Value-Added Accelerators (VAA) Toolkit
A Resource for Exploring Value-Added Manufacturing Partnerships
Presented by the Province of British Columbia, the BC First Nations Forestry Council and BC Wood
Why This Toolkit Was Developed and Who It Is For
Across British Columbia, many First Nations are exploring opportunities to participate more fully in value-added forest product manufacturing. This includes secondary processing, advanced wood products, and innovative uses of fibre.
Through the Value-Added Accelerators forums, First Nations shared a common message. There is interest, readiness, and vision, but there are also real capacity gaps when it comes to finding the right partners, understanding available tools, and building partnerships on First Nations’ own terms.
At the same time, value-added manufacturers have expressed interest in working with First Nations and are often seeking guidance on how to approach Nations respectfully, appropriately, and in ways that align with community priorities.
Successful partnerships take time, trust, and shared understanding. They also require access to practical tools, examples, and information that are not always easy to find in one place.
The VAA Toolkit was developed to help close that gap.
This toolkit is intended for First Nations leadership, economic development staff, community members, First Nation owned businesses and development corporations, and partners seeking to work with First Nations in value-added manufacturing.
What the VAA Toolkit Is:
The VAA Toolkit brings together publicly available tools, guides, and examples that support First Nations led decision making around value-added manufacturing and partnership development.
Rather than creating new materials, this toolkit organizes existing resources in one place, highlights First Nation specific tools wherever possible, includes examples from forestry and other resource sectors where they are transferable, and supports Nations at different stages from early exploration to active partnership development.
Links to original sources are provided throughout. Many resources include additional tools, templates, and background information on their host sites.
How the Toolkit Is Organized
The VAA Toolkit is organized into modules:
Toolkit Icons and What They Mean
Resources that include information on grants, capacity funding, or program development funding. Refer to individual sites for eligibility and application details.
Advisory services, guidance documents, or general information.
Resources related to skills development, training, and workforce readiness.
Conferences, forums, newsletters, roundtables, and regularly updated opportunities.
Examples, lessons learned, or reading and viewing materials.
Tools developed by or for First Nations.
Business Development
The Business program area at the BC First Nations Forestry Council focuses on supporting economic development and Nation-led forestry ventures. It helps First Nations build and strengthen community-owned businesses, create partnerships grounded in consent and mutual benefit, and identify opportunities for growth. This work is about more than economics; it’s about self-determination, sustainability, and long-term community well-being.