Closed
Funding WORBE: Workplace opportunities: Removing barriers to equity
Supports employment equity solutions and measurable workplace inclusion results
Last Update: June 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 1,500,000
Timeline
- Open Date : January 5, 2026
- Closing date : February 27, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
Provides up to $1.5 million per project (up to $500,000 per year) to help employers subject to the Employment Equity Act improve representation of designated groups. Funding supports partnerships and industry-tailored solutions, including developing inclusion tools and guides.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : January 5, 2026
- Closing date : February 27, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Transportation and warehousing
- Information and cultural industries
- Finance and insurance
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Other Racialized Persons
- Canadians
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Develop tailored solutions to improve representation of designated groups in areas of low representation.
- Build partnerships and implement industry-tailored strategies to address employment equity barriers.
- Increase stakeholder understanding of industry-specific diversity and inclusion barriers and effective HR practices.
- Develop new inclusion tools and guides tailored to industry needs.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Employers subject to the Employment Equity Act
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
How to apply
- Step 1: Access application portal
- Go to the Impact Canada WORBE challenge page.
- Step 2: Apply within the intake window
- Submit the application between January 5, 2026 and February 27, 2026 (3:00 p.m. ET).
Additional information
- 2026 Call for Proposals runs January 5, 2026 to February 27, 2026 (3:00 p.m. ET).
- The Call for Proposals pilots the Impact Canada funding model focused on measurable results and applied solutions.
- Applications are submitted through the Impact Canada challenge page.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Funding WORBE: Workplace opportunities: Removing barriers to equity Program
What is the Funding WORBE: Workplace opportunities: Removing barriers to equity?
Provides up to $1.5 million per project (up to $500,000 per year) to help employers subject to the Employment Equity Act improve representation of designated groups. Funding supports partnerships and industry-tailored solutions, including developing inclusion tools and guides.
How much funding can be received?
Funding WORBE: Workplace opportunities: Removing barriers to equity Funds up to $1,500,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was February 27, 2026.
Who is eligible for the Funding WORBE: Workplace opportunities: Removing barriers to equity program?
To be eligible for the Funding WORBE: Workplace opportunities: Removing barriers to equity program, you must:
Employer subject to the Employment Equity Act
Supports one or more designated groups
Industry-tailored, partnership-based solutions
What expenses are eligible under Funding WORBE: Workplace opportunities: Removing barriers to equity?
Develop tailored solutions to improve representation of designated groups in areas of low representation.
Build partnerships and implement industry-tailored strategies to address employment equity barriers.
Increase stakeholder understanding of industry-specific diversity and inclusion barriers and effective HR practices.
Develop new inclusion tools and guides tailored to industry needs.
Who can I contact for more information about the Funding WORBE: Workplace opportunities: Removing barriers to equity?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) by email at EDSC.PMTEOE‑WORBE.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca.
Where is the Funding WORBE: Workplace opportunities: Removing barriers to equity available?
The Funding WORBE: Workplace opportunities: Removing barriers to equity program is available across Canada.