Open
Source verified August 28, 2026
Research and Innovation
Supports innovative labour market pilot projects
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
Research and Innovation supports eligible organizations in British Columbia to test new ideas and approaches through pilot projects that address labour market challenges. It helps unemployed people gain skills, find work, and succeed in the workforce.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new program or service
- Develop workforce skills
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Pilot projects that work directly with participants.
- Projects that combine research with a pilot component.
- Research studies that collect and analyze information to draw conclusions.
- Projects that test new and innovative approaches, especially for delivering employment-related skills.
Documents Needed
- Support letters
- Budget Negotiation Template
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Non-profit organizations
- Crown corporations, municipalities, or agencies
- Indigenous organizations
- Public health and educational institutions
- Businesses that support fair access to opportunities and do not provide a competitive edge or generate profit
Eligible expenses
- Counselling, mentoring, skills testing, and needs assessments for research participants.
- Pre-employment, post-secondary, apprenticeship, technical, onsite, literacy, or essential skills training for research participants.
- Stipends for research participants taking part in a pilot project.
- Costs for researchers, project evaluation, or ethical review boards.
- Financial incentives for participants, such as gift cards for surveys or panel discussions.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- International travel expenses.
- Work that has already started.
- Activities that create ongoing financial reliance.
- Evaluations for government purposes.
- Activities primarily for the Province’s use, catch-all activities that replace other funding programs, or funding for other ministries.
Selection criteria
- Priority is given to pilot projects that show strong potential to improve employment outcomes or demonstrate social innovation.
- The level of partnerships and community support will be considered during assessment.
- For Indigenous-focused projects, CEP assesses Indigenous partnerships, clear and meaningful benefits to Indigenous communities, and cultural competence.
- The Ministry may assess whether the research questions, tools, sample, and population are appropriate.
How to apply
- Review the R&I Applicant Guide and email the CEP team to discuss your project idea at CEPTEAM@gov.bc.ca.
- Log in or create a BCeID assigned to your organization, then complete the online application questions.
- Attach the required documents to the online application.
Processing and Agreement
- After your project is approved, monthly updates on finances and activities are required.
- Reporting frequency can vary.
- All reports funded by R&I are public, cannot be copyrighted or owned by one organization, and must acknowledge public funding and remain available for public use indefinitely.
- The Ministry may reject an application due to unsatisfactory letters of support, unsatisfactory past performance under contracts with the Ministry, or any material error, omission, or misrepresentation in the application.
- If false declarations or misrepresentations are found after an agreement is signed, the Ministry may exclude the lead applicant or any proposed subcontractor or partner from participation or terminate the agreement.
Additional information
- Participants are considered employees of the Crown and are covered under the Province’s WorkSafeBC account.
Contacts
Availability timeline
2026
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Research and Innovation Program
What is the Research and Innovation?
Research and Innovation supports eligible organizations in British Columbia to test new ideas and approaches through pilot projects that address labour market challenges. It helps unemployed people gain skills, find work, and succeed in the workforce.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Research and Innovation program?
To be eligible for the Research and Innovation program, you must:
Non-profit organizations, Crown corporations, municipalities or agencies, Indigenous organizations, public health and educational institutions may apply.
Businesses may apply if they support fair access to opportunities and do not provide a competitive edge or generate profit.
What expenses are eligible under Research and Innovation?
Pilot projects that work directly with participants.
Projects that combine research with a pilot component.
Research studies that collect and analyze information to draw conclusions.
Projects that test new and innovative approaches, especially for delivering employment-related skills.
Who can I contact for more information about the Research and Innovation?
You can contact WorkBC by email at CEPTEAM@gov.bc.ca.
Where is the Research and Innovation available?
The Research and Innovation program is available across Canada.
Is the Research and Innovation a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Research and Innovation is a Grant and Funding