Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI)
Last Update: July 22, 2025
BC, Canada
Wage subsidy for B.C's tech sector
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $10,000
Timeline
- Closing date : October 20, 2023
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Public administration
Funds Providers
Program status
Closed
Overview
Get up to $10,000 to hire a new employee from an under-represented group to fill a business or tech-related role.
Activities funded
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 10,000
Onboard a person with disabilities as a tech support specialist
$ 10,000
Onboard a female data analyst to enhance our data management capabilities
$ 10,000
Employ a veteran as a network administrator to manage IT infrastructure
$ 10,000
Hire a recent immigrant project manager for IT project coordination
Eligibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and hiring practices.
- The applicant must be a B.C.-based technology business/organization hiring for a business or tech role.
- The applicant can also be a B.C.-based non-tech business/organization, including public body and Indigenous community, hiring for a tech role.
Who is eligible?
The Innovator Skills Initiative targets employers and employees in the tech sector within British Columbia, Canada, with a focus on increasing diversity and supporting under-represented groups.### Employer Eligibility:- B.C.-based technology business/organization hiring for a business or tech role.- B.C.-based non-tech business/organization, including public bodies and Indigenous communities, hiring for a tech role.### Employee Eligibility:- Individuals who self-identify as belonging to an under-represented group.- Must be living in B.C. and eligible to work in B.C.- New hire on or after April 1, 2023.- Completed training or education on or after December 1, 2019.### Placement Eligibility:- Minimum 4-month work period.- Start no earlier than April 1, 2023, and end no later than October 31, 2023.- Minimum average of 15 hours per week.Who is not eligible
Some types of companies are not eligible for the Innovator Skills Initiative grant:
- Companies based outside of British Columbia
- Companies hiring for non-tech roles in non-tech organizations
Eligible expenses
This grant provides support for employers in B.C.'s tech sector to hire under-represented individuals, addressing both skills shortages and diversity in the industry. It focuses on creating paid work experiences and supporting Indigenous placements.
- Hiring new employees from under-represented groups for tech or tech-related roles.
- Providing a 4-month minimum work placement for new hires.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to companies operating in British Columbia, as it is managed by Innovate BC, a provincial organization supporting local innovation.
- Businesses registered and operating within the province of British Columbia, Canada.
Selection criteria
The grant has evaluation and selection criteria. The applications are assessed based on the following:
- Applicant's eligibility as a B.C.-based technology business/organization or a non-tech business/organization hiring for a tech role
- Employee's self-identification as belonging to an under-represented group and meeting specific criteria
- Placement details including duration and start/end dates
How to apply
1
Read the Program Guidelines
- Familiarize yourself with the details of the Innovator Skills Initiative, including objectives and requirements.
- Understand the eligibility criteria and key dates for the grant.
2
Submit the Application Form
- Complete the application form provided by Innovate BC.
- Include all required information and documentation as specified in the application guidelines.
- Ensure the application is submitted before the deadline through the designated platform or submission process as indicated by Innovate BC.
Additional information
Here is additional relevant information regarding the Innovator Skills Initiative grant:
- Grants are processed with each step of the application (Employer Application, Employee Confirmation, and Employee Intake) taking up to 30 business days.
- The grant is disbursed after the work term is completed, although early claims may be considered under specific conditions.
- Employers can apply for the grant retroactively for work terms that started after April 1, 2023.
- International students on work permits or visas in B.C. are eligible, provided they have written authorization to work in Canada.
- Employers will be supported with resources and links for recruiting, retaining, and developing employees from under-represented groups.
Contacts
604-335-2495
BC, Canada
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI). 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 Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI)?
How much funding can be received?
What expenses are eligible under Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI)?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI)?
Who is eligible for the Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI)?
Where is the Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) available?
Are startups eligible for the Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) program?
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