The Working Opportunity Fund, British Columbia’s largest venture capital fund, has given investors more choice when making an investment in the fund this RRSP season.

Under the new format 80% of an investment in the fund’s venture series shares is channeled into a core venture capital portfolio. Shareholders can then choose among a range of diverse options for the remaining portion of their investment that include: balanced; growth; income; financial services; resources; and diversified participation.

“This expanded approach to venture capital investing allows British Columbians to customize their RRSP investment to fit an existing portfolio or investment preference,” said David Levi, President and CEO of GrowthWorks Capital Ltd., manager of the Working Opportunity Fund, in a release “It allows both investors and their investment advisors the freedom to choose the right investment mix within their Working Opportunity Fund investment.”

The Commercialization series of shares is a seventh option that will have a separate venture portfolio consisting of research-oriented small and medium sized businesses. The non-venture portion is a combination of Canadian income and debt securities.

In addition to up to 30% in tax credits for investors in all series of Working Opportunity Fund shares, the Commercialization series of shares also provides investors with the added bonus of dividend payments over a three-year period.

“A $5,000 RRSP investment in the Working Opportunity Fund’s Commercialization series of shares can virtually pay for itself after the 30% tax credit, RRSP deduction, and dividend payments over three years are considered,” said Levi.