Many Canadian employers want to create more inclusive workplaces but are unsure where to start. Hiring and training people with disabilities can raise practical questions about recruitment, onboarding, and long-term retention. Programs like CBDC Hire for Talent offer expert guidance to help employers include disability as part of their regular hiring and training practices.
Hiring and training supports for employers focused on disability inclusion are often hands-on advisory programs. These programs help you make better hiring decisions and avoid common mistakes. They may not provide cash grants, but they offer valuable advice and resources.
CBDC Hire for Talent is a national program delivered by Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs). The program helps employers recruit, hire, train, and keep employees with disabilities as part of a long-term workforce strategy.
Key details:
Who it’s for:
Employers across Canada who want to make their workplaces more inclusive and hire people with disabilities.
Industries and size:
Open to small and medium-sized businesses in all industries.
Type of support:
This program does not provide direct cash grants. Instead, it offers structured, expert support to help you:
Availability:
The program is available across Canada through the CBDC network.
Because the program focuses on advisory support, it works well with wage subsidies or training grants. Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and industry, so you can see which funding options may work with Hire for Talent.
Employers often underestimate how much structure matters when hiring inclusively. Disability inclusion supports can help you:
These programs are designed to prevent mistakes that can lead to unsuccessful hires or early departures.
Finding and using the right support programs is important for success. Here’s how to get started:
Assess your needs.
Think about where you need the most help—recruitment, training, or retention.
Contact local organizations.
Reach out to your local CBDC or similar groups for information about programs like Hire for Talent.
Combine supports.
Many employers use advisory programs and funding together. For example, you can get help from Hire for Talent while applying for wage subsidies or training grants. Using platforms like GrantHub can make it easier to find programs that fit your business.
Follow best practices.
Use the advice and tools from these programs to improve your hiring and training processes.
Building an inclusive workplace brings many benefits:
Wider talent pool:
You can access skilled workers who may be overlooked by traditional hiring practices.
Lower turnover:
Employees who feel supported are more likely to stay.
Positive workplace culture:
Inclusion helps create a respectful and welcoming environment.
Improved reputation:
Customers and clients notice when businesses support diversity and inclusion.
Inclusive hiring is not just the right thing to do—it makes good business sense.
Assuming disability inclusion always means high costs
Many accommodations are low-cost or free. Advisory programs can help you find practical solutions.
Waiting until after hiring to plan training and retention
Inclusion works best when you plan recruitment, training, and retention together.
Thinking only government grants can help
Non-government programs like CBDC Hire for Talent offer valuable expertise.
Not combining advisory support with funding
Employers sometimes miss chances to use both inclusion support and wage subsidies or training grants.
Q: What is the CBDC Hire for Talent program?
CBDC Hire for Talent is a national employer support program that helps businesses recruit, hire, train, and keep employees with disabilities. It focuses on practical, advisory support rather than direct funding.
Q: Does Hire for Talent provide direct funding or wage subsidies?
No. Hire for Talent does not provide cash grants or wage subsidies. It offers expert guidance and structured support that can be combined with other funding programs where eligible.
Q: Who is eligible to use Hire for Talent?
Any employer in Canada who wants to build a more inclusive workplace and hire people with disabilities can apply. The program is especially helpful for small and medium-sized businesses.
Q: Is the program available across Canada?
Yes. CBDC Hire for Talent is available nationally through Community Business Development Corporations.
Q: Can Hire for Talent be combined with other hiring or training grants?
In many cases, yes. Employers often use Hire for Talent alongside wage subsidies or training grants to reduce costs while improving inclusive hiring practices.
Tip: GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant programs across Canada—including wage subsidies and training grants that may work well with advisory programs like Hire for Talent.
If you want to support disability inclusion, start by learning about the supports already available for employers. Programs like CBDC Hire for Talent can help you improve your hiring and training practices, while GrantHub can help you find funding programs that match your needs. Combining the right advice with financial support can make inclusive hiring part of your regular business success.
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