Who Can Apply for the IRAP Youth Employment Program
The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Youth Employment Program (YEP) offers invaluable financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada for hiring young talent. This program, administered by the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), aims to enhance business innovation by integrating fresh perspectives from the youth workforce.
Program Overview
The IRAP Youth Employment Program is part of Canada's Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, designed to help young Canadians enhance their career prospects while supporting businesses in integrating new skills and ideas. The program specifically targets SMEs looking to employ young post-secondary graduates to contribute to R&D, engineering, multimedia, market analysis, and more.
Applicant Type Requirements
To be eligible for the IRAP YEP, your business must meet the following criteria:
Be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) with 500 or fewer full-time equivalents.
Be incorporated and operate on a for-profit basis within Canada.
Be ready to enhance innovation capacity and willing to partner with NRC IRAP.
Size & Scale Criteria
The IRAP YEP is specifically designed for SMEs:
Your business should not exceed 500 full-time equivalent employees.
The focus is on companies looking to expand their innovative capabilities.
Geographic Eligibility
The program is available to businesses across Canada, with no specific provincial or territorial restrictions. This inclusivity ensures that businesses from coast to coast can benefit from the program.
Project & Activity Requirements
Eligible projects should involve:
Research and development activities.
Engineering projects.
Multimedia projects.
Market analysis for technology-based products.
Business development related to science and technology activities.
Financial & Operational Criteria
Financial health and operational readiness are vital:
Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to innovation.
Businesses must be prepared to cover costs not subsidized by the program, such as benefits and overhead.
Ineligible Applicants
The program excludes:
Non-profit organizations or businesses that do not operate on a for-profit basis.
Large enterprises with more than 500 employees.
Special Cases & Exceptions
Joint applications and partnerships are encouraged, particularly where collaboration can enhance project outcomes. However, the primary applicant must be an eligible SME.
Self-Assessment Checklist
Is your business a small or medium-sized enterprise?
Do you operate on a for-profit basis?
Are you prepared to partner with NRC IRAP for innovation projects?
Is your project aligned with R&D, engineering, multimedia, or market analysis?
Conclusion
The IRAP Youth Employment Program opens doors for SMEs to innovate and grow by leveraging young talent. If your business meets the eligibility criteria, consider applying to enhance your innovation capacity. For more details, contact NRC IRAP directly to discuss your specific needs and potential project alignment.
