Hiring Grants Ontario: 57 Grants & More for Ontario Entrepreneurs

The Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) Program provides funding to organizations to deliver a range of activities that help youth (aged 15 to 30) overcome barriers to employment. The Program supports a flexible approach that offers services tailored to each individual youth to gain the skills and experience they need to find and keep good quality jobs.

The Program also supports innovative cross-sectoral initiatives that aim to address complex, systemic challenges in the youth employment sector and

Young Canada Works in Both Official Languages (YCWBOL) is a short-term job program. Eligible employers may benefit from salary subsidies and access to a pool of talented youth with innovative ideas and competitive skills.

The intent of the Workforce Development Stream is to strengthen and develop Northern Ontario’s workforce through business partnerships by offering internships.

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The TalentEdge Internship Program (TIP) stream of Ontario’s Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) program provides support for current college and university students and recent undergraduate or Masters graduates, to work on industry-driven research and development projects related to automotive and smart mobility technology such as Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (C/AV) technologies, Electric Vehicles (EV), battery technologies,

The TalentEdge Fellowship Program (TFP) stream of Ontario’s Vehicle Innovation (OVIN) program provides support for PhD graduates and post-doctoral fellows, to work on industry-driven research and development projects related to automotive and smart mobility technology such as Connected and Autonomous Vehicle (C/AV) technologies, Electric Vehicles (EV), battery technologies,

The Talent Development – Internship Program (TDI) provides support for recent undergraduate or Master’s graduates, to work on industry- driven projects related to the six CIT Critical Technology areas: 5G and advanced networks, AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Quantum, and Robotics, in any one of the four key sector areas: Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Food, Construction, Mining. Companies can tap into world-class talent coming out of Ontario’s publicly funded post-secondary institutions and strengthen their capacity to develop new products, services and processes, while interns receive hands-on industry experience in areas such as software and hardware development, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.

The Canada Book Fund (CBF) ensures access to a diverse range of Canadian-authored books nationally and internationally, by fostering a strong book industry that publishes and markets Canadian-authored books. The Support for Publishers component helps to ensure the sustainable production and marketing of Canadian-authored books by offsetting the high costs of publishing in Canada and building the capacity and competitiveness of the sector. The Business Development sub-component provides assistance to publishers for internship projects and business planning projects:

Internships: Publishing and technology internships provide valuable training for new Canadian book industry professionals, who in turn accomplish useful work that the firm might not otherwise have had the resources to carry out.
Business planning: Business planning projects help recipients develop strategic approaches to improving their business activities and competitiveness.

The Starter Company Plus (SCP) Program is for business owners operating less than 5 years (market ready and ready to sell), ready to expand (hiring employees, contractors, or getting a location), or buying a business in Waterloo Region.

The program intended to provide financial incentive to stimulate new investment in small businesses in the targeted sectors for the purposes of expanding and diversifying the local economy. Consists of a grant program, whereby new or existing businesses that are expanding will be eligible to receive a grant for a percentage of the tax increment generated from the investments made in the development or redevelopment of the building or property in conformity with this Community Improvement Plan (CIP).

The Science and Technology (S&T) Internship Program provides wage subsidies to encourage organizations to hire and mentor interns and invest in the workforce of tomorrow.
It also provides opportunities for youth to gain relevant work experience and skill development in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields in the natural resources sectors: energy, forestry and mining, earth sciences, and clean technology.

The Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit is a 10% refundable Corporate Income Tax that supports business investment, economic growth and job creation in designated regions across the province that lagged in employment growth between 2009 and 2019.

The Department is accepting applications from organizations interested in receiving funding from the new Personal Support Worker Retirement Savings Innovation Program (PSW-RSIP). Eligible organizations can apply for funding between $1 million and $30 million. Projects must operate for 24 months over the 2026 and 2027 calendar years. The objective of this CFC is to invite eligible organizations to submit applications that outline concepts for pilot projects focused on retirement savings incentives targeted at PSWs lacking workplace retirement security coverage. The program seeks to help the government test various approaches for encouraging private retirement savings among personal support workers and evaluate the most effective parameters. Additionally, it aims to enhance the financial security of participating PSWs in preparation for retirement and support their retention in the long-term care sector.

The Ontario Labour Market Partnerships program provides financial assistance to local communities, sector groups, employee/employer associations, and employers in developing and implementing strategies for addressing and responding to local economic (employment) development, labour force adjustments and human resource planning. The program is intended to help partners to:
1. promote the creation of broad industry/community partnerships necessary to address labor market issues,
2. assist local communities with the development of innovative strategies to prepare for future skills requirements and prevent skills shortages within new and emerging industries and organizations,
3. plan for effective utilization of local human resources,
4. develop and promote labor market intelligence and its use in labor market development.

The Ontario Job Creation Partnerships program offers funding to eligible employers for projects that give work experience to unemployed Ontarians, help their community and benefit their local economy. Job seekers, also known as participants, can work on projects that:
– benefit the community or local economy;
– add recent work experience to their resume;
– develop or enhance employable skills;
– provide networking opportunities.

The NRC IRAP Youth Employment Program offers financial assistance to offset the cost of hiring young talent (ages 15-30) to work on projects with R&D, engineering, multimedia or market analysis components or to help develop a new product or process.

The New Relationship Fund (NRF) supports First Nations, Métis communities, and Indigenous organizations efforts to:
– build consultation and engagement capacity and expertise
– create jobs
– develop business partnerships
– improve economic opportunities

Through the Natural Infrastructure Fund (NIF), the Government of Canada is investing $200 million to support projects that use natural or hybrid approaches to protect the natural environment, support healthy and resilient communities, and contribute to economic growth. Natural infrastructure, particularly in urban areas, creates a connection to nature that contributes to wellness and mental health, and increased access to green spaces promote recreation and social connection.

The Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) provides grants to Canadian media organizations supporting the creation of original civic journalism that covers the diverse needs of underserved communities across Canada.
Funding is available to eligible Canadian media organizations to hire journalists or pay freelance journalists to produce civic journalism for underserved communities.

The Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative (the Initiative) helps primary producers and processors address local labour force challenges in the agri-food sector with pilot projects that implement:
– innovative attraction strategies
– recruitment strategies
– retention strategies

The program teaches youth the practical skills for starting up a successful business during the summer break. We then coach and fund them to run it.

The intent of the Indigenous Workforce Development Stream is to strengthen and develop Northern Ontario’s Indigenous workforce through business partnerships by offering internships to Indigenous persons.

The Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF) provides grants and financing to Indigenous entrepreneurs, businesses, communities and organizations. The fund helps promote economic development and improve employment opportunities for Indigenous people.

The Industrial Facility track offers financial assistance for projects that enhance energy efficiency. You could receive up to 50% of eligible costs (up to 100% for Indigenous or not-for-profit organizations), from a minimum of $40,000 to a maximum of $10 million per proposal. Eligible recipients are Canadian facilities engaged in energy-consuming processes that transform materials into new products. Apply now for the opportunity to make your facility more energy-efficient with the Industrial Facility track.

The Energy Efficiency Solutions Track supports the industrial energy efficiency initiatives undertaken by those entities that align with Government of Canada objectives. Under the Energy Efficiency Solutions Track, eligible projects include those that support the implementation of energy efficiency and energy management solutions. These activities are intended for industrial facilities that are engaged in energy consuming processes that involve the physical or chemical transformation of materials or substances into new products.

The Future Ready (FR) program provides support for Ontario-based SMEs working in CIT’s four key sectors (Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Agri-food and Mining) to upskill/reskill current employees on Critical Technologies (5G and advanced networks, AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, Quantum,
and Robotics) to support the company’s adoption of Critical Technologies and commercialization of new products and services. Under this program eligible SMEs receive support to hire an external third-party consultant to train their employees in the adoption and implementation of these Critical Technologies.

The First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program is part of the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy.

Projects under the First Nations and Inuit Summer Work Experience Program allow youth to learn about career options and earn an income that can contribute to a university or college education.

The program supports First Nations and Inuit secondary and post-secondary students in acquiring work experience
assists First Nations and Inuit secondary and post-secondary students prepare for future entry into the labour market by facilitating access to summer employment
supports First Nations and Inuit secondary and post-secondary students in financing and furthering their education
provides First Nations and Inuit secondary and post-secondary students with career and labour market information and assistance in finding summer employment
Funding is provided to eligible First Nations and Inuit communities, governments and organizations, as well as not-for-profit associations, private sector employers and schools and employers who then provide activities for First Nations and Inuit secondary and post-secondary students.

The First Nations and Inuit Skills Link Program is 1 of 2 programs under the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy.

This program supports activities that assist First Nations and Inuit youth in gaining the essential skills to help them with gaining employment, performing effectively in workplace settings, and learning about job and career options.

Activities can include career promotion, science and technology activities, co-operative education placements, internships and mentored work placements.

The program supports the development and enhancement of essential employability skills and knowledge among First Nations and Inuit youth that equip them to participate and succeed in the current and future labour markets, such as communication, problem-solving and working with others
exposes First Nations and Inuit youth to a variety of career options
helps First Nations and Inuit youth acquire skills by providing wage subsidies for mentored work experiences
supports the provision of mentored school-based work and study opportunities such as co-operative education and internships
helps First Nation and Inuit youth overcome barriers to employment
promotes science, technology and other fields in high demand as an education or career choice
Funding may be provided to eligible First Nations and Inuit communities, governments and organizations, as well as not-for-profit associations, private sector employers and schools and employers who then provide activities for First Nations and Inuit youth.

The Export-Ready Stream (ERS) of the Creative Export Canada (CEC) program offers funding through contributions (not loans) for export-ready projects that generate export revenues and help Canadian creative industries reach more people around the world.

Ultimately, the program aims to increase the export profitability for Canada’s creative industries.

The Student Work Placement Program provides wage subsidies to employers that offer quality student work placements. It gives post-secondary students across Canada paid work experience related to their field of study. I-WIL focuses on short and intensive activities that use technology.

The program intended to provide financial incentive to stimulate investment in targeted economic sectors for the purposes of expanding and diversifying the local economy. The program is aimed at attracting new businesses to the city and the expansion of existing businesses through the development, redevelopment, rehabilitation or adaptive reuse of buildings and properties in the Community Improvement Project Area.

If you are an employer with a job opening, the Region’s Employment Ontario staff will work with you to find the right person. Our services are free. Our staff meet with you to understand your hiring needs and help you find suitable job candidates.

We can provide:
Access to a robust toolkit of digital resources and a network of employment service organizations
User-friendly digital tools enable you to effortlessly post job vacancies, reaching thousands of candidates
Access to powerful AI matching tool to search through our extensive resume database
Tailored support from career specialists
Support for diversity and inclusion
Access to job seeker placement incentives and support
Canada Ontario Job Grant application guidance
12 months of post-employment coaching and upskilling support for your chosen candidates

CERP is a Department of National Defence (DND) grant program for which the Department of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) provides administrative support. It provides a one-time financial support to civilian employers of reservists and self-employed reservists, to offset operational costs they incur when reservist employees deploy on full-time operational duty. In addition to issuing grants to employers of reservists and self-employed reservists, CERP provides an opportunity to conduct outreach and bring awareness to the business community and educational institutions about the important role, training and special skills reservists bring to the military and their personal careers outside of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Seamlessly connect with the perfect match for your tech journey, whether you’re seeking your next career move or the perfect addition to your team.

Communitech Outposts makes it easy for Canadian tech companies to quickly onboard, pay and manage global employees without having to create a new corporate entity or hire a contractor.

The Canada Summer Jobs program provides wage subsidies to employers from not-for-profit organizations, the public sector, and private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, to create quality summer work experiences for young people aged 15 to 30 years. Funded employers are not restricted to hiring students — all youth aged 15 to 30 years may be eligible participants.

The Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative supports workforce planning and skills training in communities significantly impacted by a mass layoff. It provides funding for community-based projects that help workers develop the skills they need to transition to new jobs.

The Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) Stream aims to accelerate the growth of firms and assist with the adoption and adaptation of new, innovative technologies that support scale-up, productivity, development of and entry into new markets to help companies become competitive in both domestic and global markets.

The program intended to provide incentive to encourage existing businesses to make new capital investment in targeted economic sectors for the purposes of expanding and diversifying the local economy. The program will also apply to projects that demonstrate a significant investment resulting in the retention and/or expansion of high value industries and jobs. Consists of a grant program, whereby existing businesses will be eligible to receive a grant for a percentage of the tax increment generated from the investments made in the development or redevelopment of the building or property in conformity with this Community Improvement Plan (CIP).

The program intended to provide financial incentive to stimulate new investment in targeted economic sectors for the purposes of expanding and diversifying Windsor’s economy. The program will also apply to projects that demonstrate a major investment resulting in a significant positive impact on the local economy and workforce.

Consists of a grant program, whereby new businesses will be eligible to receive a grant for a percentage of the tax increment generated from the investments made in the development or redevelopment of the building or property in conformity with this Community Improvement Plan (CIP).

BDC offers a working capital financing to Canadian-based businesses to maintain their cash flow.

BDC offers a Technology Loan designed to assist businesses in optimizing performance and increasing profitability through strategic investments in technology. Investing in technology is recognized as one of the most effective ways to drive growth, reduce costs, and boost productivity, making this loan an invaluable resource for companies looking to enhance their operational efficiency and overall financial performance.

Young businesses need the right financing and the right partners to succeed. Our experts provide advice to help guide you as you take your business to the next level and up to $250,000 to get you there.

BDC’s Small Business Loan is designed to help businesses quickly and easily access the funds they need with flexible terms they can afford

BDC extends financing options for tech companies, providing support for both earlier-stage scale-ups aiming to secure market positions and established businesses in growth mode. Solutions offered by BDC are tailored to safeguard cash flow and assist tech businesses across various stages, accommodating those with a recurring fees revenue model.

This Call for Proposals (CFP) will provide funding to intermediaries that have the capacity to support SMEs to hire new, first-year apprentices by:

providing a financial incentive to SMEs to hire new, first-year Red Seal apprentices in 1 or more of the 39 construction and/or manufacturing Red Seal trades
offering additional supports to SMEs to recruit and encourage employment of first-year apprentices, such as:
help to onboard apprentices
help to create an inclusive workplace
provide workplace diversity and sensitivity training
support to hire and retain apprentices from key groups
monitoring and reporting on the use of that funding
evaluating and reporting on results

The Agricultural Workforce Equity and Diversity Initiative (the Initiative) provides funding to organizations to support underrepresented groups in starting or growing their own business in the agri-food sector.