December 2024 PacifiCan Impact Report

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A new federal partner here to boost the Pacific ambition

Amazing things are happening in British Columbia

And there is more to come

Read on for more on how we are already working with local partners to boost British Columbians’ ambition.

From new to you to here with you

Rooted in regions

PacifiCan staff in communities across B.C. work with local partners to fuel innovation, create good jobs, and build vibrant communities.

• PacifiCan's headquarters open in Surrey - Winter 2024 to 2025
• 500 projects - March 2023
  • PacifiCan reached 500 projects since its launch, investing over $350M
• Office openings - November 2022
  • Now serving British Columbians from eight locations across the province
• Pandemic response and recovery - August 2021 to December 2023
  • PacifiCan was there for British Columbians with $190M+ in support
• PacifiCan launch - August 2021
  • PacifiCan was created to respond to the economic opportunities and unique needs of British Columbians

How PacifiCan helps

PacifiCan supports British Columbians through four key roles:

• Investing
• Pathfinding
• Convening
• Advising

Investing in B.C. and propelling B.C. forward

We are just getting started and already seeing results. These would not have been possible without our partners.

AbCellera

A made-in-British-Columbia company solving global health-care challenges

AbCellera’s COVID-19 antibody therapies have treated over 2.5 million patients and saved tens of thousands of lives. With support from the Government of Canada and PacifiCan, AbCellera has seen $1.4B in revenue growth and attracted $705M in foreign direct investment.

BC Centre for Agritech Innovation

Activating B.C. as a global front-runner in sustainable agriculture technology

For businesses and farmers with ideas to produce more food in ways that bring climate benefits, this Centre at Simon Fraser University is seeding success, from lab to field. With $10M in PacifiCan funding, the Centre will help over 70 B.C. companies grow and create new products.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

A community-led immigration program to bring skilled permanent residents to rural locations

Industries such as healthcare, trades, childcare and hospitality often face difficulty in finding skilled workers, while immigrants may struggle to find work that matches their skills. With over $485,000 in PacifiCan funding and aid from Community Futures, this pilot is connecting new, skilled immigrants with permanent full-time jobs. So far, over 1,000 newcomers have been employed in 820+ businesses.

Clarius Mobile Health

Improved patient care, reduced healthcare costs, new jobs and hefty global sales for B.C. businesses

Clarius, with the help of the Government of Canada, including $2.4M in PacifiCan funding, has revolutionized the medical imaging industry by creating cost-effective and portable ultrasound scanners. This technology, which is now hitting 10 international markets, is providing real-time imaging at clinicians’ fingertips, improving patient care while reducing healthcare costs.

DeeBee's Organics

Feel-good healthy freezer pop business with millions of customers across Canada and the United States

Dionne, mom of two, put her PhD to work to create healthy kids snacks in a solar powered factory. Now, thanks to over $1.4M in PacifiCan funding, her snacks are sold in over 15,000 stores across North America. DeeBee’s Organics has seen an 800% increase in revenue over the past five years and more than $60M in export growth.

Environmental Solutions Innovation Hub

Advancing innovative environmental and clean technologies in northern B.C.

The Hub connects northern natural resource sectors, already considered leaders in environment performance, with world-class research to fast-track commercialization. Thanks to $1.9M from PacifiCan, the Hub at the University of Northern British Columbia will benefit 50+ small and medium-sized businesses.

Export Navigator

One-on-one support to help businesses expand outside of B.C.

Even the most innovative and ambitious B.C. entrepreneur can sometimes struggle to break through to global markets. With up to $3.6M from PacifiCan and support from the Province, the Export Navigator program offers free expert guidance to help businesses overcome barriers and expand their reach. Export Navigator has helped 583 businesses, generating $14M in export sales growth.

BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative

Indigenous communities build net-zero future

Reducing reliance on diesel energy, creating local jobs, and producing revenue streams for Indigenous communities is a triple win. With over $3.36M in PacifiCan funding and support from BC clean energy stakeholders including BC Hydro, industry, Indigenous leaders, Indigenous Services Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and the Province of BC, The New Relationship Trust is delivering this initiative across the province. Already, 100+ clean energy projects have been launched and diesel usage has been reduced by 2.8M litres annually.

Impact investing at PacifiCan

PacifiCan invests in projects that deliver enduring economic benefits, such as jobs and opportunities for British Columbians.

Pacific Business Service Network

PacifiCan supports a network of business service partners that help British Columbians start, grow and expand their business. The network serves rural entrepreneurs, Indigenous people, women, youth, persons with disabilities and members of Official Languages Minority Communities.

• Société de développement économique de la Colombie- Britannique
• WeBC
• The Community Futures Association and 34 independent Community Futures organizations, which support the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program and Indigenous Business Development Services programs