Interior Logging Association Business Resource Sheet
Short-Term Forest Employment Program
The program was originally set to run for three years (2019/20 through 2021/22) to create short-term employment opportunities reducing the impact of job losses. It is expected that funded projects will also result in benefits for impacted communities, including through enhanced resilience, wildfire recovery/risk reduction, and forest enhancement.
Bridging to Retirement Program
The Bridging to retirement program is open for impacted and voluntary full-time workers at least 55 years old – who are B.C. forestry mill workers, forestry- dependent contractors and their employees – to transition to retirement. Forestry workers could be eligible for up to $75,000 in combined retirement bridging funding, depending on individual factors including years of experience, age at retirement and employer contribution.
Forest Enhancement Society of BC
Eligible applicants seeking funding for forestry-based projects
BC Employer Training Grant
The B.C. Employer Training Grant provides funding to small, medium and large enterprises to support skills training for their workforces, including prospective new hires. The intent of this program is to help British Columbians access the skills training required to adapt to the labour market’s changing job requirements, while also encouraging employer involvement in skills training.
The Employer Training Grant helps employers pay for training, which in turn helps employees experience increased job security or move into better jobs.
Employers can apply as often as they need and receive 80% of the cost of training up to $10,000 per employee, with a maximum annual amount per employer of $300,000.
DREAI Program
DREAI provides the following Business supports free of charge. 10 hours working with a Consultant to grow your skills and your business. 6 months of advice and problem solving conversations with like minded business owners. Up to $5,000 reimbursement for training that you arrange to grow or pivot your business. Eligible communities are: 16/37 (Terrace)
Cariboo Chilcotin (Williams Lake) Central Interior First Nations (Kamloops) Fraser Fort George (Prince George) Haida Gwaii (Masset)
Nadina (Houston)
Nicola Valley (Merrit)
North Cariboo (Quesnel)
North Fraser (Mission)
Okanagan Similkameen (Penticton) Pacific Northwest (Prince Rupert)
Peace Liard (Dawson Creek)
South Fraser (Chilliwack)
Sto:lo (Chilliwack)
Stuart Nechako (Vanderhoof)
Sun Country (Ashcroft)
Thompson Country (Kamloops)
Work BC
Business and Staff supports including training, wage subsidy, job boards and self employment. There are centers in all Regions of BC
Community Futures
34 Community Futures offices provide flexible and affordable small business loans, business coaching/training services and business management tools for people wanting to start, expand, franchise or sell a rural business. The Community Futures Network of British Columbia is the only community driven, non-profit business loan and business development organization made up of 34 Community Futures offices throughout rural British Columbia.
Interior Logging Association
Committed to growing a thriving and sustainable industry, the ILA is a strong supporter of education and training programs that help prepare the next generation of forestry workers for the greenest workforce in our province. We can offer additional business support services, or assist you in finding someone who can help.