Open
Source verified May 22, 2026
WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program
Wage support for hiring and training WorkBC clients
Funding available
$ 3,600 - $ 12,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
The WorkBC Wage Subsidy Program supports employers hiring unemployed WorkBC clients who need skills and work experience. It provides wage coverage for up to 24 weeks, or up to 78 weeks for custom category clients, and can also support on-the-job training, coaching, supervision, and disability supports.
/100
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
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Financial cooperative
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Non-financial cooperative
- Social economy enterprise
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.
Official resources
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
How to apply
- Step 1: Access the Wage Subsidy PlatformObtain a Basic BCeID or Business BCeID for secure access to the online Wage Subsidy platform.
- Step 2: Initiate ApplicationLog in to the Wage Subsidy platform using your BCeID credentials.
- Select the option to start a new application.
- Step 3: Complete Application FormProvide your business information, including contact details, address, and CRA Business Number.
- Answer compliance questions (e.g., WorkSafeBC coverage, third-party liability, eligibility requirements).
- Save a draft if needed before finalizing the application.
- Step 4: Submit ApplicationSubmit the completed application through the Wage Subsidy platform.
- Step 5: WorkBC Centre Follow-upWorkBC Centre reviews your application and may contact you for further information or clarification.
- WorkBC will assist in matching your business with a qualified candidate.
- Step 6: Claim Submission (Once Agreement is Active)With an active Wage Subsidy agreement, access the platform to submit claim forms for wage reimbursements.
- Provide details including claim period, employee name, paystubs, payroll records, and job activity summary.
- Certify and upload supporting documentation as required.
- Save a draft or submit the claim form online.
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
What is the WorkBC — Wage Subsidy Program?
The WorkBC Wage Subsidy Program supports employers hiring unemployed WorkBC clients who need skills and work experience. It provides wage coverage for up to 24 weeks, or up to 78 weeks for custom category clients, and can also support on-the-job training, coaching, supervision, and disability supports.
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