How Entrepreneurs Can Upskill Their Teams and Scale Smarter
Running a business in British Columbia means navigating constant change — new technologies, shifting regulations, and evolving customer expectations. For entrepreneurs, the difference between keeping up and leading often comes down to one thing: skilled people.
That’s exactly where the BC Employer Training Grant (ETG) comes in.
What Is the BC Employer Training Grant?
The Employer Training Grant (ETG), delivered through WorkBC, helps BC employers cover the cost of training their staff — so you can grow your business, retain your team, and stay competitive.
Eligible employers can receive up to 80% of training costs reimbursed, depending on the stream. Funding can cover things like:
Short-term skills training from certified trainers or institutions
Safety certifications, trade skills, or digital upskilling courses
Leadership, management, or communication training
The goal? To make workforce development more accessible for small and mid-sized BC businesses.
Who Can Apply
If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or non-profit organization operating in BC and you have employees on payroll, you likely qualify.
You can apply under different funding streams, such as:
Foundational Training Stream – For basic skills like literacy, math, or computer literacy.
Technical Training Stream – For certifications, trade skills, or job-specific courses.
Management Training Stream – For supervisors and leaders to build people management or business strategy skills.
Real-World Scenarios: Is This Grant for You?
Here are a few examples to make it real:
1. The Construction Company Scaling Up
A Langley-based builder wants to train its site supervisors in project management and safety compliance before taking on larger contracts. With the ETG, they can cover most of the training costs, helping them qualify for bigger projects while improving on-site safety.
2. The Restaurant Rebuilding Its Team
After a busy summer, a Kelowna restaurant wants to invest in leadership and conflict resolution training for its management team to improve retention and service consistency. ETG funding helps offset those costs, making professional development feasible during slower months.
3. The Marketing Agency Embracing AI
A digital agency in Surrey wants to upskill staff on AI-driven marketing analytics tools and data privacy compliance. Through the Technical Training Stream, they can send team members to certified short courses and get reimbursed for a significant portion of the tuition.
4. The Manufacturing Firm Modernizing Operations
A Burnaby manufacturer is adopting new automation software. Instead of hiring new operators, they apply for the ETG to train their existing staff — saving time, maintaining loyalty, and boosting productivity.
Why Entrepreneurs Should Pay Attention
Investing in training isn’t just about employee development — it’s a growth strategy. The ETG can help you:
Reduce hiring costs by reskilling your current team.
Boost retention by showing employees you value their career growth.
Increase productivity and qualify for larger or more complex contracts.
Stay competitive in an economy where skilled labour is increasingly scarce.
And because the process is employer-driven, you decide what kind of training makes the most impact for your business.
How to Apply
Applications are accepted year-round on the WorkBC website. You’ll need:
A valid BC Business Registration Number (BN)
A Canada Revenue Agency Payroll Account Number (RP)
Training details (provider, cost, duration)
Proof your organization is based and operating in BC
Once approved, you can begin training — and claim reimbursement after completion.
For entrepreneurs across BC — whether you’re running a small family business, a growing tech startup, or a construction company with expansion plans — the BC Employer Training Grant is one of the most practical, impactful tools to help your business evolve without breaking the bank.
If you’ve been thinking about upgrading your team’s skills, now is the time to act.
Visit WorkBC’s Employer Training Grant page to explore eligibility and start your application today.