Small Business BC — Workplace Accessibility Grant
Last Update: July 22, 2025
BC, Canada
Money for small business employers in BC
Small Business BC — Workplace Accessibility Grant at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $5,000
Timeline
- Open Date : June 21, 2021
- Closing date : March 31, 2024
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Grant Providers
- Small Business BC
Program status
Closed
Overview of the Small Business BC — Workplace Accessibility Grant program
Get up to $2,500 in direct financial support towards creating an inclusive work environment for persons with a disability(ies). Use the money for a variety of projects from upgrading technology to revising policies to training, and more.
Financing terms and conditions
The Workplace Accessibility Grant provides financial assistance to small businesses in British Columbia to enhance workplace accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Funding is available on a reimbursement basis following project approval and expense verification.
- The grant reimburses eligible project costs up to a maximum of $5,000.
- Expenses must be substantiated with approved receipts indicating products/services purchased.
- Reimbursements are processed through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) following the review and approval of submitted receipts.
- Receipts must clearly show proof of payment and meet detailed documentation requirements, including payment method and taxes.
Eligible projects & activities
The Workplace Accessibility Grant is aimed at aiding small businesses to create inclusive work environments by addressing various barriers. Eligible projects focus on enhancing accessibility through environmental modifications, technology solutions, and training programs.
- Installation of ramps, improved lighting, and accessible washrooms to address environmental barriers.
- Providing anti-bias training to improve workplace attitudes towards persons with disabilities.
- Conducting accessibility audits of workflows and adapting interview practices to be more inclusive.
- Revising company policies with legal advice to enhance accessibility standards.
- Creating accessible information channels including ASL versions and material in Braille.
- Investing in technology such as specially designed software, adaptive communication devices, and remote working tools.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 2,250
Purchase software for creating accessible documents
$ 1,800
Conduct anti-bias training sessions for staff
$ 2,500
Revising policies to enhance accessibility
$ 2,500
Install accessible ramps and lighting for office building
$ 2,200
Create Braille versions of company documents
$ 2,450
Adaptation of work vehicles for accessibility
Eligibility criteria of the Small Business BC — Workplace Accessibility Grant program
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific business requirements related to registration, size, and operational details.
- The business must be a small business with less than 50 employees, including the business owner.
- The business must be registered and licensed in British Columbia at the time of submission.
- The business must provide general information including the name of the business, owner, contact information, and banking information for grant funds transfer.
Who is eligible?
This grant is open to small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, including the owner. Applicants must be registered and licensed in British Columbia. Projects must enhance workplace accessibility and address barriers for people with disabilities, covering areas like environment, attitudes, practices, policies, information and communication, and technologies.
Eligible expenses
The Workplace Accessibility Grant in British Columbia assists small businesses in funding projects that enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities. Eligible projects aim to identify and address various workplace barriers.
- Environmental modifications such as installing ramps, adjusting lighting levels, and building accessible washrooms.
- Adapting vehicles to accommodate employees with disabilities.
- Providing anti-bias training to address and change attitudes within the workplace.
- Amending interview processes to be more inclusive and providing ASL interpreting for new staff orientation.
- Conducting accessibility audits of workflow and systems in the business.
- Revising policies with legal and consulting advice to promote inclusivity.
- Improving information and communication by creating job task checklists in pictorial form or ASL and making application forms accessible to screen readers.
- Printing materials in large font or Braille and updating web pages for accessibility.
- Purchasing software and technologies that enable accessible document production or facilitate communication for disabled employees.
- Installing flashing fire alarms for deaf employees and providing specialized headsets or communication tools.
- Purchasing tablets or laptops for remote work or specialized tools necessary for business operations.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is aimed at supporting small businesses registered and operating within a specific region of Canada. Eligible businesses must comply with geographical criteria as set by the program.
- Businesses registered and licensed in British Columbia, Canada.
Eligibility criteria of the Small Business BC — Workplace Accessibility Grant program
There are no specified evaluation point scores for project selection criteria within the provided grant context.
- Clear description of how the project improves accessibility for persons with disabilities.
- Explanation of barriers addressed and removed through the project.
- Provision of detailed project description and expected impact on creating an accessible workplace.
- Submission of related expenses, proof of purchase, and method of payment.
How to apply to the Small Business BC — Workplace Accessibility Grant program
1
Review Eligibility Criteria
- Read the eligibility criteria on the program's website to ensure your business meets all requirements.
- Understand the qualifying accessible services covered by the grant.
2
Prepare Required Information
- Gather your business and project information, including contact details, BC Business Registration Number, and a copy of your business license.
- Prepare a detailed project description illustrating how the project will improve workplace accessibility for persons with disabilities.
3
Submit Grant Application Form
- Navigate to the grant application form on the funding body’s website.
- Complete the application form with accurate and detailed information.
- Submit the form for review.
4
Complete Purchases and Submit Receipts
- Purchase the approved products/services for your project.
- Upload and submit receipts meeting all requirements (including date, items, seller information, and proof of payment method).
5
Register with SparcPay
- Create a payee account in SparcPay for EFT payment processing.
- Upload a void cheque or bank form matching the business information submitted in the application.
6
Receive Funds
Once approved, receive notification and funds through the SparcPay EFT system.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- A waitlist is available due to high demand, although it does not guarantee funding.
- Cash payments and handwritten receipts will not be accepted as proof of purchase.
- Personal bank accounts are not accepted for grant reimbursement; a business bank account is mandatory.
- Payments are processed through SparcPay, requiring account registration by the applicant.
- Funds will not be reimbursed for any purchases made before April 1, 2021.
- Third-party applications on behalf of businesses are not accepted to protect applicant privacy.
- Verification of BC Business Registration Number is necessary for application approval.
- Businesses may reapply for the grant if the current application is closed, up to the maximum amount.
- The $5,000 grant amount includes applicable taxes like GST and PST.
Contact Small Business BC
604-775-5525
Apply to this program
Grant and FundingClosed
British Columbia, Canada
Supports scaling BC food processors for productivity and growth
Grant and FundingClosed
British Columbia, Canada
Supports B.C. live music events and industry sustainability
Grant and FundingOpen
British Columbia, Canada
Supports systemically excluded groups in B.C.'s music industry
Loans and Capital investmentsClosed
British Columbia, Canada
Funding for manufacturing modernization and job creation in B.C
Grant and FundingClosed
British Columbia, Canada
Offer cost-shared funding to enhance community-owned water systems for better agricultural water management in British Columbia.
Grant and FundingClosed
British Columbia, Canada
Supporting manufacturing growth and innovation across British Columbia
Grant and FundingClosed
British Columbia, Canada
Supports development and enhancement of arts and cultural spaces
Other SupportExpert AdviceOpen
British Columbia, Canada
Tools to develop an idea for a BC startup
Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen
Lytton, British Columbia
Lytton Business Restart Program aids in economic recovery efforts
Grant and FundingClosed
British Columbia, Canada
PacifiCan's BSP supports high-growth business innovation and scale-up