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

Supports employment equity solutions and measurable workplace inclusion results
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
Last Update: March 4, 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
  • 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

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.

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Employers subject to the Employment Equity Act

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada

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

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.

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.

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