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WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program
Wage subsidy aids training and employment through subsidized wages
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 3,600 - $ 12,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
The WorkBC Wage Subsidy Program provides funding to cover a portion of employee wages for up to 24 weeks, aimed at reducing hiring and training costs for employers. It facilitates on-the-job training and work experience, matching employers with suitable candidates through WorkBC Centres, and includes disability supports to reduce work-related barriers.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 12,000 $
- Minimum amount : 3,600 $
- Up to 85% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- Financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- Social economy enterprise
- Non-financial cooperative
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Persons with Disabilities
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Young adults
- People with disabilities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Low-income individuals / families
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hiring and providing on-the-job training to new employees who require work experience.
- Offering paid work experience opportunities to individuals identified through WorkBC.
- Supporting workplace integration for youth (16-30) and individuals with disabilities or complex barriers to employment.
- Providing coaching, supervision, and skills development as part of new employee onboarding.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered businesses in British Columbia
Who is not eligible
- Federal and provincial government entities (Government of B.C. and Government of Canada)
- Public sector organizations, including municipalities, schools, school boards, public universities and colleges, hospitals, and health authorities
- WorkBC service providers administering the Wage Subsidy program
- Employers offering positions based entirely on commission or piecework (without a guaranteed base wage)
- Employers already receiving another wage subsidy for the same employee during the same period
Eligible expenses
- Portion of employee wages during the subsidy period (up to the program's maximum weekly amounts).
- Employer portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs), including EI, CPP, WorkSafeBC, and vacation pay.
- Disability supports to reduce barriers for an employee to work.
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
Additional information
- An employer can have up to five active Wage Subsidy agreements per CRA Business Number at one time and a maximum of 10 subsidized clients per fiscal year (April–March).
- Employers must digitally attest to full compliance with the program's requirements during the application process.
- Job seekers matched to a position must not begin work until the Wage Subsidy agreement is signed.
- The Wage Subsidy platform allows sharing and management of applications and claim forms within organizations that have a Business BCeID.
Frequently Asked Questions about the WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program. 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 WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program?
The WorkBC Wage Subsidy Program provides funding to cover a portion of employee wages for up to 24 weeks, aimed at reducing hiring and training costs for employers. It facilitates on-the-job training and work experience, matching employers with suitable candidates through WorkBC Centres, and includes disability supports to reduce work-related barriers.
How much funding can be received?
WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program Funds up to 85% of admissible expenses, capped at $12,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program program?
To be eligible for the WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program program, you must:
Must be a registered business in B.C.
Must offer insurable full-time employment in B.C.
Must have an active WorkSafeBC account in good standing
What expenses are eligible under WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program?
Hiring and providing on-the-job training to new employees who require work experience.
Offering paid work experience opportunities to individuals identified through WorkBC.
Supporting workplace integration for youth (16-30) and individuals with disabilities or complex barriers to employment.
Providing coaching, supervision, and skills development as part of new employee onboarding.
Where is the WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program available?
The WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program is a Wage Subsidies And Interns
Who are the financial supporters of the WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program?
WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program is funded by WorkBC