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Source verified June 4, 2026
Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI)
Wage subsidy for B.C. tech hiring
Funding available
$ 10,000
Deadline
October 20, 2023
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
Up to $10,000 is available to help employers hire a new employee. The program supports paid placements in tech or tech-related roles for under-represented talent in British Columbia.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 10 employees maximum
Audience
- Startups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hiring a new employee for a tech or tech-related role.
- Providing a paid work placement that supports entry into B.C.’s tech sector.
Documents Needed
- Program Guidelines.
- Completed online application form.
- Employee pay stubs or supporting payroll records.
- Proof of payment, if not shown on pay documents.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- B.C.-based technology businesses and organizations.
- B.C.-based non-tech businesses and organizations hiring for tech roles.
- Public bodies and Indigenous communities in British Columbia.
Who is not eligible
- Companies not based in British Columbia.
- Non-tech businesses hiring for non-tech roles.
Eligible expenses
- Employee salary or hourly wages.
- Employer payroll-related costs such as CPP, EI, WCB, and Employer Health Tax.
- Statutory holiday pay, vacation paid out, sick days paid out, and termination pay.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Bonuses.
- Commission.
- Overtime pay and shift differentials.
- Allowances and expense reimbursements.
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
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
- Step 1: Review the program guidelines
- Read the program requirements and key dates.
- Step 2: Create an account and apply online
- Register on Innovate BC’s application portal.
- Complete and submit the online application form for one employee.
- Step 3: Complete the remaining forms
- After initial review, submit the remaining employer and employee forms requested by Innovate BC.
Processing and Agreement
- Innovate BC reviews the employer application after submission.
- Applicants selected to continue are notified and must complete the remaining forms.
- The employee must also complete an intake to confirm eligibility.
- Funding is not guaranteed until all steps are approved.
- The grant is paid after the work placement is completed.
Additional information
- Each application is for one employee only.
- Applications are submitted through Innovate BC’s online portal.
- Claims are due within 5 business days after the placement end date.
- Employers may receive up to 10 grants per program year.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) Program
What is the Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI)?
Up to $10,000 is available to help employers hire a new employee. The program supports paid placements in tech or tech-related roles for under-represented talent in British Columbia.
How much funding can be received?
Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) Funds up to $10,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) program?
To be eligible for the Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) program, you must:
B.C.-based employer
Hiring a new B.C. employee
Growth-oriented business
What expenses are eligible under Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI)?
Hiring a new employee for a tech or tech-related role.
Providing a paid work placement that supports entry into B.C.’s tech sector.
Who can I contact for more information about the Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI)?
You can contact Government of British Columbia (BC) or by phone at 604-335-2495.
Where is the Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) available?
The Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) is a Grant and Funding