Resources
Grants & Funding
Thanks to financial support from Northern Development Initiative Trust, the District of Houston offers grant support services to local non-profits by supporting grant research and reviewing grant proposals to pursue community funding priorities.
To request grant support services, please complete the following form: Grant Support Services Request Form
Dungate Community Forest Grants
The Dungate Community Forest mission is to sustainably manage the Community Forest through local input and control, for the economic, social, and environmental benefit of the community and land base.
Dungate Community Forest has a community donation program. For more information and to apply for this program, visit: https://dungatecomfor.ca/donation-request/ or email dungatecomfor@houston.ca
Grant & Funding Opportunities
Community organizations may be eligible for funding support through a wide range of local, regional, provincial, and federal grant programs. These programs may support projects, events, programs, capital purchases, and other community initiatives.
To help organizations identify potential funding sources, the District of Houston has prepared a Grant Opportunities Resource Sheet that includes links to grant agencies and current funding programs.
Community Futures Nadina
Supports entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District. Services include small business loans, business planning support, and succession and transition advice.
Community Futures BC offers workshops and webinars free of charge within select service regions. Outside of these areas, you can still join for a fee-for-service. Please check the schedules and eligibility details on the myCommunityFutures website: mycommunityfuturesbc.ca/supports/workshops/
Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT)
Delivers funding programs that support economic development and business growth across central and northern British Columbia.
Business Development programs currently offered by NDIT:
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
Supports small and medium-sized businesses with financing, advisory services, and growth tools at every stage of business development. Its focus is on helping businesses become more competitive and resilient.
PacifiCan
Supports economic growth and diversification across British Columbia by delivering federal funding programs and representing regional interests at the national level.
Futurpreneur
Supports young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39 with financing, mentorship, and practical tools to launch and grow their businesses. Programs are designed to reduce barriers for new entrepreneurs.
WeBC
A leading provincial resource for women entrepreneurs, offering business education, financing, and mentorship. Services are tailored to support women at all stages of business development.
Mitacs Accelerate
Connects businesses with academic researchers to support innovation-focused projects. The program helps businesses access research expertise while supporting talent development.
Venture Capital Programs
Encourages private investment in BC businesses by offering tax credits to eligible investors. These programs help improve access to capital for growing companies.
For other business supports, visit our Business Resources page.
Business Façade Improvement Program
Do you own a business in Houston that needs a facelift? Thanks to financial support from Northern Development Initiative Trust, the Business Façade Improvement Program offers local businesses 50% reimbursement up to $5,000 for eligible exterior upgrades to help update the look and feel of your storefront.
Eligible upgrades include lighting, painting, siding, signage, accessibility improvements, and more.
The application deadline is May 31, 2026.
Contact the Houston & District Chamber of Commerce for more details and to apply!
250-845-7640
info@houstonchamber.ca
Revitalization Tax Incentives
The District of Houston offers Revitalization Tax Exemption Programs to encourage new development, reinvestment, and long-term growth in the community. These programs provide temporary exemptions on the municipal portion of property taxes for eligible projects that increase assessed value and support community objectives.
Each program is established under the Community Charter and governed by a Council-adopted bylaw. Eligibility, exemption terms, and conditions vary by program.
General Program Information
Across all revitalization programs:
- Tax exemptions apply only to the municipal portion of property taxes
- Projects must comply with all District bylaws and approvals
- Taxes and municipal accounts must be paid and remain in good standing
- An application and exemption agreement are required
- Exemptions begin only after approval and issuance of an exemption certificate
Programs are time-limited and subject to expiration dates set in the bylaws.
Property owners or developers considering a revitalization project are encouraged to review the applicable bylaw and contact the District for early guidance.
For more information and to determine eligibility, contact the Director of Finance.
The Residential Revitalization Tax Exemption Program encourages the construction of new housing and significant renovations to existing residential buildings to increase housing supply, improve housing quality, and support community growth.
Residential Revitalization Program BrochureEligible Areas & Uses
- Residential (R1, R2, R4) and Rural (A1, A2) zones
- Single-family and multi-family dwellings and townhouses
- Certain residential uses located in Public and Institutional (P1) zones
Eligible Project Types
- New residential construction
- Demolition and reconstruction of existing dwellings
- Exterior improvements that increase assessed value
- Improvements that increase the number of dwelling units
Tax Exemption Overview
- Applies to the municipal portion of property taxes
- Exemptions may be available for up to 10 years for urban service area construction projects
- Exemptions may be available for up to 5 years for rural service area construction projects
- Exemptions may be available for up to 3 years for capital renovations
- The exemption applies only to the increase in assessed value resulting from eligible work
The information above serves as a general source of information regarding the program. For further details, we recommend referring to Bylaw 1207, 2025.
Residential Revitalization Tax Exemption BylawThe Commercial Area Revitalization Tax Exemption Program supports new commercial and mixed-use development and reinvestment in Houston’s downtown and highway service commercial areas, helping strengthen the local economy, improve building conditions, and support business growth.
Commercial Area Revitalization Program BrochureEligible Areas & Uses
- Downtown Commercial Area
- Highway Service Commercial Area
- Core (C1) or Service (C2) Commercial zones
Eligible Project Types
- Construction of new commercial or mixed-use buildings
- Expansion of existing commercial buildings
- Capital renovations and exterior improvements that enhance functionality, accessibility, or appearance
Tax Exemption Overview
- Applies to the municipal portion of property taxes
- Exemptions may be available for up to 10 years for new construction
- Exemptions may be available for up to 3 years for capital renovations
- The exemption is based on the increase in assessed value resulting from the project
The information above serves as a general source of information regarding the program. For further details, we recommend referring to Bylaw 1120, 2019.
Commercial Area Revitalization Tax Exemption BylawHow to Apply
- Obtain a copy of the applicable bylaw and application form.
- Determine whether your property meets the eligibility criteria.
- Schedule an appointment to discuss your project with the Director of Finance.
- Gather all the necessary documents required for your application
- Submit your application, ensuring that you include all the required information and pay the application fee.
- The Director of Finance will review your application.
- If your application is approved, you will need to enter into a Tax Exemption Agreement* with the District of Houston.
- Upon completion of your project, provide evidence to the Director of Finance.
- Obtain a Tax Exemption Certificate* upon approval.
*For further information, refer to the Exemption Agreements and Exemption Certificate sections of the bylaw.
Economic Development Strategy
The District of Houston’s Economic Diversification Strategy (2025) is a comprehensive, community-driven roadmap designed to strengthen and grow the local economy. Developed in partnership with Deloitte and informed by extensive engagement with residents, businesses, and regional partners, the strategy outlines a clear vision for building a more resilient and sustainable economic future.
At its core, the strategy responds to major economic shifts by identifying new opportunities that build on Houston’s strengths, including its skilled workforce, strategic location, and natural assets.
Business Directory
Looking for businesses and services in Houston? The Houston & District Chamber of Commerce Business Directory is a comprehensive resource to help you connect with local companies, organizations, and service providers.
Whether you’re searching for contractors, retail shops, professional services, or community organizations, the Chamber’s directory makes it easy to discover what’s available right here in our community.
Support Local!
Supporting local businesses strengthens our economy and helps our community thrive. We encourage residents, visitors, and investors to use this directory to find and support Houston-based businesses.
LoveHoustonBC is a shop-local gift certificate program. Gift certificates can be purchased at the Houston & District Chamber of Commerce and used at participating retailers throughout Houston.
Did you know? Since 2010, this initiative has kept over $1 million in our community.