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Source verified April 29, 2026
Apply for funding for the Sectoral Initiatives Program
Funding for sectoral skills solutions
Funding available
$ 2,500,000
Deadline
March 4, 2021
Opened January 22, 2021
Location
Canada
Overview
Eligible organizations can receive up to $2,500,000 per project, per year. The program supports projects that identify, forecast, and address sectoral or cross-sectoral human resources and skills development needs.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 2,500,000 $
- Up to 10% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Sectoral labour market intelligence and tools
- Sectoral training and worker transition solutions
- Employer-focused solutions and capacity building
- Research, forecasting, and strategies addressing labour market needs
- National occupational standards and industry-driven certification initiatives
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Partner confirmation letter(s)
- Budget detail template
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Not-for-profit organizations
- For-profit organizations with non-commercial, non-profit activity
- Municipal governments
- Indigenous organizations
- Provincial and territorial governments, institutions, agencies, and Crown corporations
Who is not eligible
- Organizations that do not fit an eligible applicant type
- For-profit projects with a commercial or profit-making purpose
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and mandatory employment costs
- Professional fees such as consulting, research, and translation
- Materials, supplies, printing, and communications
- Research, evaluation, data collection, and analysis
- Travel, indirect costs, and other approved project costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Capital improvements such as building construction or renovation
- Products or tools for one organization only
- Duplicate or existing products or programs
- Regular operating costs and unrelated administrative overhead
- Proposal preparation costs, fines, penalties, and entertainment
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Organizations located and operating in Quebec must obtain Quebec government approval if selected
Selection criteria
- Organization’s capacity and sector knowledge
- Project objectives and relevance to workforce needs
- Clarity, feasibility, and alignment of activities
- Expected results and measurable indicators
- Reasonableness of project costs
How to apply
- Step 1: Gather documents
- Complete the application form
- Obtain partner confirmation letters
- Prepare the budget detail template
- Step 2: Choose submission method
- Apply online through GCOS
- Or submit by email or mail
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Create a GCOS account if applying online
- Complete the applicant guide and budget template
- Upload or send the full application package
- Step 4: Receive confirmation
- Online and email applicants receive automatic confirmation
- Mail applicants receive confirmation by email within 21 calendar days
Processing and Agreement
- The application is reviewed after submission
- Funding decisions are made by the program
- If approved, a signed funding agreement must be in place before activities begin
- Funding is only paid for activities that start after the agreement is signed
- Applicants receive a confirmation of receipt after submission
Additional information
- Projects must involve at least one partner.
- Applications must include an attestation by an authorized representative.
- Organizations located in Quebec require Quebec government approval if selected.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Apply for funding for the Sectoral Initiatives Program Program
What is the Apply for funding for the Sectoral Initiatives Program?
Eligible organizations can receive up to $2,500,000 per project, per year. The program supports projects that identify, forecast, and address sectoral or cross-sectoral human resources and skills development needs.
How much funding can be received?
Apply for funding for the Sectoral Initiatives Program Funds up to 10% of admissible expenses, capped at $2,500,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was March 4, 2021.
Who is eligible for the Apply for funding for the Sectoral Initiatives Program program?
To be eligible for the Apply for funding for the Sectoral Initiatives Program program, you must:
Eligible organization type
36-month maximum project
At least one partner
What expenses are eligible under Apply for funding for the Sectoral Initiatives Program?
Sectoral labour market intelligence and tools
Sectoral training and worker transition solutions
Employer-focused solutions and capacity building
Research, forecasting, and strategies addressing labour market needs
National occupational standards and industry-driven certification initiatives
Who can I contact for more information about the Apply for funding for the Sectoral Initiatives Program?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) by email at NC-DGOP-POB-PAIS-SIP-GD@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.
Where is the Apply for funding for the Sectoral Initiatives Program available?
The Apply for funding for the Sectoral Initiatives Program program is available across Canada.