Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative
BC, Canada
Wage subsidy for B.C's tech sector
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateApril 1, 2023
- grant_single|closingDateOctober 20, 2023
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Information and cultural industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- Innovate BC
- Government of British Columbia
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Get up to $10,000 to hire a new employee from an under-represented group to fill a business or tech-related role.
grant_single_labels|projects
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 10,000
Onboard a female data analyst to enhance our data management capabilities
$ 10,000
Onboard a person with disabilities as a tech support specialist
$ 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
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
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.
grant_single_labels|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
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 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.
- Step 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.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
604-335-2495
