Workplace Accessibility Grant

The Workplace Accessibility Grant program provides direct supports to small business employers in British Columbia by providing direct financial assistance towards creating an inclusive work environment for persons with a disability(ies).

View our information session on the Workplace Accessibility Grant.

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For Further Context, check out our recent webinar:

How to Remove Barriers for People with Disabilities in Your Business

What the grant can be used for

The grant can be used for the following (but not exclusively for):

Environment: ramps, lighting levels, accessible washrooms, adaptions to vehicles, etc.
Attitudes: anti-bias training
Practices: training to review and amend interview processes, ASL interpreting for new staff orientation, accessibility audit of workflow, etc.
Policies: funding for legal and consulting advice in revising policies, time for staff to revise policies, etc.
Information and Communication: job task checklists in pictorial form, ASL version of policies, application forms accessible to screen readers, reprinting hardcopies of material in large font, Braille versions of documents, update web-pages for accessibility, etc.
Technologies: purchasing software that enables production of accessible documents, flashing fire alarms for Deaf employees, specialized headsets, tablet for communication, laptop to allow some one to work from home, specialized tools, etc.

Find the list of eligible covered services by type of barriers addressed here.

How the program works

The grant will be administered beginning June 21, 2021 through April 30, 2022 on a first come first served basis.
The maximum allowable grant will be $1000/business.

Step 1: Read the eligibility criteria and, if applicable, register for the grant via this form
Step 2: Create an account providing your business information, contact information, and BC business registration number
Step 3: Submit a receipt related to the purchase of any qualifying accessible services
Step 4: After review, reimbursement for the receipt is paid up-to a maximum of $1000.

Program eligibility

This Grant Program is available for companies with between 1 and 50 employees (both part time and full time), including yourself.
Businesses must be based in and operate within British Columbia, and have been registered in BC at the time of submission.
Businesses will have to declare their general information (name of business, owner, contact information, banking information (for an EFT of grant funds) and provide a covering memo describing the item(s) and/or service(s) they are purchasing (or have purchased since April 1, 2021) as well as a receipt(s) which will become part of their file.

Register for the grant here

Apply for Grant

Frequently Asked Questions

If I have any questions, who should I contact?

Small Business BC is your main point of contact. Please connect with them Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m:

Email: accessibilitygrant@smallbusinessbc.ca
Phone: 604-775-5525
Toll Free in B.C.: 1-800-667-2272
TTY (Teletypewriter): 1-800-457-8466
Can you tell me what projects/services are covered under this grant?

The grant can be used for the following (but not exclusively for):

– Environment: ramps, lighting levels, accessible washrooms, adaptions to vehicles, etc.

– Attitudes: anti-bias training

– Practices: training to review and amend interview processes, ASL interpreting for new staff orientation, accessibility audit of workflow, etc.

– Policies: funding for legal and consulting advice in revising policies, time for staff to revise policies, etc.

– Information and Communication: job task checklists in pictorial form, ASL version of policies, application forms accessible to screen readers, reprinting hardcopies of material in large font, Braille versions of documents, update web-pages for accessibility, etc.

– Technologies: purchasing software that enables production of accessible documents, flashing fire alarms for Deaf employees, specialized headsets, tablet for communication, laptop to allow some one to work from home, specialized tools, etc.

Find the full list of eligible covered services by type of barriers addressed here.
How long will the program run?

Currently, the Workplace Accessibility Grant is scheduled to run through April 30, 2022 or until the funds are fully allocated, whichever comes first.
Is the $1000 of projects/services available to businesses inclusive of GST?

The $1000 includes any applicable taxes. Any amount over $1000 is to be covered by the business.
What should your receipt include?

Your receipt should include the following:

– Date(s) of Purchase (not earlier than April 1, 2021)

– Item(s) purchased – it should be clear from the receipt what has been purchased toward approved products and services under this grant

– Retailer/Seller Name/Address

– Amount of Purchase (Total covered services may be greater than $1000, however, reimbursement will only be for up-to $1000)
Can I submit a receipt for purchases made before April 1, 2021?

Unfortunately we will not be processing applications for purchases made before this cut-off date.
Do I have to work with a preferred provider to fulfill my projects/services?

No, however, verification of your submitted application will be completed before payment.
Can you provide me with a list of providers of these services?

Unfortunately, Small Business BC does not provide a list of service providers for this grant as we cannot endorse one provider over another.
Where can I find the application form?

Register for the grant here

Apply for Grant
What is my BC Business Registration Number?

A BC Business Registration number is not your federal tax identification. BC Business Registration Numbers will most often begin with the letters BC, FM, CP, XCP, LP, LL, LLC, A, C or S followed by 7 numerical digits (eg. FM1234567).

To verify if you have a valid BC Business Registration Number, please utilize OrgBook and search for your organization. OrgBook BC is a searchable public directory of open verifiable data about organizations legally registered in BC. Your business will need to operate in BC and have a valid BC Business registration number for the grant to be paid out.
Can I submit quotes, estimates, or any other documents for items if the item/service has not been purchased?

No, grants will not be provided on items/services that have not yet been purchased. For final payment, a receipt will be required for the good/service. In addition, verification that your business legally conducts business in BC via verified BC Business Registration number will be required.

If you have details regarding your project, but you have not paid for it yet, you can save your application and submit the receipt once it is available.
How do I submit my receipt(s)?

Within the application form, you will have the opportunity to upload an image or .pdf of your receipt. If you do not have a receipt (i.e. you have not made the purchase yet), you can save and return your application at a different time.
How do I receive payment once I upload my receipt?

We process your payment through electronic funds transfer (EFT) via SparcPay, a division of Sparcblock. In order to finalize your payment, we require electronic funds transfer (EFT) details of the bank account associated with your business. You will be required to upload a photo (.jpg) or electronic .pdf form of a void cheque that matches the business details that you previously submitted.

NOTE: If you are already registered in SparcPay and have received funds from Small Business BC electronically (through previous grant programs or other), you do not have to register a new account.
How long will it take to receive payment after submitting a receipt to Small Business BC?

Small Business BC will use the banking information provided by each business to electronically transfer funds within 30 business days from submission of invoice based on business volumes.
Where can I find additional information about Accessibility Legislation in BC?

Find more information about Accessibility Legislation in BC at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/about-the-bc-government/accessibility/legislation