Resources
New to Greater Victoria?
Talent & Job Resources
Quick Links
- Career Path Program - A fully funded program that provides newcomers with resources to find meaningful career employment that aligns with their pre-arrival education, training, and experience
- Ukraine Resource Compilation for Employers & Immigrants
- Employment-Related Funding Opportunities for Tech Employers in Greater Victoria
- The 2021/2022 VIATEC Compensation & Talent Study
Summary
We work actively with HR leaders in our community to identify talent challenges and develop initiatives and partnerships to tackle them. Our talent strategy is still in development, but some of our initial initiatives include:
- Compensation & Talent Study to provide employers critical research for attracting and retaining talent
- Newcomer research to identify our community’s brand from the perspective of candidates, identify challenges in joining our community, and develop a data-driven resource to overcome candidate objections
- Interviews with HR leaders to identify which talent-related areas to focus on
- Partnership to update and expand movingtovictoria.com’s resources
- Creation of a virtual talent fair to attract candidates from across Canada and Candians living abroad and to build our brand presence externally
- Advocacy and resource sharing of our community’s employment opportunities with external groups
To speak about your organization’s talent needs and how we can help, contact us at info@viatec.ca
Ukraine - Talent Resources
To assist our members that are interested in exploring how they may help the people of Ukraine during this developing crisis we have pulled together some of the resources we know to be available. Please refer to official resources such as the Government of Canada for the most accurate information. For questions, support requests, or suggestions to add to this list, please contact info@viatec.ca
For Employers
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced expedited services including priority visa processing; the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel which is for Ukrainians who wish to come to Canada and apply for open work permits, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada; and more. To VIATEC’s knowledge, these channels are the fastest way to hire Ukrainian technical talent (faster than Global Talent Stream, etc). Learn more or contact info@viatec.ca for support.
- VanHack has a database of over 700 Ukrainian developers who are looking for relocation or remote work and is currently waiving all placement fees. Learn more.
- HR for Ukraine is an open-source resource hub for HR professionals with specific information regarding the Ukraine crisis. Learn more.
- The Diversity & Inclusion resource hub, created by partner tech hubs including VIATEC, is a database of DEI resources supporting the entire employee lifecycle. Learn more.
- RemoteUkraine is a free job board for hiring remote Ukrainian skilled workers, focused on the IT industry. Learn more.
For employers interested in International remote hiring, including Ukrainians, support is available for our members from either Cosmogence (member discount available) or the Communitech Outposts program for onboarding, payroll, etc.
For Ukrainian Immigrants and Refugees
- The Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria has support and information from housing to employment services for immigrants, including dedicated programs for skilled professionals. Learn more.
- MovingtoVictoria is a grassroots resource hub for information on relocating to Victoria, BC. Learn more.
- IRCC established a dedicated service channel for Ukraine immigration enquiries available for clients both in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted. Clients can add the keyword “Ukraine2022” to the IRCC crisis web form with their enquiry and it will be prioritized. Learn more.
For Anyone Else
- The Government of Canada will match donations between February 24 and March 18, 2022 to The Red Cross, up to a maximum of $10 million. The Support Ukraine NOW resource hub has info on this and other opportunities for Canadians. Learn more.
Employment-Related Funding Opportunities for Tech Employers
in Greater Victoria
Last updated: May 11, 2021
Know of a wage subsidy, grant, or other funding opportunities that aren’t on this list? Found some info that is out of date? Need some help navigating these resources? Contact info@viatec.ca
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
What:
40% maximum base subsidy rate, with max 25% top-up for businesses experiencing significant COVID-related revenue decline for Period 10, for other periods, use the calculator (up to 75% for some periods).
Where to apply:
Government of Canada Application
When:
Retroactive to March 15.
Details and requirements:
Government of Canada Who can apply
Can it be stacked with other funding?
CEWS can not be stacked with the NRC-IRAP Innovation Assistance Program.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
What:
Interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000).
Where to apply:
Apply through your financial institution.
When:
Apply up until Dec 31, 2020.
Details and requirements:
Government of Canada Overview
As of October 26, 2020, eligible Canadian businesses currently operating through a personal bank account will be able to apply for CEBA.
Can it be stacked with other funding?
Participation in one of these programs will adjust which non-deferrable expenses can be reported:
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy,
- 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy,
- Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance, Regional Relief and Recovery Fund,
- Futurpreneur Canada,
- Northern Business Relief Fund,
- Fish Harvester Grant,
- relief measures for Indigenous businesses,
- $250 million COVID-19 IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program) Subsidy Program, and
- Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy
Temporary Enhancements to the Work-Sharing (WS) Program
What:
The temporary changes to the Work-Sharing (WS) program lets successful applicants have employees work an agreed-upon reduced number of hours to share the available workload while allowing them to continue to collect employment insurance (EI). Typically, this is a partnership/agreement between the employer, employees and government where the group of employees reduce their hours the same amount (10%- 60%) and the employer pays for the hours work and government tops some up with EI.
Where to apply:
Government of Canada Application
When:
Effective until March 14, 2021.
Details and requirements:
Government of Canada Overview
Can it be stacked with other funding?
Stackable with EI.
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
What:
$40,000+ loan, with streams for rural businesses, women-owned or women-led businesses, other small-medium sized businesses.
Where to apply:
Through your local Community Future’s Office.
When:
Ongoing, but subject to fund availability.
Details and requirements:
Government of Canada Eligibility Assistant
Can it be stacked with other funding?
The RRRF is for businesses who haven’t been able to claim other COVID-19 programs. Can not be stacked with CEBA.
Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)
What:
50% coverage per student, or 75% if hiring from an underrepresented group
When:
Rolling applications, internships starting in September, January, May.*
Update Feb 2022: The Technation - Career Ready Program has confirmed that it will be extended to 2024, the Winter 2022 program will include the month of April and there will be a Summer 2022 program.
Details, requirements, and where to apply:
SWPP has multiple delivery partners, with different available funding for the program. We suggest you target as many are relevant to your business:
- Magnet Details - All Sectors
- Venture for Canada Details - All Sectors
- Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace Details - Aerospace/Aviation Sector Only
- BioTalent Details - Biotech Sector Only
- Electricity Canada Details - Electricity Sector Only
- Eco Canada Application - Environmental Sector; STEM, Arts, Business Roles Only
- ICTC - WIL Digital Program Details - Digital sectors and roles (see requirements)
- TECHNATION – Career Ready Program - Roles must immerse students in tech relevant to their field of study
Can it be stacked with other funding?
In short, it depends.
For most SWPP delivery partners, partial government funds from provincial/territorial/municipal sources are permitted but only funds from non-governmental sources can be subsidized under this program (for example, a position paid with 60% provincial grant funding is only eligible for a subsidy on the 40% of the non-governmental funds from the employer).
For the Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace, BioTalent, Eco Canada, Electricity HR, ICTC - WIL, Venture for Canada and Technation, the funding may be stacked with other, non-federal funding (such as the BC Tech Co-op Grant) such that the total grant amount covers up to $10,000 of the student's salary. The combined value of grants cannot exceed the student's salary.
Innovate BC's Innovator Skills Initiative
What:
Up to $10,000 to hire a new employee from an underrepresented group for their first job in BC's tech sector. Must be B.C.-based, a tech company, or hiring for a tech role. Employee must have recognized training or education completed before December 2019, be eligible to work in B.C, and falls in an under-represented group. Includes all age groups, and is open to Canadian Citizens, PR, Refugees, and International Students with a work permit/visa. Note, this grant is applicable for both students and graduates who meet all other criteria.
Where to apply:
Innovator Skills Initiative — https://innovatebc-cbnhv.smapply.io/
When:
The Innovator Skills Initiative is now open, applications accepted until March 11, 2022
Details and requirements:
https://www.innovatebc.ca/programs/hiring-grants/innovator-skills-initiative/
Can it be stacked with other funding?
Yes, grant stacking is permitted as long as the combined value of all grant funding does not exceed the employee’s salary. Limitations apply: Grants supported by Innovator Skills Initiative funds through their partners (e.g. Mitacs and ICTC) are not eligible for the same employee at the same time.
What:
Riipen, a former VIATEC Accelerator participant, is providing this innovative, free, and fully remote internship program. Sponsored by the Government of Canada, Level Up supports businesses and prepares Canadian post-secondary students to thrive in the future of work. Students connect with organizations for short-term, fully-funded projects that help the participating business grow. Unlike other funding programs, the Level Up program pays a stipend directly to the student, saving administrative time and labour for participating employers.
Where to apply:
No application needed, simply get started through: https://www.riipen.com/levelup
When:
Ongoing (subject to fund availability).
Details and Requirements:
Level UP overview (English)
Level UP Overview (French)
Can it be stacked with other funding?
Yes.
UBC Sauder Masters of Business Analytics Internship Fund
What:
Need to uncover powerful data insights? Hire a Master of Business Analytics (MBAN) student over the summer! This fund covers $7500 of a Masters of Business Analytics intern’s salary, which means your company only pays $2500 for a 3 month full-time intern.
Where to apply:
MBAN Internship Fund Application
When:
Applications are now open and are approved on a first come, first served basis. Students are available to work from July 19 - October 8, 2021.
Details and requirements:
- Startup companies with between 2 and 25 employees with early revenue OR
- Not-for-profit with proof of charitable status
- Appropriate real-world analytical problem or challenge that fits the Masters of Business Analytics student skillset
- Company project manager who understands the scope/needs of the project who will supervise the MBAN student
Can it be stacked with other funding?
No.
Venture for Canada Intrapreneurship Program
What:
Venture for Canada's Intrapreneurship program offers fully subsidized project support from a group or individual students from underserved communities. Startups and SME's can submit projects requiring up to 350 hours on a 7-week time frame and will be paired with students that fit the skillset. Venture for Canada provides onboarding, support tips, and project funding as you check in with students throughout.
Where to apply:
Venture for Canada Interest Form
When:
Ongoing.
Details and Requirements:
- Have less than 500 staff.
https://ventureforcanada.ca/employers/intrapreneurship
Can it be stacked with other funding?
Not Applicable. Venture for Canada pays students directly for their roles.
Innovator Skills Initiative
What:
Up to $10,000 to hire a new employee from an underrepresented group for their first job in BC's tech sector. Must be B.C.-based, a tech company, or hiring for a tech role. Employee must have recognized training or education completed before December 2019, be eligible to work in B.C, and falls in an under-represented group. Includes all age groups, and is open to Canadian Citizens, PR, Refugees, and International Students with a work permit/visa. Note, this grant is applicable for both students and graduates who meet all other criteria.
Where to apply:
Innovator Skills Initiative — https://innovatebc-cbnhv.smapply.io/
When:
The Innovator Skills Initiative is now open, applications accepted until March 11, 2022
Details and requirements:
https://www.innovatebc.ca/programs/hiring-grants/innovator-skills-initiative/
Can it be stacked with other funding?
Yes, grant stacking is permitted as long as the combined value of all grant funding does not exceed the employee’s salary. Limitations apply: Grants supported by Innovator Skills Initiative funds through their partners (e.g. Mitacs and ICTC) are not eligible for the same employee at the same time.
Digital Skills for Youth (DS4Y)
What:
A 100% coverage grant of up to $25,500, including training and capital (e.g. assistive equipment) costs.
Funds are paid retroactively.
Where to apply:
When:
Innovate BC Stream is now open, applications accepted until Dec 31, 2021
Details and requirements:
Can it be stacked with other funding?
Yes, provided the organization doesn’t receive in excess of 100% of the intern’s salary. Can not be stacked with EI.
NRC IRAP Innovation
Assistance Program
What:
Up to 80% contribution for T4'd employees, 50% for contractors for technological innovation projects. Must be a Canadian, incorporated, for profit business with less than 500 employees.
Where to apply:
Call 1-877-994-4727 to find a Client Engagement Advisor in your area.
When:
Ongoing, although funding pool decreases throughout the government fiscal year (fiscal year end is March).
Details and requirements:
NRC IRAP About Page
Can it be stacked with other funding?
Yes, the non-IRAP funded portion.
NRC IRAP Youth Employment Program
What:
Up to 100% to hire a post-secondary graduate ages 15-30, typically $20-$30K. Must be a Canadian, incorporated, for profit business with less than 500 employees.
Where to apply:
Call 1-877-994-4727 to find a Client Engagement Advisor in your area.
When:
Ongoing, although funding pool decreases throughout the government fiscal year (fiscal year end is March).
Details and requirements:
NRC IRAP Youth Employment Program About Page
Guides.co Breakdown
Can it be stacked with other funding?
No.
Mitacs Accelerate BC
What:
$7,500 (50%) of a graduate’s salary for a 4-month research term with your company. Expedited approval process for COVID-19 research projects, for COVID-19 projects, funding is $15,000 (75%).
Where to apply:
Mitacs Proposal Submission
When:
Ongoing, minimum 4-month projects.
Details and requirements:
Mitacs Details
Additional COVID Funding Announcement
Can it be stacked with other funding?
Yes. Partner organizations are welcome to contribute additional funding but Mitacs will not provide any additional funding outside of the standard award. This additional partner funding should be included in the application budget and the anticipated use of funds (e.g. stipend/salary top-up, specialized equipment).
Get Youth Working
What:
$2,800 hiring incentive to hire eligible youth 17 to 29 years of age, as well as a $1,000 training fund for the newly hired youth. Youth must not be a full-time student.
Where to apply:
Get Youth Working Application
When:
Ongoing. Positions must be at least 3 months long, preference given to positions over 6 months long.
Employers will NOT qualify if the employee is hired prior to signing the Get Youth Working Funding Agreement.
Details and requirements:
Get Youth Working Program Details
Get Youth Working Youth Eligibility Requirements
Can it be stacked with other funding?
The Youth can not be participating in another provincially or federally funded labour market program (excluding WorkBC).
New Ventures BC ISI Grant
What:
Up to $10,000 a year to BC-based companies to hire non-co-op post secondary students.
Where to apply:
ISI Application Portal
When:
Terms start in May and September. Waitlist currently closed. Check the details link to see when the waitlist reopens.
Details and requirements:
New Ventures BC ISI Details
Can it be stacked with other funding?
Yes, as long as the total doesn’t exceed the student’s salary.
Career Launcher Internships
What:
Up to $30,000 for salary and training expenses for an intern (student or graduate).
Where to apply:
Career Launcher Application
When:
Ongoing.
Details and requirements:
Career Launcher Employer Details
Can it be stacked with other funding?
Unclear.
Clean Leadership Professional
Internship Program
What:
50% wage subsidy up to $15,000 to hire graduates in the environmental sector.
Where to apply:
Clean Employer Application
When:
Closed for 2021/2022 Season. Waitlist is still open.
Details and requirements:
Career Launcher Employer Details
Can it be stacked with other funding?
Unclear.
BC Employer Training Grant Program
What:
Reimbursements of 60-100% for eligible training costs to upskill employees.
Where to apply:
Skills Training Grants Application System
When:
Ongoing.
Details and requirements:
Employer Training Grant Details
Can it be stacked with other funding?
Applicants may not receive funding from another government program that duplicates the costs requested through the ETG. For the streams where employers are required to contribute funds, employers may seek funding from other sources to cover their contribution.
The 2022/23 VIATEC Compensation & Talent Study
- Most in-depth data ever offered!
- Comparisons to other tech regions included!
- Updated regularly to make sure you have the most current info on hand!
The last year has brought dramatic changes and job market upheaval to employers and candidates alike. Our region is facing the dual challenges of a growing number of candidates considering opportunities outside of their home region, combined with companies growing rapidly and needing more talent than our region currently can provide.
To meet this moment, VIATEC is working with BenchMarket to deliver the TechEdge Survey for our community. This will result in a completely new suite of compensation and talent research to address our community’s needs.
Click here to learn more and to participate.
COVID Resources
We have done our best to sort through ALL the COVID-19 related information and compile what you need to know as a tech company. We've also added some of our own helpful resources to help you make decisions, get back to the office and more.
2019/2020 Annual Report
A LOT has happened since April 2019! Click here to download VIATEC's Annual Report, jam-packed with a ton of great info and stats. Trust us, we dust the "dull" off our Annual Reports and actually make them fun!
Industry Studies
Economic Impact of the Technology Sector in Greater Victoria - October 2018
The technology sector in Greater Victoria contributes significantly to employment and
economic output in both the local community, as well as throughout the Province of
British Columbia. Growth in revenue and the number of technology firms for Greater
Victoria outpaces the national average. We look forward to conducting another Economic Impact Study very soon.
Industry Reports
Impacts of The COVID-19 Response on Victoria's Tech Sector so far - June 2020
With 88 member responses, this includes a good cross section of our most promising startups and our more established anchor tech companies.
Compared to other sectors, our local tech companies fared quite well and, as always, they are optimistic about their ability to recover and grow going forward. As is to be expected, some companies are struggling and may not survive.
Included in the Survey:
Revenue impacts, productivity levels, staff level changes, future remote work plans, positive aspects, concerns and more.