Creating an Inclusive Culture – Digital Nova Scotia – Leading Digital Industry

 

Fully Funded Training & Coaching for Inclusive Tech Workplaces
Nova Scotia’s tech sector is growing, but to stay competitive, we need to tap into the full talent pool our province has to offer. Creating an Inclusive Culture is a fully funded pilot program that will help 15 tech employers build more inclusive, equitable workplaces so they can attract, hire, and keep the best talent.

This phase of the program is delivered in partnership with Placemaking 4G (P4G), experts in building belonging at work. Prior to launching this pilot initiative, extensive research has been completed in partnership with Dalhousie University. This project has been funded by the Government of Canada’s Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity (WORBE) program.

About the Program

Creating an Inclusive Culture turns local research and real-world insights into practical action. You’ll gain the knowledge, coaching, and tools to break down barriers and create workplaces where everyone can thrive. Only 15 organizations will be accepted into this pilot program. Interested? Apply below!

What’s Included:

  • Live Training: 1 Kick-Off Call, 3 webinars, and a Wrap-Up Call covering barriers to inclusion, accessible hiring, and creating spaces of belonging.
  • 1-on-1 Consulting: Up to 5 hours of customized coaching with P4G’s expert team – tailored to your organization’s unique goals and challenges.
  • Foundations of Belonging Course: Access to P4G’s online course modules (8 hours, self-paced).

Total Value: $2,650 per organization — provided at no cost to DNS members.

Who can apply?

The Commitment

Meet P4G

Placemaking 4G (P4G) are the training and coaching partners for this program. They specialize in helping Nova Scotian businesses foster more inclusive and equitable workplaces through customized recruitment support, consulting, and workshop facilitation.

Applications Close September 12, 2025

 

For a direct link to the application, please click here. For an embedded application, please see below:

Questions? Reach out to us!

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How much does it cost?

There is no cost to participate. This program is fully funded through Employment and Social Development Canada’s Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity (WORBE) program.

What’s the time commitment?

Participating organizations should plan for about 21 hours over 11 weeks. This includes live training sessions, self-paced online learning, and up to 5 hours of customized 1-on-1 coaching.

What topics will the training cover?

Live Sessions (8 hrs)

  • Wednesday, Sept 17, 2025 – Kick-Off Call; 10 — 11 am
  • Wednesday, Oct 1, 2025 – Webinar 1; 10 am — 12 pm
  • Wednesday, Oct 29, 2025 – Webinar 2; 10 am — 12 pm
  • Wednesday, Nov 19, 2025 – Webinar 3; 10 am — 12 pm
  • Wednesday, Dec 3, 2025 – Wrap-Up Call; 10 — 11 am

 

Foundations of Belonging (Asynchronous Learning – 8 hrs)

  • 8 hours over the course of 11 weeks
  • Modules:
    • Module 1: Introduction and Acknowledgement
    • Module 2: Disrupting Bias
    • Module 3: Privileged Aggressions
    • Module 4: Stereotyping
    • Module 5: Privilege and Power
    • Module 6: Creating Accessible Workplaces
    • Module 7: Cross-Cultural Communication
    • Module 8: Allyship in Practice
    • Module 9: Becoming a Leader in Diversity & Belonging
    • Module 10: Creating a Culture of Belonging at Work
    • Module 11: Influencing Organizational Change

 

1-1 Coaching Sessions (5 hrs/per organization)

  • 15 organizations will receive 5 hours of 1-1 coaching through the 11 weeks
  • These sessions will ensure that any learnings from the course are being implemented, or if they need insight into best ways to create buy-in, these sessions will guide them. 

 

How many spots are available?

This is a pilot program with limited spaces — up to 15 organizations will be selected. We encourage interested members to apply early.

How does this program support long-term change?

This pilot program provides free training and customized coaching to 15 employers to test research-based tools and approaches. Participant feedback will help refine the training and shape a practical framework for creating an inclusive workplace culture. This framework will be made available to all employers through our website, helping more companies build equitable, welcoming workplaces long after the pilot ends.