Frequently Asked Questions

Application and evaluation

Does the applicant need to use their own BCeID to submit the application?
Yes. Applicants must use their own Business BCeID to submit an application. You are not permitted to share your Business BCeID and password, and another organization must not apply on your behalf. Review the Business BCeID Questions and Answers for more information.

What specific information do I need to have for my application?
Before applying, please review the CWRG Program Guide which provides a summary of application requirements. 

Can a CWRG project include funding from another source?
Yes, a CWRG project may be funded through multiple sources. However, funding from another source must not be used for costs covered by the CWRG. Other funding sources must be reported at the time of application, as well as the specific aspects of the project that will be paid for by another funding source.

Can a CWRG project be delivered as part of a larger project?
Yes, a CWRG project may be a component of a larger project.  Project costs funded by the CWRG must not be covered by another source. Information about the larger project must be included in your project description when applying.

The skills training project has already started. Can I apply for a grant?
No. Skills training projects must not have started before being approved by the CWRG. If the project begins before your application has been approved for funding, you are responsible for all costs should the application not be approved by the Province.

How do I find the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) and National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes?
In the application, you are required to provide the four-digit NAICS code that matches the industry in which the participants will be employed after the training. Subsector descriptions and corresponding four-digit NAICS codes are listed on the Statistics Canada website. Please also review the Updating NAICS Code instructions. 

In the application, you are also required to provide the five-digit NOC code that matches the occupation in which the participants will be employed after the training. Subsector descriptions and corresponding five-digit NOC codes are listed on the Government of Canada website. 

Can I make changes to my application after it has been submitted?
You cannot make changes to your application in the online system after it has been submitted. If you have made an error or omission in your application, please contact CWRG@gov.bc.ca as soon as possible. You may also withdraw your application at any time prior to being issued an offer. Find instructions for withdrawing an application on Withdrawing a Community Workforce Response Grant Application.

How long will it take to receive a decision on my grant application? 
Please refer to the Key Dates table. 

Funding

Can I add GST to any portion of my claims?
GST can be included in a claim if it was included in the approved budget in Schedule A of the agreement. If GST was not included in the application, it cannot be included in the claim.

Is grant funding considered business income that would need to be declared for tax purposes?
Please consult your accountant or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for tax advice.

Do participants who have their tuition paid from grant funding need to pay tax?
Please consult your accountant or the CRA for tax advice.

Does the participant pay for any part of their training?
No. A CWRG funded project is expected to fully fund a participant’s skills training as stated in the CWRG application. A participant must not be required to pay any funds to complete skills training or to receive certification.

Eligibility

Can a participant apply for a grant directly?
No. Participants cannot apply directly. Please see the CWRG Program Guide for a list of eligible applicants.

Are temporary foreign workers, international students or people with working holiday visas eligible participants?
No. Participants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or protected persons (as designated under the Canada Immigration and Refugee Protection Act) entitled to work in Canada. 

Is there a list of approved skills training providers or service providers?
No. Previous approval of a skills training provider or a service provider does not guarantee approval in the future. Please refer to the CWRG Program Guide for skills training providers and employment support services providers.

Can third-party skills training providers and employment support services providers subcontract their services?
No. The skills training provider and employment support services provider must not subcontract their services to another organization or person. Only third-party providers stated in the application and listed in Schedule A of a Community Workforce Response Grant Agreement are allowed to provide training and services.

Agreement

Can I view a sample agreement?
Yes. A CWRG agreement consists of three sections. Applicants should review the sample contract to understand the obligations and conditions included in the agreement.

Who is responsible for project monitoring and reporting?
Agreement holders are responsible for monitoring and reporting on the project.  

What if I cannot proceed with the project in my agreement?
If you are unable to proceed, you must notify the CWRG team at CWRG@gov.bc.ca as soon as possible and cancel your agreement through the Skills Training Grant System. Instructions for cancelling an agreement can be found on Cancelling a Community Workforce Response Grant Agreement. 

Communications

Can I promote/market my project before CWRG approves my application? 
No, you must have an agreement in place before promoting/marketing your project. 

Can I promote and/or make a public announcement for my project?
Upon approval, if you are interested in promoting the project publicly through an announcement (social media, radio, newspaper) or posters, rack-cards etc., you are required to get ministry approval. CWRG will provide instructions to successful applicants during orientation. You may also wish to contact your local WorkBC Centre or other service providers in your community for referrals to your project.