the development and expansion of BC’s bioeconomy, and they include the development of bioproducts from concept to commercialization, including fibre capture logistics, and biomass supply and processing analysis. The IFBP is guided by the goals, principles, and objectives of the Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy Framework, which was developed through collaboration and engagement with numerous First Nations and Indigenous organizations.Funding will be provided to enable an applicant to, for example:

  • Conduct feasibility studies;
  • Complete research integral to future economic development opportunities; and/or
  • Advance a fledgling business or to grow an existing venture by supporting First Nations communities in cultivating projects that reflect their needs, goals, and values.

Examples of projects that may be supported include:

  • Fibre utilization feasibility studies;
  • Biomass supplies and processing analyses;
  • Assessment of residuals as a supply for processing facilities;
  • Non-timber forest products (e.g., essential oils, processed foods, teas, etc.);
  • Business cases;
  • Market analyses for businesses using wood biomass; and
  • E-commerce platform launch and other marketing ventures.

Eligible Community

Communities must fall into one of the following categories to qualify as eligible to receive funding:

  • a First Nation “band” as defined by the Indian Act (Canada):
  • a First Nation governing body, representing exclusively one or more First Nations; or
  • a First Nation enterprise (e.g. a non-governing body such as an economic development arm of a First Nation) with the support of the Nation

Required Community Contribution

Community contribution required (please see program website)
Many community partners provide a 20% investment in the overall cost of their project. It is recognized that this can sometimes create an undue barrier in accessing/leveraging additional funding and IBIO seeks to identify solutions collaboratively to ensure that we can support successful Indigenous-led projects and businesses. Contact IBIO.Mail@gov.bc.ca to discuss if this could pose a barrier to your project.

Funding Stacking Restrictions

No
Stacking of funding is permitted through the IFBP. 

Professional Input Required

No

Specific Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for funding under the Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy Program, projects must:- Have community support;- Be located (or have a major component located) in BC;- Utilize forest biomass; and,- Provide social, economic and environmental benefits. 

Other Eligible Applicants

Indigenous Economic Agencies
Indigenous-owned Businesses
Indigenous Organizations
Academic Institutions

Communities must fall into one of the following categories to qualify as eligible to receive funding:
a) A First Nation “band” as defined by the Indian Act (Canada);
b) A First Nation governing body, representing exclusively one or more First Nations; or
c) A First Nation enterprise (e.g. a non-governing body such as an economic development arm of a First Nation, a business, an organization) with the support of the Nation

Type of Funding

  • Grant
  • Capital
  • Support (e.g. consulting management)

Range of Funding Available per Project

  • Under $100 000

Description of Funding

The amount of funding available will depend on the type of project being pursued and the unique requirements of each project. However, general ranges of past projects have been $10,000 to $25,000 for scoping to assessment phases, $20,000 to $75,000 for testing to demonstration phases, and $25,000+ for commercialization to scale-up phases.

Percentage of Project Funded

Generally, up to 80% of a project. Many community partners provide a 20% investment in the overall cost of their project. It is recognized that this can sometimes create an undue barrier in accessing/leveraging additional funding and IBIO seeks to identify solutions collaboratively to ensure that we can support successful Indigenous-led projects and businesses. Contact IBIO.Mail@gov.bc.ca to discuss if this could pose a barrier to your project.

Eligible Costs

Engineering
Design
Planning
Capital Costs
Equipment/Material Purchase
Project Management
Research and Development

For more information, get in touch with our program staff at IBIO.Mail@gov.bc.ca 

Ineligible Costs

Any costs incurred prior to signing a funding agreement
Staff Costs

Reporting Requirements

Progress reports and final reports

Expected Timeframe for Funding Decision

3 months

Expect a response right away. Program staff are open to conversations about your application at any point. A funding decision can take three months, but they are often made sooner than that.

  •  Application limit per community: Communities may apply for multiple projects. However, a final lens of ensuring geographic diversity of projects is used by the evaluation committee which may impact the likelihood of multiple projects within one community being approved for funding. Get in touch with us at IBIO.Mail@gov.bc.ca if you would like to discuss your specific situation.
  • If you have an idea for a project please review our application form (PDF, 253 KB), application guide (PDF, 317 KB), and get in touch with us at IBIO.Mail@gov.bc.ca. We are happy to discuss potential projects and answer any questions you may have about the program.