Innovate BC’s Innovator Skills Initiative Program

Apply today for up to $10,000 in funding toward a business or tech role!

Innovate BC’s Innovator Skills Initiative offers up to $10,000 per employee, per year, for BC-based companies, startups and non-profits to hire young professionals from under-represented groups. The program connects students and people who have already graduated or have industry certifications with an opportunity to bring their skills to a company looking for help.

Eligible employers must be one of the following:
• A BC-based tech company or non-profit hiring for a business or tech role
• A BC-based non-tech company or non-profit hiring for a tech role
• A BC-based post-secondary institution hiring for a tech role
• A BC-based local/regional authority or Indigenous community hiring for a tech role

Employers must also:
• Offer valuable, paid work experience to the candidate
• Hire a candidate who self-identifies as under-represented (Indigenous, Black and people of colour, 2SLGBTQQIA+, Neuro-diverse, Persons living with a visible or invisible disability, Women, Youth from care, Non-binary, Other)


Additionally, did you know?

If you’ve hired someone on or after July 1, 2021 then you are retroactively eligible for the program
 Companies can receive up to ten $10,000 grants for 10 different employees per year
►  The application requires less than 10 minutes to complete

Ready to hire? This program is funded by the Province of British Columbia and delivered by Innovate BC. Start your application today.
Questions? FAQ can be found here. If you have any additional questions, please contact programs@innovatebc.ca

Read More Posts

The Latest

[Applications Open] Opportunities at G-STAR 2025 (Nov 13-15, South Korea)

Trade and Invest BC is pleased to invite BC video game companies that are seeking opportunities to expand in South Korea and internationally to G-STAR 2025. Apply by September 7.

IGB Sessions: How to Fund, Publish & Run an Indie Studio (Sept 17-18, 2025)

Delve into key topics on game funding, startup studio challenges, and growth strategies — each session is designed to guide you on the journey to successfully launching your game and building your studio.

Canadian Games Steam Sale (July 1-8)

Celebrate indie creativity from coast to coast and discover more than 300 games made in Canada! 🇨🇦

LEVEL UP: Video Game Tools for Performing Artists (Apply by July 4)

Developed in collaboration with re:Naissance Opera, DigiBC and Alex Coulombe (Agile Lens), this hands-on intensive is about making cutting-edge digital tools more accessible to IBPOC creators and artists working in live performance.