Small Business Training $5000 per employer

The Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development have launched a Workplace Training for Innovation Program.

Funding of up to $1,500 per employee to a maximum of $5,000 per employer is available for training to:

• Improve productivity
• Support the introduction of new technology, machinery/equipment or work processes through employee training or re-training
• Enhance international competitiveness
• Introduce innovative training and workplace strategies to increase the long term competiveness of the organization and its workforce.

Who is Eligible to Apply for Funding?

Both businesses and non-profit organizations may be eligible to receive funding. Eligible employers must be:

• small organizations (less than 50 employees);
• in good standing with the BC Corporate Registry;
• in existence for one year or more;
• and, deemed suitable for public funding and not engaged in any illegal, discriminatory or offensive business activities or practices.

Details on the program are at http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/workplace_training_program/docs/program_info.pdf and http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/workplace_training_program/welcome.htm.

Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2011, subject to availability of funding.