BC Tourism Climate Resiliency Initiative (BCTCRI) Project Two: Micro-grants to Support Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Plan Implementation

Who can apply

1. For-profit business, not-for-profit organization, or Indigenous organizations.
2. Located in BC (registered and headquartered).
3. Directly provide a tourism experience (e.g. accommodation, food service, attraction,

transportation, visitor service).

1. Successfully operated for a minimum of two years.
2. Have completed a sustainability assessment and/or have an action plan or road map to

improve sustainability and/or climate adaptation (developed within the last five years) that supports/recommends the project for which the organization is applying.

1. The assessment, action plan or road map could be completed through the BCTCRI Project #1

(delivered via the BC Tourism Sustainability Network) or independently co-developed with accredited outside experts*.

*An accredited expert or consultant is a professional with extensive relevant education and experience in conducting environmental assessments and creating strategic road maps to help organizations drive meaningful action and continuous improvements to minimize environmental footprints or respond to climate risks. The expert must be independent and not have a vested interest in the project. Resulting plans developed with such professionals need to be submitted as part of the application process. Plans generated automatically from online tools are not eligible.

Prior and Current Micro-Grant Recipients Micro-grant recipients from the first or second intake, notified in February/March and June/July 2024 respectively, will be eligible to apply again in the third intake, opening in January 2025. The maximum, total combined funding available to recipients across all three intakes is $30,000.

Eligible applicants for a second micro-grant should note:

1. Businesses and organizations may only apply for sustainability certification funding under

Stream 2 if their first micro-grant did/does not include sustainability certification expenses.

1. Priority will be given to funding new eligible recipient organizations that did not receive a micro-

grant in the first two intakes.

Stream 1 – Sustainability and Climate Adaptation Projects Apply under this stream if your business has completed a sustainability assessment and/or has an action plan or road map for improving sustainability and/or climate preparedness in your operation. Your assessment, action plan or roadmap must support or recommend the project for which your business is applying.

Businesses may request funding support under both streams in their application.

Projects that are Eligible:

Your project must:

1. Be located in BC.
2. Directly support an action identified in your sustainability or climate adaptation assessment,

action plan and/or road map.

1. Support taking action towards infrastructure upgrades, equipment purchases, or improved

systems as described under How To Use Your Funds section below. Planning or strategy development is not eligible for funding.

1. Create net overall benefits for climate resiliency within the core operations of the existing

business.

1. Be completed, including all spending, project work, and final reporting, by September 30, 2025.
2. Meet cost sharing requirements described under Funding Guidelines section below.
3. Not displace or duplicate government efforts or industry responsibility. Leveraging funding from

applicable government rebate programs is allowable if the government rebate is disclosed in the budget and/or final report and does not exceed the applicant’s portion of contributed funds.

Your project must fall under one or more of the categories below (note these are primary examples only and other categories may be eligible that are not listed here):

Renewable Energy Upgrades • Upgrades to renewable energy sources, including:

1. Solar panel installation
2. Electrification of building systems, including installation of heat pumps

Facilitation of Sustainable Transportation Methods

1. Electrification of company vehicles
2. Electric vehicle charging infrastructure
3. Investments in active transportation infrastructure or equipment such as bike lockers

Waste and Water Management

1. Invest in closed-loop, circular systems to reduce or eliminate single use items,

especially plastics. Examples include:

1. Reusable cup or take-out container sharing programs
2. Water refill stations

• Address, reduce and divert food waste. For example:

1. Installing onsite compost system
2. Expand and improve recycling sorting stations and signage
3. Digital adaptations to reduce the use of paper
4. Install water collection and reuse systems so non-potable water can be used for outdoor

irrigation, cleaning, and toilet flushing. This includes: o Rainwater harvesting

1. Greywater recycling (this requires a system for wastewater treatment)
2. Install low-flow fixtures such as showerheads, faucets, and toilets to reduce water

consumption.

1. Purchase water-efficient appliances with labels such as EnergyStar and WaterSense to

reduce water consumption.

Nature Based Solutions

1. Build native flower and vegetable gardens to increase food security, support pollinators,

increase soil health, and green spaces to absorb CO2.

1. Invest in green roofs to reduce stormwater runoff, reduce ambient temperature, save

energy, encourage biodiversity, and more.

1. Supporting climate resilient natural assets through rehabilitating forests, wetlands, and

shores connected to the business.

Energy Management

1. Upgrade building envelop to reduce energy loss and improve efficiency. Including:
2. Energy efficient windows

o Increased insulation

1. Install energy-efficient equipment and monitoring devices to reduce and regulate energy

consumption, including:

1. LED lighting
2. Energy efficient electrical appliances
3. Back-up sump-pump purchase and installation to prepare for flooding events
4. Radio communications equipment

• Fire Smart adaptations

1. Implementation of a disaster warning system

Stream 2 – Sustainability Certification Apply under this stream if you are working towards a sustainability certification from one of the following certification bodies. Your business must have completed a sustainability assessment and/or have an action plan or road map for improving sustainability that identifies sustainability certification as an action or recommendation.

Businesses may request funding support under both streams in their application.

Certifications that are Eligible:

• GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Certification • Green Key Eco-Rating Program • BC Green Business Certification • Biosphere Certification

1. Other accredited certification*

*The BCTCRI Micro-Grant Program is open to other general and sector-specific sustainability certifications that are relevant to your business. Certifications not included in this list that are aligned with identified climate resiliency objectives can be included on application forms and will be evaluated and vetted for approval upon receipt of the application.

Certifications must apply to the whole business (not only certain product streams).