Funding WORBE: Workplace opportunities: Removing barriers to equity - Canada

Open

Closing Soon

Funding WORBE: Workplace opportunities: Removing barriers to equity

Q: 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

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Last Update: February 23, 2026

Canada

Supports employment equity solutions and measurable workplace inclusion results

Grant and Funding

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Develop employee skills

Improve employee retention

Raise awareness and mobilize the public

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 1,500,000 $

Timeline

Unspecified

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

Non-profit
Public or Parapublic institution
For-profit business

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

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.

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.

Eligibility

Applicant must be an employer subject to the Employment Equity Act.
Project must support one or more designated groups under the Act (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible minorities).
Project must focus on improving representation in areas of low representation through partnerships and industry-tailored strategies.

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

EDSC.PMTEOE‑WORBE.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca

Canada

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Funding WORBE: Workplace opportunities: Removing barriers to equity Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Funding WORBE: Workplace opportunities: Removing barriers to equity. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.