If you searched for “Jobs and Growth Fund in Western Canada,” you may have come across articles promising businesses access to millions of dollars in government funding.
There is an important update you need to know before applying: Canada’s Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) is a closed program. The original fund was a $700 million federal initiative created to support businesses, non-profits and other organizations with projects focused on job creation, economic recovery, digital adoption, green growth and long-term competitiveness. Its application period ended years ago, and projects under the original program had to be completed by March 31, 2024.
That does not mean funding opportunities have disappeared for businesses in Western Canada.
In 2026, businesses in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba can still access programs delivered through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), while businesses in British Columbia can explore programs delivered through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan). Current programs include initiatives supporting business scale-up, productivity, innovation, trade resilience, artificial intelligence, defence-related industries and other areas of economic development.
So, if your goal is to start, expand or strengthen a business in Western Canada, create jobs or secure government-backed financial support, the better question in 2026 is not simply “How do I apply for the Jobs and Growth Fund?”
It is:
Which current federal or regional funding program best fits my business, project and province?
This guide explains what happened to the Jobs and Growth Fund, who it originally supported, what businesses can pursue instead, how to prepare a strong funding application and where to start looking for legitimate opportunities.
What Was the Jobs and Growth Fund?
The Jobs and Growth Fund (JGF) was a federal economic development program launched to help Canadian businesses and organizations recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 period while positioning regional economies for longer-term growth.
The federal government allocated $700 million over three years nationally, including up to $70 million for businesses created after January 2020 that met the program’s eligibility requirements.
The fund was delivered through Canada’s regional development agencies.
In Western Canada, the program was administered through Western Economic Diversification Canada, which has since evolved into regional agencies including PrairiesCan and PacifiCan.
The original Western Canada allocation was approximately $217 million. Eligible businesses could receive interest-free repayable contributions covering up to 50% of eligible project costs, while eligible non-profit organizations could receive non-repayable contributions covering up to 90% of eligible costs.
The program was designed around four broad areas:
- Transitioning to a green economy
- Supporting an inclusive recovery
- Improving business competitiveness and digital adoption
- Strengthening sectors important to Canada’s economic recovery and growth
Examples included clean technology, digital solutions, productivity improvements, market expansion, advanced manufacturing, value-added agriculture and supply-chain development.
Is the Jobs and Growth Fund Still Available?
No.
This is the most important update for anyone researching the program today.
PrairiesCan states that the intake for the Jobs and Growth Fund in the Prairie provinces is closed. Its archived program information also confirms that projects under the original program had to be completed before March 31, 2024.
The former Jobs and Growth Fund page for British Columbia is also archived and states that the program is closed.
Therefore, a website claiming that you can “apply now for the Jobs and Growth Fund in Western Canada” should be treated carefully unless it is referring to a different, current program.
This distinction matters because government funding programs change names, eligibility rules, funding amounts and application periods.
What Funding Can Businesses in Western Canada Access in 2026?
Although the JGF is closed, Western Canadian businesses still have several avenues to investigate.
The right program depends on:
- Your province
- Business structure
- Industry
- Number of employees
- Stage of growth
- Project size
- Whether you are Indigenous-owned
- Whether you are affected by trade disruptions
- Whether your project involves technology
- Whether you are expanding into new markets
- Whether your project creates measurable economic benefits
Two federal regional development agencies are especially important.
PrairiesCan
Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) supports economic development in:
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
Its current 2026–27 priorities include trade and competitiveness, strengthening the Prairie economy, defence and industrial capabilities, and economic development.
Current programs listed by PrairiesCan include:
- Business Scale-up and Productivity
- Regional Tariff Response Initiative
- Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative
- Regional Defence Investment Initiative
- Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative
- Regional Innovation Ecosystems
- Economic Development Initiative
- Other targeted programs
PacifiCan
Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) serves British Columbia.
Its current funding portfolio includes programs supporting business growth, innovation, regional economic development and responses to changing trade conditions.
For businesses, current opportunities include the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) and other programs aimed at helping B.C. businesses grow, adapt and become more competitive.
Business Scale-up and Productivity Funding
For an established or high-growth business in Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba, one of the programs worth examining is the Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program.
PrairiesCan says BSP supports high-growth businesses that are scaling operations and producing innovative goods, services or technologies. The program can support:
- Business expansion
- Productivity improvements
- Technology adoption
- Commercialization
- Market diversification
- Entry into global markets
The program provides interest-free repayable funding to incorporated businesses for up to 50% of eligible project costs.
This is important because government funding is not always a grant.
Some programs provide:
Non-repayable contributions
while others provide:
Repayable contributions
A business should understand which type it is applying for before building its financial plan.
Who Might Benefit From BSP?
Imagine a manufacturing company in Alberta that has grown quickly and needs new equipment to increase production.
The company might propose a project involving:
- New manufacturing equipment
- Digital production systems
- Additional technical employees
- Market expansion
- Increased exports
- Improved productivity
A project like this may fit the general type of scale-up activity supported through BSP, subject to the program’s current eligibility and assessment requirements.
The program is competitive, however. PrairiesCan states that only projects with the strongest merit and alignment with program objectives and expected economic benefits proceed through the assessment process.
Regional Tariff Response Initiative
Another current program deserves attention from businesses affected by international trade conditions.
The Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) supports eligible businesses facing tariff-related challenges and opportunities to strengthen competitiveness and diversify markets.
PrairiesCan currently lists RTRI as an active program for eligible businesses in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Recent federal changes have expanded the initiative.
For example, eligible businesses in tariff-impacted sectors may be able to receive support for activities connected to trade resilience, market diversification and adaptation.
PrairiesCan’s current eligibility information states that incorporated businesses, eligible non-profits supporting tariff-impacted businesses and Indigenous-owned businesses and organizations may be eligible.
B.C. has its own PacifiCan delivery of the expanded RTRI.
In September 2026, PacifiCan announced that eligible B.C. businesses could access up to $3 million in non-repayable support, including up to $2 million for liquidity support and up to $1 million for pivot projects, with repayable support also available for larger transformation projects.
Because the rules and eligibility differ by program and region, businesses should read the current program page before assuming they qualify.
Funding Opportunities in British Columbia
If your business is located in British Columbia, start with PacifiCan, rather than searching for the old Jobs and Growth Fund.
PacifiCan’s current funding portfolio includes programs designed around:
- Business growth
- Innovation
- Productivity
- Trade
- Economic diversification
- Community development
- Technology commercialization
Its current funding page identifies programs including the Regional Tariff Response Initiative, Build Communities Strong Fund and Community Economic Development and Diversification.
PacifiCan’s 2026–27 plan also identifies continued support for high-growth businesses through the Business Scale-up and Productivity program and innovation-related initiatives.
Who Can Apply for Business Funding in Western Canada?
There is no single eligibility rule covering every government funding program.
Depending on the program, applicants may include:
- Incorporated businesses
- Small and medium-sized enterprises
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Indigenous-owned businesses
- Indigenous organizations
- Community organizations
- Industry associations
- Educational institutions
- Municipal or regional organizations
The Jobs and Growth Fund, for example, accepted businesses, including co-operatives, as well as non-profit and community economic development organizations.
Current programs can have substantially different requirements.
For example, some business growth programs require an incorporated company, while other initiatives are specifically designed for non-profit organizations or Indigenous applicants.
This is why businesses should choose the program before preparing the application, rather than writing one generic funding proposal and sending it everywhere.
What Does the Government Look for in a Funding Application?
Getting government funding is not simply about having a good business idea.
Funding agencies want to understand whether the proposed project is realistic, financially sound and capable of producing measurable economic benefits.
The former Jobs and Growth Fund assessment criteria provide a useful illustration.
Applications were assessed on areas such as:
- Program alignment
- Economic benefits
- Management capability
- Financial capacity
- Market demand
- Technology readiness
- Confirmed funding
These principles remain useful when preparing applications for current programs, even though the JGF itself is closed.
How to Prepare a Strong Funding Application
1. Start With the Project, Not the Funding
One common mistake is saying:
“I need $500,000 to grow my business.”
That is not a project.
Instead, describe what you actually want to accomplish.
For example:
“We plan to purchase automated production equipment that will increase annual manufacturing capacity by 35%, reduce production waste and allow the company to enter two new Canadian markets.”
Now the funding request has a purpose.
2. Explain the Economic Benefit
Government economic-development programs are interested in outcomes.
Explain:
- How many jobs will be created
- Whether existing jobs will be retained
- How revenue could grow
- Whether exports will increase
- How productivity will improve
- Whether supply-chain capacity will increase
- Whether technology will be commercialized
- How the project benefits the region
Avoid unsupported claims.
If you say a project will create 25 jobs, explain how you calculated that number.
3. Demonstrate Market Demand
A funding agency may ask:
Who will buy your product?
Your application should answer that question.
Include evidence such as:
- Existing customers
- Signed contracts
- Letters of intent
- Sales history
- Market research
- Purchase orders
- Export opportunities
- Industry demand
Do not rely entirely on statements such as:
“There is a huge market.”
Show the evidence behind the statement.
4. Prepare a Realistic Budget
Break down the project.
For example:
| Project cost | Example amount |
|---|---|
| Production equipment | $300,000 |
| Technology/software | $75,000 |
| Installation | $50,000 |
| Staff training | $25,000 |
| Market development | $50,000 |
| Professional services | $25,000 |
| Total | $525,000 |
These are illustrative figures, not funding limits.
Your actual budget should be supported by supplier quotations and realistic estimates.
5. Explain Your Contribution
Do not assume the government will finance the entire project.
Many funding programs require the applicant to contribute part of the project cost or demonstrate other confirmed sources of funding.
The former JGF, for example, required other sources of funding to be confirmed at application for eligible business projects. Forecast revenue and promises to raise future financing were not treated as confirmed funding.
Current programs have their own rules, so check the applicable program guide.
Documents You May Need
Depending on the program, prepare documents such as:
- Business registration documents
- Ownership information
- Financial statements
- Tax information
- Business plan
- Project proposal
- Project budget
- Cash-flow forecast
- Supplier quotations
- Customer contracts
- Letters of intent
- Market research
- Management résumés
- Financing commitments
- Evidence of available cash
- Corporate tax documents
The exact list varies by program.
For a serious funding application, keeping these documents organized before the intake opens can save considerable time.
How to Write a Government Funding Business Case
A good proposal should answer five basic questions.
What are you doing?
Describe the project in straightforward language.
Why are you doing it?
Explain the business problem or opportunity.
Why now?
Explain the market conditions, customer demand, technology opportunity or other reason for acting now.
What will the project achieve?
Give measurable results.
Why does government support make sense?
Explain the economic benefit and why the project aligns with the program.
Do not bury the main idea under complicated business language.
The former Jobs and Growth Fund applicant guide specifically instructed applicants to describe their projects in plain language rather than relying on technical terminology.
That remains good advice.
Example of a Strong Funding Proposal
Consider a hypothetical manufacturing company in Saskatchewan.
The company currently employs 18 people and produces agricultural components.
It wants to invest $800,000 in automated production equipment.
Its proposal could explain:
Current situation:
Production capacity is limited by outdated equipment.
Project:
Purchase and install automated manufacturing equipment.
Business objective:
Increase production capacity and reduce production delays.
Market opportunity:
The company has identified additional customers in Western Canada.
Economic impact:
The project is expected to create 10 new positions and retain the existing workforce.
Productivity impact:
Automation is expected to increase production capacity and reduce material waste.
Funding structure:
The company will contribute a defined amount of its own capital and seek eligible government financing for the balance.
That is much stronger than simply saying:
“We need government money to expand our business.”
Can Startups Apply for Funding?
Some programs support newer businesses, but eligibility varies considerably.
The original Jobs and Growth Fund included provisions for businesses created after January 2020 that met the program’s eligibility criteria.
Current programs may have different requirements concerning:
- Years in operation
- Revenue
- Incorporation
- Number of employees
- Management experience
- Market traction
- Financial capacity
- Project size
A startup should therefore search for programs specifically designed for its stage of development rather than assuming every federal funding program accepts startups.
Can Newcomers and Immigrants Access Business Funding?
Being a newcomer does not automatically make a person eligible for every government funding program.
However, some Canadian economic-development initiatives have included support for businesses owned or majority-led by underrepresented groups, including newcomers.
The original Jobs and Growth Fund specifically identified newcomers among groups that could be supported through certain inclusive-recovery activities.
For current programs, eligibility must be checked against the specific initiative.
If you are a newcomer entrepreneur, also investigate:
- Provincial small-business programs
- Municipal economic-development programs
- Newcomer entrepreneurship services
- Community lending organizations
- Indigenous business programs where applicable
- Business incubators
- Regional economic-development agencies
- Sector-specific programs
How to Find Current Funding in Western Canada
Instead of searching Google for:
“Jobs and Growth Fund application 2026”
use a broader approach.
Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba
Start with PrairiesCan.
Its current website provides information about business funding programs for the Prairie provinces.
British Columbia
Start with PacifiCan, the federal regional development agency for B.C.
Provincial programs
Also check the economic-development ministry or business-support agency in your province.
Municipal programs
Your city or regional municipality may also offer:
- Business grants
- Tax incentives
- Training support
- Economic-development assistance
- Commercialization support
- Business advisory services
The local programs can sometimes be more relevant to a small business than a large federal program.
What Businesses Should Avoid
Be careful with websites that advertise:
“Get $10 million government funding guaranteed.”
or:
“Apply for the Western Canada Jobs and Growth Fund 2026.”
The original Jobs and Growth Fund is closed.
Be particularly cautious when a website:
- Uses an old government program as though it is currently open
- Guarantees approval
- Requests large upfront fees
- Promises government money without reviewing your business
- Does not identify the actual government program
- Cannot provide an official government source
- Claims every business qualifies
Government funding is competitive and program-specific.
Even when a business is eligible, eligibility does not mean funding is guaranteed.
Jobs and Growth Funding vs. Jobs in Western Canada
There is another possible interpretation of the phrase “jobs and growth.”
If you are actually searching for jobs in Western Canada, rather than business growth funding, you should approach the search differently.
Western Canada includes major employment markets such as:
- Calgary
- Edmonton
- Red Deer
- Winnipeg
- Saskatoon
- Regina
- Vancouver
- Surrey
- Kelowna
- Victoria
Major industries include:
- Construction
- Energy
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
- Transportation
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Logistics
- Skilled trades
- Food processing
- Natural resources
However, if you are an international job seeker, do not confuse an ordinary Canadian job advertisement with a visa-sponsored position.
You need to determine whether the employer:
- Accepts international applicants
- Is willing to hire a foreign worker
- Requires an LMIA
- Has an LMIA-exempt hiring pathway
- Requires the applicant to already have Canadian work authorization
A Canadian job posting alone does not provide immigration status.
A Practical 30-Day Funding Search Plan
If you own a business in Western Canada and want to find funding, use the following approach.
Days 1–5: Define the project
Write down:
- What you want to accomplish
- Total project cost
- Expected start date
- Expected completion date
- Number of jobs affected
- Expected revenue impact
- Technology involved
- Market opportunity
Days 6–10: Identify funding programs
Check:
- PrairiesCan
- PacifiCan
- Provincial government
- Municipal government
- Indigenous business agencies, where applicable
- Industry associations
- Community business organizations
Days 11–15: Check eligibility
Create a simple checklist:
| Requirement | Your business |
|---|---|
| Incorporated | Yes/No |
| Province eligible | Yes/No |
| Industry eligible | Yes/No |
| Project eligible | Yes/No |
| Matching funds available | Yes/No |
| Financial statements available | Yes/No |
| Job creation measurable | Yes/No |
Days 16–20: Build your business case
Prepare:
- Project description
- Budget
- Timeline
- Economic impact
- Market evidence
- Management information
- Funding structure
Days 21–25: Gather evidence
Collect:
- Financial statements
- Quotes
- Contracts
- Letters
- Market research
- Corporate documents
Days 26–30: Submit or prepare for intake
Review the application carefully.
Make sure every number in the proposal matches the supporting documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Jobs and Growth Fund still open in Canada?
No. The original Jobs and Growth Fund is closed. PrairiesCan states that its Prairie intake is closed, while the former British Columbia program page is archived and marked closed.
How much money did the Jobs and Growth Fund provide?
The federal Jobs and Growth Fund was a $700 million national program delivered over three years. In Western Canada, the former Western Economic Diversification Canada allocation was approximately $217 million.
Could businesses receive grants from the Jobs and Growth Fund?
The original program provided different types of assistance. Eligible businesses could receive interest-free repayable contributions for up to 50% of eligible costs, while eligible non-profit organizations could receive non-repayable contributions of up to 90% of eligible costs.
What can I apply for instead of the Jobs and Growth Fund?
Businesses should examine current programs through PrairiesCan if they are in Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba, and PacifiCan if they are in British Columbia. Current programs include initiatives such as Business Scale-up and Productivity and the Regional Tariff Response Initiative.
What is PrairiesCan?
Prairies Economic Development Canada is the federal regional development agency responsible for supporting economic development in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. It provides funding and other support for businesses, communities and innovation.
What is PacifiCan?
Pacific Economic Development Canada is the federal regional development agency focused on economic development in British Columbia. It supports businesses and communities through funding, business growth and economic-development initiatives.
Can a small business get government funding in Western Canada?
Potentially. Eligibility depends on the specific program. Some programs target high-growth businesses, while others focus on trade, technology, innovation, community development or specific industries.
Do I have to repay government funding?
It depends on the program. Some government contributions are non-repayable, while others are repayable or interest-free loans/contributions. Never assume that a government funding program is a grant.
Can newcomers apply for Canadian business funding?
Potentially, depending on the program and eligibility criteria. Some Canadian economic-development initiatives have specifically supported underrepresented entrepreneurs, including newcomers. Current program requirements should be checked before applying.
Can I apply for the old Jobs and Growth Fund in 2026?
No. The original Jobs and Growth Fund is closed. Instead, search current federal, provincial and local funding programs that match your business and project.
Final Thoughts
The Jobs and Growth Fund was an important Canadian economic-development program, but it is no longer accepting new applications.
That is worth stating clearly because outdated funding information continues to circulate online.
For businesses in Western Canada, the better strategy in 2026 is to start with the regional agency responsible for your province.
If you operate in Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba, investigate current opportunities through PrairiesCan.
If you operate in British Columbia, investigate current opportunities through PacifiCan.
Then look beyond the name of a particular fund.
A strong funding application is ultimately about showing that your project is:
- Eligible
- Well planned
- Financially realistic
- Supported by evidence
- Capable of creating measurable economic benefits
- Aligned with the objectives of the funding program
Do not build your business around the assumption that a government program will pay for everything.
Build the project first. Understand your numbers. Identify your market. Establish your own contribution and other financing sources. Then find the government program whose current rules actually match what you are trying to accomplish.
That approach is much more likely to produce a credible funding application than searching for a generic “free government grant.”
