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Economic Development Funding
North Pacific Ocean near the Skeena River. Photo by Brodie Guy.
From 2008 to 2024, Coast Funds administered an economic development fund, established through the Great Bear Rainforest PFP, which delivered start-up capital for First Nations’ investments in business launches and acquisitions, economic development corporations, economic infrastructure, and related projects.
This funding has been successfully spent down. Coast Funds is no longer accepting applications to the Economic Development fund.
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding an approved project, please do not hesitate to contact Patricia Sayer, Director of Economic Development, at patricia@coastfunds.ca or 604-684-0223 ext 9.
Fund Impact
Participating First Nations have collectively invested $61.4 million in economic development funding, and have:
- Supported more than 1,000 new jobs in coastal communities
- Acquired or launched more than 120 businesses
- Attracted $207 million of additional investment to the region, a three-fold return on initial capital
- Helped more than 100 community members to attend college and university programs
- Established seven economic development corporations
To learn more about these projects, visit the Project Search tool.
New Funding Opportunities
First Nations that are participating in the Great Bear Sea PFP can access new economic development funding through the new Community Prosperity Fund.
Coast Funds is also exploring opportunities with government and philanthropy to attract investment in a second economic development fund, which could deliver financing for First Nations that aren’t participating in the Great Bear Sea PFP.
Coast Funds also maintains a list of external funding opportunities available to First Nations.
Legacy Documents
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