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Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) - British Columbia - Canada
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Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI)

Wage subsidy for B.C's tech sector
Government of British Columbia (BC)
Innovate BC
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 10,000
Timeline
  • Closing date : October 20, 2023
Location
British Columbia, Canada

Overview

Get up to $10,000 to hire a new employee from an under-represented group to fill a business or tech-related role.

/100
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 $
Timeline
  • Closing date : October 20, 2023

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • Information and cultural industries
  • Professional, scientific and technical services
  • Educational services
  • Public administration
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

Eligibility

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.

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

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)?

Get up to $10,000 to hire a new employee from an under-represented group to fill a business or tech-related role.

How much funding can be received?

Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) Funds up to $10,000 of admissible expenses.

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

Who are the financial supporters of the Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI)?

Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI) is funded by Government of British Columbia (BC), Innovate BC

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