Job Grants in Ontario
Employment grants are government-funded programs designed to support employers by covering a portion of the costs associated with training and skill development for their workforce. These grants encourage businesses to invest in the professional growth of their employees, leading to enhanced skills and increased productivity. They are tailored to meet the needs of companies looking to train new hires, improve the skills of current employees, or prepare individuals for employment after training. By offering financial assistance, these grants help reduce the financial burden of training, enabling employers to invest more in the growth and competitiveness of their organization.
83 opportunities available
Grant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen
Expanded Energy Management Program
Funding to strengthen facility energy management and efficiency initiatives
Loans and Capital investmentsClosed
Southwestern Ontario Development Fund (SWODF) — Business project loans
Loans to grow or expand in southwestern Ontario
Grant and FundingOpen
Court Challenges Program (CCP)
Supports legal actions advancing constitutional and language rights
Grant and FundingClosed
EnAbling Change Program
Money for accessibility awareness and support projects
Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen
Talent Opportunities Program — Student Work Placement Program
Money for businesses to hire students
Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen
WILWorks program — Student Work Placement Program
Practical student internships with wage subsidies in Canada
Loans and Capital investmentsClosed
CANtrade™
Flexible financing supporting Northumberland business growth and market expansion
Grant and FundingClosed
AcceleratiON Program
Supports Black and Indigenous-owned music businesses in Ontario
Researchers And FacilitiesPartnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingOpen
Artiste en résidence canadien en début de carrière dans le domaine de l'urbanisme
Year-long artist residency exploring key urban issues
Grant and FundingClosed
Food Safety and Growth Initiative
Enhance food safety systems, adopt new technologies, and drive sector growth
Grant and FundingOpen
OTF — Economic Recovery and Resilience Fund
Supports Black youth pathways to jobs and entrepreneurship
Grant and FundingWage Subsidies And InternsSuspended
Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG)
Government of Ontario (ON), Government of Canada, Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development
Helping businesses and workers adapt to change and achieve their goals.
Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen
FedNor — Economic Development Initiative (EDI)
Supporting Francophone economic growth in Northern Ontario
Grant and FundingOpen
Parliamentary District Policing Program
Funds Ottawa Police Service for enhanced security in Parliamentary District
Grant and FundingClosed
Community Economic Development (CED)
Supports non-profit economic initiatives fostering job and business creation
Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingArchived
Ontario Automotive Investment Strategy (OAIS)
Funds innovative auto manufacturing projects creating or retaining jobs
Grant and FundingArchived
Newcomer Settlement Program
Supports social and economic integration for newcomers in Ontario
Researchers And FacilitiesGrant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsArchived
Next Generation of Jobs Fund
Supports green job creation and environmental sustainability in Ontario
Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsArchived
Strategic Jobs Investment Fund (SJIF)
Supports high-value job creation and strategic business investments
Grant and FundingArchived
Occupational Health and Safety Prevention and Innovation Program
Supports innovative workplace health and safety initiatives in Ontario
Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen
Workforce Development Stream
Northern Ontario internships bolster workforce through strategic partnerships
Grant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen
Invest Ottawa Accelerator Program
Expert advice for high-growth technology firms
Grant and FundingClosed
OVIN — Regional Future Workforce Program
Money for automotive and mobility sector student education
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Grant and FundingClosed
Investing in Women's Futures
Supports women-centred services for safety and economic empowerment
Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen
People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream
Wage subsidy to hire Indigenous interns in Northern Ontario
Grant and FundingClosed
OVIN — Content Partnerships Program
The OVIN Content Partnerships Program funds Ontario-based institutions up to $50,000 to develop micro-credentials for the automotive and mobility workforce.
Grant and FundingOpen
Regional Economic Growth Through Innovation & Southern Ontario Prosperity Program — Indigenous
Financing for Indigenous businesses and organizations in Southern Ontario
Grant and FundingClosed
Access to Justice Bundle Program
Supports Indigenous-led justice education and legal supports
Tax CreditsOpen
Employer Health Tax relief (EHT)
Ontario payroll tax relief for eligible employers and charities
Grant and FundingClosed
WSIB Research and Grants Program
Supports practical workplace safety research and training
Grant and FundingOpen
Ontario Labour Market Partnerships (OLMP)
Supports collaborative projects addressing local labour market challenges
Grant and FundingClosed
Food Security and Supply Chain Fund
Supports agri-food sector resilience and workforce development in Ontario
T
Grant and FundingOpen
Toronto Enterprise Fund (TEF) - Scale ESEs
Support to scale employment social enterprises
Grant and FundingClosed
Ontario Junior Exploration Program
Funding for junior mining exploration in Ontario
Expert AdviceWage Subsidies And InternsOpen
Employment Ontario
Support employers to find employees in Ontario
Grant and FundingClosed
OTF — Seed Grant
Build capacity and resilience for delivering impactful community programs and services
Wage Subsidies And InternsClosed
Sound Design Program
Mentorship for Indigenous audio professionals in film and television
Grant and FundingWage Subsidies And InternsOpen
Supported Employment
Supports employment for Ontarians with disabilities facing workplace barriers
Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen
Ontario Job Creation Partnerships
Financial assistance for Ontario community projects
Grant and FundingClosed
OMIF — Music Industry Initiatives
Funding for music service organizations in Ontario
Other SupportGrant and FundingExpert AdviceLoans and Capital investmentsOpen
Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF)
Supports Ontario SMEs to strengthen supply chains and expand markets
Grant and FundingClosed
United Way Simcoe Muskoka - Women United
Support initiatives for women and children’s wellbeing
Grant and FundingOpen
Cinespace Technician Roster
Training and placements for Indigenous film and television crew
Loans and Capital investmentsArchived
Advanced Manufacturing Investment Strategy (AMIS)
Supports Ontario manufacturers investing in advanced technology and innovation
Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingClosed
Libro Credit Union - Grants & Partnerships
Supports initiatives that strengthen financial well-being outcomes
Grant and FundingOpen
OTF — Youth Innovations Scale Grant
Empower grassroots initiatives to scale impactful youth-focused projects, enhancing social and economic well-being
Grant and FundingOpen
Workforce Planning Boards
Ontario network of 25 local boards providing labour market research and workforce planning support
Access over 10 000 different funding opportunities
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Grant and FundingClosed
Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream
Supports workforce training and retention for Ontario organizations
Researchers And FacilitiesGrant and FundingOpen
ALS Society of Canada - ALS Canada Trainee Award Program
Funding for doctoral and postdoctoral ALS research trainees in Canada
Grant and FundingClosed
Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — GROW Pathway
Skills Development Fund supports Ontario's workforce training needs
Grant and FundingClosed
Francophone Community Grants Program (FCGP)
Supports Ontario Francophone community development and bilingual services
Grant and FundingClosed
Indigenous Economic Development Fund — Business and Community Fund
Government of Ontario (ON), Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation
Grants for Ontario Indigenous businesses, communities and organizations
Grant and FundingOpen
Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Education and relationship-building
Government of Ontario (ON), Ministry of Mines in Ontario, Ontario Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM)
Enhancing Aboriginal knowledge and relationships in the mineral sector
Grant and FundingOpen
Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Mineral development advisor stream
Government of Ontario (ON), Ministry of Mines in Ontario, Ontario Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM)
Supports Indigenous communities in mineral development consultation.
Grant and FundingClosed
Leadership and Mentorship Grant
Support youth mentorship and leadership development initiatives
Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen
OBIO — Health to Business Bridge Program
Wage subsidies and talent for health science companies
Grant and FundingClosed
Eastern Ontario Development Fund (EODF) — Community economic development projects
Grants for economic development in eastern Ontario
Expert AdviceOpen
Collective Bargaining Information Services
Collective bargaining resources in Ontario
Grant and FundingArchived
Aboriginal Participation Fund (APF) — Values mapping and related projects
Supports Aboriginal communities in mineral regulatory participation
Grant and FundingClosed
Labour Force Management Strategies Initiative (LFMSI)
Funding for agri-food local labour strategies through pilot projects
Grant and FundingClosed
Community Funding - Project Funding
Supports capacity-building projects for non-profit social services organizations
Grant and FundingOpen
Forest Biomass Program — Indigenous bioeconomy partnerships stream
Ontario supports sustainable forest biomass utilization and innovation
Grant and FundingClosed
Rural Economic Development (RED) program
Supports rural community economic development in Ontario
Grant and FundingClosed
Summer Employment Opportunities (SEO) Program
Funding for student summer employment positions in key sectors
Grant and FundingWage Subsidies And InternsOpen
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
Supports high school students in skilled trades apprenticeships
Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen
Career-Ready with CTMA — Expanding Opportunities
Funding for experiential learning opportunities in Ontario
Wage Subsidies And InternsOpen
People & Talent Program — Workforce Development Stream
Wage subsidy to hire interns in Northern Ontario
Wage Subsidies And InternsClosed
OBIO — (WiHI) Training and Wage Subsidies
Wage subsidies for health sciences companies to hire women
Grant and FundingOpen
Veterinary Incentive Program (VIP)
Incentivizes veterinarians to practice in underserved Ontario areas
Expert AdviceLoans and Capital investmentsOpen
Women in Business Program
Support and financing for Indigenous women entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario
Grant and FundingOpen
Northern Ontario Development Program (NODP) — Youth Internships — Not-for-Profit
Tax credit for R&D
Grant and FundingClosed
OAC — Literary Organizations: Operating
Operating funding for Ontario professional not-for-profit literary organizations
Grant and FundingClosed
Job Opportunity for Youth Grant
Support youth employment through nonprofit projects
Partnering and CollaborationGrant and FundingExpert AdviceOpen
Kenora and Rainy River District Business Accelerator Fund
Supports business growth in Kenora and Rainy River Districts
Grant and FundingClosed
Durham Community Foundation Community Grants
Supports community initiatives aligned with local priorities
T
Grant and FundingOpen
Toronto Enterprise Fund (TEF) - Catalyze New ESEs
Support feasibility studies and business planning for ESEs
Grant and FundingOpen
Greater Toronto Airports Authority - Propeller Project
Supports employment and skilled trades community initiatives
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Got any Questions about Job Grants in Ontario
Learn more about obtaining job grants in Ontario
What is the Ontario Job Grant program and who is eligible to apply?
The Ontario Job Grant (COJG) is a government-funded program designed to provide financial assistance to employers in Ontario who wish to invest in the training and development of their employees. The grant covers a portion of the training costs, making it more affordable for businesses to upgrade the skills of their workforce. Both private sector businesses and non-profit organizations operating in Ontario are eligible to apply. However, public sector employers such as schools, hospitals, and municipalities are not eligible. Employees eligible for training under the program include Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
How can employers in Ontario access funding through the Ontario Job Grant program?
Employers in Ontario can access funding through the Ontario Job Grant program by applying online via the government’s portal. The application process involves registering as an employer, submitting a training plan, and providing detailed information about the training programs, costs, and the expected benefits. Employers must also demonstrate that they will contribute a portion of the training costs, ensuring a shared investment in workforce development. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is recommended to apply early and provide accurate documentation to avoid delays.
What types of training programs are supported by the Ontario Job Grant?
The Ontario Job Grant supports a wide range of training programs that enhance the skills of employees. Eligible programs include technical training, safety certifications, leadership development, and industry-specific skills courses. The training must be delivered by approved training providers and should lead to recognized credentials or certifications that improve the employee's job performance or help them advance in their careers. Both in-person and online training formats are accepted, providing flexibility for businesses and employees.
Can employers in other Canadian provinces access similar job grant programs?
Yes, other Canadian provinces offer similar job grant programs tailored to support workforce development within their regions. For instance, programs like the Canada-Alberta Job Grant and the B.C. Employer Training Grant provide comparable funding to businesses looking to train their employees. While eligibility criteria and funding specifics may vary, these programs share the common goal of boosting skills and enhancing the labour force across Canada.
What else should I know about Job Grants in Ontario?
Eligibility Criteria
Employers
To be eligible for the Ontario Job Grant, employers must be private sector businesses or non-profit organizations operating in Ontario. They must also be in good standing with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development. Public sector organizations, such as municipalities, schools, and hospitals, are not eligible. Eligible employers are required to contribute a portion of the training costs and must demonstrate that the training will lead to improved job performance, career advancement, or increased employment opportunities for the trainee.
Employees
Employees eligible for the COJG include Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and protected persons under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Temporary foreign workers and international students are generally not eligible. The trainee must be employed by the business or have a job offer contingent upon completing the training program. The goal is to ensure that the training directly benefits the employee and aligns with the employer’s business needs.
Funding and Costs
Employer Contribution
Under the Ontario Job Grant, employers are required to contribute a portion of the training costs. For businesses with fewer than 100 employees, the employer’s contribution can be as low as one-sixth of the total costs, with the government covering the remainder. This reduced financial commitment allows small businesses to access training without significant strain on their resources, making it easier for them to invest in skills development.
Government Support
The government supports employers by covering up to two-thirds of the training costs, with a maximum funding cap of $10,000 per trainee per fiscal year. This support is designed to help businesses invest in their employees without bearing the full financial burden, thereby promoting a skilled and adaptable workforce in Ontario. The grant is especially beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises that may not have the resources to fund training independently.
Training Program Costs
The funding provided by the Ontario Job Grant can be used to cover various training program costs, including tuition, textbooks, software, and other course materials. All costs must be directly related to the training and approved by the program guidelines. Employers need to ensure that the training meets the specific needs of their business and aligns with industry standards.
Application Process
Steps to Apply
Registering as an Employer
To apply for the Ontario Job Grant, employers must first register their business with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development. This involves creating an online account through the government’s portal, where employers can access the necessary forms and guidelines. The registration process is straightforward, but employers should ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date to avoid delays.
Submitting Training Plan
Once registered, employers must submit a training plan outlining the skills to be developed, the training provider, and the costs associated with the program. The training plan should clearly demonstrate how the training will benefit both the employee and the business. Employers must also provide details on how they will contribute to the training costs and the anticipated outcomes for the trainee.
Eligible Training Programs
Skills Development Training
The Ontario Job Grant supports a wide range of skills development training programs designed to enhance the competencies of employees in specific job roles. These programs can include technical skills, safety certifications, leadership development, and other industry-specific training that helps employees perform their jobs more effectively. The training must be provided by an approved training provider and should lead to a recognized certification or designation.
Workforce Development Programs
In addition to individual skills development, the Ontario Job Grant also supports workforce development programs that address broader business needs, such as adapting to new technologies, meeting safety regulations, or improving operational efficiency. These programs help employers build a workforce that is better equipped to handle current and future challenges, ensuring that businesses remain competitive in the Canadian job market.
Program Delivery
Training Providers
Approved CJG Training Providers
Training must be delivered by an approved training provider recognized by the government. These can include community colleges, universities, private training institutions, and industry associations. Employers should verify that their chosen provider is approved under the Ontario Job Grant program to ensure compliance with the funding requirements.
Third-party Training Providers
The Ontario Job Grant also allows for training to be delivered by third-party providers, which include private trainers and other organizations specializing in industry-specific skills development. These providers must meet the criteria set out by the government to ensure the training is relevant, high-quality, and beneficial to both the employee and the business.
Training Delivery Methods
In-Person Training
In-person training is a traditional method supported by the Ontario Job Grant where employees attend classes or workshops at a physical location. This format allows for hands-on learning and direct interaction with instructors, which can be beneficial for skills that require practical application, such as technical training or safety certifications.
Online Training
Online training is another eligible method of delivery under the Ontario Job Grant. This format offers flexibility for both employers and employees, allowing training to be completed at a pace and schedule that suits their needs. Online courses can include webinars, interactive modules, and virtual classrooms, making it easier for employees to gain new skills while continuing to work.
Reporting and Compliance
Submission of Reports
Reporting Requirements
Employers receiving funding through the Ontario Job Grant must adhere to specific reporting requirements. This includes submitting progress reports, proof of training completion, and any other documentation requested by the government. These reports help ensure that the funding is being used appropriately and that the training meets the established objectives.
Compliance with Program Guidelines
Employers must comply with all program guidelines to maintain their eligibility for funding. This includes ensuring that the training is completed as planned, maintaining accurate records, and adhering to the timelines set out by the government. Non-compliance can result in the suspension or revocation of the grant, and employers may be required to repay the funds received.
The Ontario Job Grant provides a valuable opportunity for employers in Ontario to invest in the skills and development of their workforce. By understanding the eligibility criteria, following the application process, and maintaining compliance with program guidelines, businesses can take full advantage of this government support to enhance their workforce and drive economic growth in Canada.