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Source verified August 10, 2026
BioTalent — Career Starter Program
Support for bio-economy employers hiring youth
Latest source updateLast Update: August 10, 2026Latest change: The Career Starter Program page now adds a direct Apply Now ZIP link, contact details, a 40-business-day review note, and clearer wage support terms.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 10, 2026
Latest change: The Career Starter Program page now adds a direct Apply Now ZIP link, contact details, a 40-business-day review note, and clearer wage support terms.
Career Starter Program updated
The Career Starter Program page now shows a direct Apply Now ZIP link plus applicant contact details at askme@biotalent.ca and 1-866-243-2472, ext. 218. It also states that the application review process may take up to 40 business days. The program description now makes the wage support explicit as 60% of wages up to $20,000, and employer contributions are stated as at least 40% of the participant’s salary. The eligibility language also adds that positions cannot be funded through another federal program such as IRAP or Mitacs.
Funding available
$ 20,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
The Career Starter Program offers up to $20,000 in hiring funds to help bio-economy employers hire young talent. It supports barriered youth through paid placements and wrap-around services such as training, accommodations, and onboarding support.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 20,000 $
- Up to 60% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Social economy enterprise
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Young adults
- Indigenous peoples
- New immigrants & refugees
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- LGBTQ+ community
- Rural / Remote communities
- Low-income individuals / families
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hiring barriered youth into bio-economy jobs.
- Providing paid internships or work placements for young talent.
- Supporting workforce development through mentoring and onboarding.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Employers in the bio-economy sector.
Who is not eligible
- Companies outside the bio-economy sector.
- Organizations seeking support for positions funded by another federally funded program.
Eligible expenses
- Wraparound services to address transportation, housing, or other employment barriers.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Positions funded through another federal program, such as IRAP or Mitacs.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Participants must meet eligibility requirements as barriered youth.
- Employers must fulfill specific obligations outlined in the program guidelines.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review the program details and eligibility requirements.
- Step 2: Find a suitable candidate and prepare the application information.
- Step 3: Submit the application through the program’s online process.
- Step 4: Request pre-approval before claiming wrap-around services, if applicable.
Processing and Agreement
- The application review process may take up to 40 business days.
- Employers must submit progress reports as required.
Additional information
- Employer matching services are not provided through BioTalent Canada's Career Starter.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the BioTalent — Career Starter Program Program
What is the BioTalent — Career Starter Program?
The Career Starter Program offers up to $20,000 in hiring funds to help bio-economy employers hire young talent. It supports barriered youth through paid placements and wrap-around services such as training, accommodations, and onboarding support.
How much funding can be received?
BioTalent — Career Starter Program Funds up to 60% of admissible expenses, capped at $20,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the BioTalent — Career Starter Program program?
To be eligible for the BioTalent — Career Starter Program program, you must:
Youth furthest from employment must be involuntarily NEET for the past 6 months.
Participants must be 15 to 30 years old and able to work at least 30 hours per week.
Employers must operate within the bio-economy, offer a full-time position, and contribute at least 40% of salary.
What expenses are eligible under BioTalent — Career Starter Program?
Hiring barriered youth into bio-economy jobs.
Providing paid internships or work placements for young talent.
Supporting workforce development through mentoring and onboarding.
Who can I contact for more information about the BioTalent — Career Starter Program?
You can contact BioTalent Canada by email at askme@biotalent.ca or by phone at 1-866-243-2472.
Where is the BioTalent — Career Starter Program available?
The BioTalent — Career Starter Program program is available across Canada.
Is the BioTalent — Career Starter Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
BioTalent — Career Starter Program is a Wage Subsidies And Interns