VANCOUVER, British Columbia--()--Life Sciences BC (LSBC), a non-government, not-for-profit organization that works to advance British Columbia’s (B.C.’s) life sciences sector, announces approval to receive over $1.1 million over three years in funding from PacifiCan to deliver on its Life Sciences Growth Catalyst Project.

This project focuses on enabling B.C. life sciences companies with networks, opportunities, skills, and knowledge to scale in Canada and beyond. The funding is through PacifiCan’s Business Acceleration Pilot (BizAP). LSBC, through the project, will support the expansion of B.C. high-growth life sciences companies and make a meaningful impact on the sector. The program is designed to foster regional economic development — job creation, revenue growth, and capital attraction.

The funding will also be used to expand LSBC’s annual Invest in BC conference, which attracts over 100 global investors to the province and facilitates over 450 partnering and investor meetings for B.C.’s small and medium enterprises.

“We’re thrilled to partner with PacifiCan to deliver on this exciting project that will bring high-quality jobs, economic development, and ultimately patient impact to the province,” said Wendy Hurlburt, LSBC President & CEO. “Supporting B.C. companies to become competitive will elevate our sector, strengthening B.C.’s position as a global life sciences leader.”

“Through tailored programs like the Business Acceleration Pilot, PacifiCan is serving the unique needs of British Columbian entrepreneurs so that they can turn their ambition into reality,” said the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan). “By partnering with organizations such as Life Sciences BC, PacifiCan is helping B.C. businesses grow here at home and compete on a global stage.”

LSBC has put together an advisory council of life sciences leaders to provide strategic direction and help select companies to participate in this initiative, ensuring LSBC continues to meet sector needs.

About Life Sciences British Columbia
Life Sciences BC (LSBC) is a not-for-profit, non-government sector association that works to advance British Columbia’s life sciences community through numerous local, national, and international initiatives. We nurture economic development in the province through leadership; facilitation of investment and partnering; government collaboration; and promotion of our world-class life sciences sector.