B.C. Government Expands Programs to Support Workers Affected by U.S. Tariffs

The B.C. government is taking steps to support workers and communities impacted by U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policy through the expansion of two partnerships with the federal government. The first program, Build Your Own Future, originally focused on forestry, is now being expanded to support workers across all industries affected by U.S. tariffs. This three-year initiative, funded through the Northern Innovation Network, offers entrepreneurship training tailored to skilled tradespeople and technicians through five-day business boot camps, one-on-one coaching, and mentorship. Graduates of the program are eligible for a $5,000 grant to cover startup costs. The second program, the Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund, is a $5-million fund that will support local governments and businesses in northern and remote regions. The fund will be launched in the fall with two funding streams: Labour Market Research Plans and Business Advisory Supports.

Key Takeaways:

• The B.C. government is expanding its partnership with the federal government to support workers and communities affected by U.S. tariffs through the Build Your Own Future program.
• The program offers five-day business boot camps, one-on-one coaching, and mentorship to help displaced workers transition into entrepreneurship.
• Graduates of the program are eligible for a $5,000 grant to help cover startup costs.
• The Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund is a $5-million program that will support local governments and businesses in northern and remote regions.
• The fund will be launched in the fall with two funding streams: Labour Market Research Plans and Business Advisory Supports.
• The programs are offered both online and in person.
• Social Development Minister Sheila Malcolmson said the programs are about putting people first and investing in their ideas and futures.

Statistics:

• $5,000: The grant available to program graduates to help cover startup costs.
• $5 million: The amount allocated for the Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund.
• 3 years: The duration of the Build Your Own Future program.
• 5 days: The length of the entrepreneurship training offered through the Build Your Own Future program.
• Fall: The planned launch date for the Rural and Remote Employment Initiatives Fund.

Sources:

• A release from the Social Development and Poverty Reduction Ministry, dated September 19.
• A statement by Social Development Minister Sheila Malcolmson.
• An announcement by the Northern Development Initiative Trust.
• An article by the Abbotsford News, copyright 2025.