How to Turn a Government Rebate into Real Business Growth

If you're a business owner in Northern BC, here's something you need to know. Right now, there's a program that can cover up to 85 percent of your consulting costs, with a maximum of $30,000 per year. It's called the Small Business Recovery (SBR) Consulting Rebate, and it's built to help businesses not just recover—but grow.

This isn’t about throwing money at problems. It’s about using expert support to build a stronger, more resilient business. And it’s a rare opportunity to get that support at a fraction of the usual cost.

Why This Program Matters

Many businesses know they need help—whether it's with systems, operations, online sales, or cybersecurity. But consulting and digital transformation often feel out of reach. Budgets are tight. Teams are stretched. It’s hard to know where to start.

This government rebate changes that. It gives businesses access to qualified consultants who can help solve real problems. Not with theory, but with practical advice and implementation that gets results.

Who This Government Rebate Is For

The program is open to small and medium-sized businesses located in Northern BC. You’ll need to be:

Based within Northern Development’s service region
A for-profit business with fewer than 500 employees
In operation for at least two years
Generating at least $30,000 in annual revenue

Eligible sectors include everything from construction and transportation to retail, tourism, and professional services.

What You Can Get Help With

According to the program website, funding can support a wide range of consulting services. This includes:

Business planning and strategy
Digital transformation and technology adoption
Marketing and web development
E-commerce and market expansion
Operational efficiency and workflow improvements
Cybersecurity and risk management
Financial systems and cash flow optimization
HR systems and employee management
Inventory and logistics
Quality and safety standards

The key here is practical support. If you're looking to improve how your business operates, sells, or scales—this rebate could be a great fit.

Start With a Proper Assessment

One of the most important steps is knowing where to focus your efforts. Not every business needs a new website or software upgrade. Some need help with systems. Others need a better handle on cash flow.

That’s why this process always starts with a clear, honest assessment. At Timberline Digital Consulting, I help businesses step back and look at the big picture. We dig into what’s working, what’s not, and where technology and strategy can have the biggest impact.

I don’t just look at IT. I look at your business as a whole. Because growth doesn't happen in silos.

Experience That Makes a Difference

As a Certified Digital Adoption Specialist, I helped over 38 businesses across Canada access government funding through the Canadian Digital Adoption Program (CDAP). That program helped businesses improve operations, adopt new systems, and build solid strategies for long-term success.

Through that experience, I developed a clear, repeatable approach to identifying opportunities and delivering measurable results. From cybersecurity to cloud systems to operational mapping, my goal is to bring clarity where there’s usually confusion.

But I also know that no one expert can cover everything. That’s why I work with a trusted network of professionals. Whether your business needs help with marketing, HR strategy, financial systems, or something else entirely, I can connect you with the right people.

What’s the ROI?

The return on investment from a consulting engagement depends on how well it’s focused. That’s why an upfront assessment is so critical. Done right, this rebate can help businesses:

Reduce operating costs through automation and better systems
Improve profitability by identifying and eliminating inefficiencies
Increase sales through better marketing, online tools, or customer experience
Protect their assets through stronger cybersecurity and compliance
Gain clarity and confidence in their next steps

This isn’t theory. It’s about building a business that runs better, without the owner having to do everything themselves.

How to Get Started

Check your eligibility at the SBR Consulting Rebate page
Book a consultation to explore whether this program makes sense for your business
Work with a qualified consultant to define your project scope
Submit your application to Northern Development for review
Get to work on a project that actually moves your business forward

Northern Development has a fast review process—typically within one week of receiving a complete application.

Final Thoughts

Programs like this do not come around often. For business owners in Northern BC, this is a chance to invest in your future at a dramatically reduced cost. But the key is to focus on the right things, with the right guidance.

That’s what I love most about this work. Helping business owners cut through the noise, focus on what matters, and build something that lasts.

If you're ready to explore how this rebate could help your business, let's talk. I’m here to help guide the process and connect you with the right resources to make it count.