British Columbia Discovery Fund (VCC) Inc. ("BC Discovery Fund," "BCDF" or the "Fund") is a diversified venture capital investment fund which allows investors to participate in the emerging technology industry in British Columbia. The Fund issues its shares under the Venture Capital Corporation (VCC) program, a BC government initiative to promote economic diversification and investment in small businesses, including technology ventures. In addition to enabling participation in innovative, local companies, BC Discovery Fund provides retail investors access to private venture capital investment opportunities, which are often only accessible to institutional shareholders and "angel" investors.
Eligible individual investors in the Fund receive a tax credit equal to 30% of the amount invested, to a maximum of a $60,000 tax credit per annum. The tax credit on investments into the Fund during the first 60 days of the year can be carried back and applied against the prior year's taxes payable. To the extent that the amount of the tax credit exceeds an individual's British Columbia taxes otherwise payable, the individual is entitled to a refund of the difference. Shares in the Fund are eligible for RRSPs, RRIFs and RESPs. The tax credit is also available to B.C. corporations to reduce B.C. taxes payable.
