Business Incentive Programs

People smiling and talking in a restaurant.

The District of Kitimat recognizes that local business is the force that creates a vibrant community.

Through a number of business incentive programs, we aim to uplift local entrepreneurs to the best of our ability in our capacity as the local government.

On this page:

Keep It Local Kitimat

Local businesses are the heart and soul of our communities. They also have big economic impacts, by creating jobs, circulating profits, buying local products/services and supporting local causes.

But what is a local business anyway? How do we define it and why does it matter? In an increasingly competitive market, consumers and businesses understand the value of supporting businesses that benefit their communities. 

The new "Keep It Local Kitimat" campaign aims to support local businesses by providing marketing, research opportunities and resources. This new 5-year campaign is replacing all the other buy local campaigns before it - Love Kitimat, Live Love Local, Focus Local, etc. All businesses are welcome, whether yours is home-based, brick-and-mortar, service-based, or a local franchise! 

If you would like to be added to an email list regarding upcoming "Keep it Local" events please share your request and contact information with us here.

Business Facade Improvement Program

The District of Kitimat is excited to again offer the Business Facade Improvement Program, a grant to reimburse eligible businesses with up to $5,000 towards their improvements to their business exterior.

This program is thanks to funding provided by Northern Development Initiative Trust.

Funding for this program is limited and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

2026 Application Form

Commercial Centre Revitalization Tax Exemption Program

The Commercial Centre Revitalization Tax Exemption will provide eligible business owners with a 50 per cent reduction in their municipal property taxes, potentially up to 10 years, for improvements made to their buildings, including for work to their business’ exterior.

Improvements to the building must be at least $50,000, with at least $25,000 applied to the building’s exterior. Successful applications will see a five-year reduction in their municipal property taxes.

EXTRA | Eligible applicants could also see their reduced municipal property taxes extended up to an additional five years, through energy efficient improvements to their buildings. These could include:

  • A project certified as being compliant with Step 4 of the B.C. Energy Step Code
  • New siding with enhanced thermal resistance. (See guidelines for further details)
  • New windows with a U-Factor of .32 or less
  • Other improvements are also considered. Refer to Page 4 of the guidelines for more details on all of these items

View the program guidelines here to find out the full eligibility requirements, and find all the required documentation and forms for an application.

This program is receiving applications for expenses from October 26, 2022. Applications to this program will close on September 30th 2026.

Applications due by September 30 prior to the year the exemption is applied for.

Kitimat Business Builders Bootcamp

The District of Kitimat and the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce hosted another exciting series of free workshops in the spring, called the "Kitimat Business Bootcamp".

Leaders of Kitimat’s small and medium-sized businesses attend and learn about topics most affecting business ownership as identified during the Annual Business Walk.  The workshop series concludes with a Dragon's Den style competition called "Kitimat Business Builders Competition" where businesses can win up tp $10,000 for projects that grow their business.

 2025 winner
  •  Pyramid Office Supplies
 2024 winners
  • Reltek Industries ($5,000)
  • Foxhound Non-Destructive Testing ($3,000)
  • Matthew Mask Productions ($2,000)

This program has been sponsored by LNG Canada and Rio Tinto.

Entrepalooza

Entrepalooza is an event organised to provide startups and aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to network with other entrepreneurs and resource providers. This year the event will be held on Thursday October 23, 2025 More details will be provided closer to the event. 

At the end of the evening, one lucky entrepreneur will go home with $1,000 towards their start-up costs.

You know best what your business needs, so we offer the $1,000 as a reimbursable prize. You might use it for:

  • Paying for a business license

  • Buying inventory

  • Paying website hosting fees or merchant fees on a credit card reader

  • Advertising or marketing costs

  • Much more…

More details will be provided closer to the event. 

Temporary Patios for Commercial Businesses on Public Land

To support food and liquor serving premises in Kitimat, businesses can now apply for a free permit for 2025 to set up a temporary patio on public lands.

For more information please email the Planning department.

Annual Business Walk

The District of Kitimat’s 11th annual business walk is happening October 15, 2025.

The Business Walk, first held in 2015, is a joint collaboration with the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce and yáqʷa Development Corporation to understand the business climate in Kitimat.

Using the insight gained through these events, the community have been able to enjoy economic development programming and advocacy to support the areas of highest interest for local businesses.

Events and programs have included:

  • Kitimat Business Bootcamps.
  • Kitimat Business Builders Competition.
  • Entrepalooza. (an entrepreneur networking event)
  • Commercial Centre Revitalization Tax Exemptions Program.

Results from the 2024 business walk indicated that the majority of Kitimat business operations were steady while 38 per cent were enjoying growth.

Previous business walk reports are available on the District of Kitimat website at www.kitimat.ca/reports.

Expired programs
Kitimat Love Bucks

Kitimat Love Bucks were an initiative through Love Kitimat, a shop-local program pre-dating the Keep It Local Kitimat program.

Similar to gift cards, they could be redeemed at participating Kitimat retailers.

Although the Love Bucks program - and the Love Kitimat program overall - has ended, Love Bucks still in circulation will be honoured. There is no expiry.

  • Love Bucks are one-time use, there is no credit carryover.
  • Registered Kitimat businesses can redeem Love Bucks for their cash value at the District of Kitimat office during regular business hours.

For more information about business support, contact the Economic Development department by email or call 250-632-8900.

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