Recruitment, Retention, and Innovative Skills Training Program (RRIST) Access Up to $250,000 in Funding to Strengthen Your Workforce

1. What is the RRIST Program?
The Recruitment, Retention, and Innovative Skills Training (RRIST) Program is an initiative by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF BC). It provides funding of up to $250,000, covering 70% of eligible project costs, to support recruitment, retention, and skills training in the agriculture, seafood, and food processing industries.

2. Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include:

• Agriculture, seafood, and food industry organizations.
• Indigenous groups, organizations, and communities involved in agriculture or food processing.
• Local governments engaged in these industries.
• Partnerships of producers, processors, non-profits, industry associations, and Indigenous groups.

Note: Individual producers or processors cannot apply unless part of a partnership.

3. Are academic institutions eligible?
Academic institutions are not eligible as primary applicants but may participate in projects led by eligible applicants.

4. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects must address domestic workforce challenges in recruitment, retention, or training and align with program objectives. Eligible activities include:

• Developing and delivering training programs.
• Creating tools or technologies to support recruitment and retention.
• Building partnerships to support underrepresented populations in the workforce.
• Implementing employer or management training for workplace improvements.

5. How much funding can I receive?
The program offers up to $250,000 per project, covering 70% of eligible project costs.

6. What is the cost-sharing ratio?
The applicant contributes 30%, and the funder (IAF BC) covers 70% of eligible costs.

7. Can funds from other government programs be stacked?
Yes, funds from other government programs can be stacked up to 100% of project costs, provided the additional funds are not from other programs delivered by IAF.

8. What expenses are eligible for funding?
Eligible expenses include:

• Development and delivery of training programs.
• Recruitment and retention tools or processes.
• Partnership-building initiatives.
• Workforce improvement projects like childcare, flexible scheduling, or transportation solutions.

9. What expenses are ineligible?
Ineligible expenses include:

• Costs incurred before project approval.
• Recruitment or retention of Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs).
• Employee wages, housing, or relocation costs.
• Research projects, operational expenses, or union-related issues.

10. How do I apply?
The application process has two steps:

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the IAF Client Portal (open from December 4 to December 23, 2024).
2. If approved, complete a full application upon invitation in January 2025.

11. Can I get help with my application?
Yes, IAF staff and Soluzone Consulting can provide guidance and support throughout the application process. Contact rrist@iafbc.ca or Soluzone at info@soluzone.ca for assistance.

12. What happens after I submit my EOI?
EOIs will be reviewed for eligibility, completeness, and alignment with program objectives. Successful applicants will be invited to submit a full application. Decisions will be communicated within eight weeks of EOI submission.

13. What are the key goals of the RRIST Program?
The program aims to:

• Support innovative recruitment and training solutions.
• Increase participation of underrepresented groups in the workforce.
• Enhance employer capacity for workforce management and retention.
• Promote awareness of career opportunities in agriculture and food sectors.

14. What populations does the program focus on?
Specific populations include youth, new immigrants, people with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and individuals facing employment barriers such as those exiting the criminal justice system.

15. How long can projects run?
Projects must be time-bound, with a maximum duration of 12 months. All activities must be completed by February 28, 2026.

16. What is required for project reporting?
Approved applicants must submit regular progress and financial reports to ensure compliance with program requirements. Soluzone Consulting can assist with reporting and documentation.

17. How can Soluzone Consulting help with this program?
We offer end-to-end support, including:

• Assisting with EOI and full application preparation.
• Designing recruitment, retention, and training strategies.
• Managing compliance and reporting for approved projects.

18. How can I contact Soluzone Consulting for assistance?
📞 Call us at: +1 (604) 250-8034
📧 Email us at: info@soluzone.ca
🌐 Visit us: www.soluzone.ca