BC Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit

BC Small Business Venture Capital Tax Credit

Funds private investment in British Columbia small businesses through tax-supported incentives and provincial partnership support.

Eligibility · Canada · CA-BC

The BC Small Business Venture Capital Program provides investors with a 30% British Columbia tax credit on equity investments made in registered BC small businesses through Venture Capital Corporations (VCCs) or Eligible Business Corporations (EBCs). The programme is administered by the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation and runs continuously throughout the calendar year.

Budget 2025 expanded the programme significantly: the annual tax credit budget was raised from $38.5 million to $53.5 million, and the maximum individual tax credit was lifted from $120,000 to $300,000 for investments of $1 million or more made on or after 4 March 2025. Businesses wishing to raise tax-credit-supported investment must first obtain an equity authorisation, which sets the approved amount and timeframe within which they may raise qualifying capital. Applications for registration as an EBC or VCC are submitted either through the electronic Tax Credit Application (eTCA) system or by emailing InvestmentCapital@gov.bc.ca.

Required documents for registration include completed application forms, a business plan, and proof of initial equity capital. The programme is open to qualifying BC small businesses on a year-round basis, and companies should confirm any changes to programme rules arising from subsequent provincial budget announcements. The Ministry's Investment Capital team can be reached at 250-952-0136 or 1-800-665-6597.