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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.
BC Discovery Fund is similar to the labour sponsored funds ("LSFs")
available to investors in B.C., with added advantages that include:
- 30% investment tax credit on investments from a minimum of $2,500
to a maximum of $200,000 (vs. $5,000 maximum investment level for LSFs);
and
- Ability to request redemption after 5 years (vs. 8 year hold period
for LSFs).
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