How do I apply for Employee Share Ownership Plan?

Visit Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Finance's website for application instructions.

Who administers Employee Share Ownership Plan?

This program is administered by Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Finance.

Are there similar programs to Employee Share Ownership Plan?

Yes! Canada Grants Database has similar programs in the Business Financing & Capital category. Browse our database to find more options that match your needs.

Employee Share Ownership Plan

Government of British Columbia, Ministry of Finance

💰 Business Financing & Capital🗺️ Provincial🏪 Small Business📈 Growth🚀 Scale-Up

Investment capital for BC businesses

Funding

Up to $2,500

Deadline

Rolling

Status

Rolling Intake

What Is This Program?

Raise capital by selling shares of your business to your employees, who in return receive a 20% tax credit for investing.

What Benefits Are Offered?

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The program provides a 20% annual tax credit (up to $2,000) for B.C. employees who invest up to $10,000 in their employer's business. It also offers a 50% reimbursement (up to $2,500 annually) to companies or employee groups for eligible professional advisor costs incurred in establishing, registering, or administering an ESOP plan.

Who Is Eligible?

Region: British Columbia

Other Criteria: Company incorporated or registered to do business in B.C., Company has a B.C. payroll of at least 25% of total payroll, Company has less than $500 million in assets (for ESOP eligibility), Shares offered must carry voting rights and not be restricted in profit or asset division, For cost sharing, company must have fewer than 150 employees, or application can be from an employee group (company size irrelevant), Employees must be British Columbia residents to be eligible for tax credits, Employee investments for tax credits must be made after the ESOP plan is registered