Invest Capital in British Columbia

Choosing to invest in British Columbia (B.C.) means you benefit from a welcoming environment which actively encourages investment and is recognized for its ease of setting up business.

Investors will find that our reputation for safety, a stable fiscal and political environment, a dependable legal system, and top-ranked quality of life, makes us the natural choice for business in Canada.

Direct or Indirect Acquisitions

Generally, the direct acquisition of an established business does not require government review. Transactions are subject to pre-merger review under the Investment Canada Act based on certain thresholds.

The indirect acquisition of a company doing business in B.C. – perhaps through the acquisition of a parent company – is subject to review:

If the assets of the Canadian business affected are worth $50 million or more
If the Canadian business represents 50 per cent or more of the acquired company’s assets

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Our Investment Review Process

A secure, confidential process governs the review of business investments under federal rules. An application for review follows specific steps:

The initial application must include a description of the plans for the business, including a description of how the investment will benefit Canada.
The review process will complete within 45 days, but regulators may request an additional 30 days to complete the review.
If an application is rejected, additional information may be submitted within 30 days of the rejection.

Revelstoke Hydroelectric Dam — Revelstoke Dam spillway near the city of Revelstoke in British Columbia, Canada

Major Projects in B.C.

The Major Projects Inventory (MPI) includes a listing of private and public sector construction projects in B.C. with an estimated capital cost of $15 million (CAD) or greater.

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News And Stories

Canada Women’s Business Mission to Japan

British Columbia (B.C.) is home to world-class life sciences and clean technology companies.

New Initiative Supports Indigenous Entrepreneurs

Global Affairs Canada and Trade and Invest British Columbia (BC) recently partnered with the NW Innovation Resource Center (NWIRC) to…

Highspot Vancouver

British Columbia (B.C.) is one of the fastest-growing tech ecosystems in North America.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions we are asked at Trade and Invest BC about capital investment in BC.

Our firm is seeking to make investments in opportunities that adhere to sustainable business practices. Are there incentives available that help reduce risk in technology innovation?

B.C. prides itself on its effort to grow innovation and businesses that support sustainability throughout the province. Our Investor Services team would be happy to discuss the various programs and opportunities in place that support innovation and sustainability.

We have found a company that we are very interested in partnering with. Are you able to point us to professional advisors and local investors in helping shape a deal?

This request falls within the scope of services we provide. We would encourage you to contact our Investor Services team who would be happy to connect with you regarding your inquiry.

We are looking for innovative opportunities in the Clean Tech industry that are market ready. What’s happening in B.C. and are there companies in this space that are ripe for investment?

We encourage you to explore relevant sector webpages on this site and specifically check-out the links to related resources such as industry associations that make up the Clean Tech ecosystem. A representative of our Investor Services team can also facilitate networking with companies in the Clean Tech industry.

Our company is growing rapidly in our business space and we are looking to grow capacity and strategic capabilities by investing in innovative companies that complement our product portfolio. Can you help?

Our Investors Services team can help connect you to industry groups and resources to help with your pursuit. We also can be of service to B.C. companies seeking foreign financial capital.

I am interested in immigrating to Canada with my family, investing in a new or existing business. Can you help me find a business to purchase?

Support services for immigrant investors falls outside the scope of services that Trade and Invest BC provides. We recommend engaging with Welcome BC first to understand and start the immigration process. Welcome BC offers services and initiatives to help newcomers settle into British Columbia.

We Can Help

Trade and Invest BC helps facilitate foreign direct investment and has Trade and Investment Representatives in markets around the world. Contact the representative nearest you for support in investing in British Columbia.