Support for Francophone communities

PacifiCan provides funding to the Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDECB) so they can support Francophone-led organizations and Francophone entrepreneurs.

Economic Development Initiative in British Columbia

The Economic Development Initiative (EDI) supports Francophones in B.C. (official language minority communities) and organizations operating in French by investing in projects that deliver real impact in at least one of the following sectors:

• Diversification and economic development, including trade and investment
• Economic immigration
• Green economy
• Youth
• Tourism

EDI is jointly delivered by PacifiCan, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and other regional development agencies. Nationally, the program provides $30.5 million in funding over five years (2023 to 2028).

How to apply for EDI funding

PacifiCan delivers EDI through the Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDECB). To apply for EDI funding through SDECB, see their project Fonds de développement économique francophone du Pacifique (FDEFP).

Related links

• Action Plan for Official Languages 2023-2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration: The Government of Canada’s horizontal approach to supporting official language minority communities across the country

Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDECB)

The Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDECB) supports the economic growth of B.C.'s Francophone community.

SDECB provides programs and services to Francophone organizations and entrepreneurs in B.C., and drives initiatives that empower Francophones to thrive within the province’s economic landscape.

What kinds of services are offered

SDECB offers the following services:

• Mentoring
• Marketing advice
• Information services
• Recruitment of talents
• Networking opportunities
• Personalized business support
• Business and community economic development

Who could benefit from this support

Eligibility varies for each program, but can include:

• Francophone entrepreneurs, including newcomers, women and youth
• businesses looking to hire qualified French-speaking candidates
• French-speaking job seekers
• non-profit Francophone organizations

Contact

To contact the Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique, visit their Contact us page.