Innovate BC — Innovator Skills Initiative (ISI)

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?

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.

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

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.