Closed
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000
Timeline
- Closing date : June 28, 2024
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
Timeline
- Closing date : June 28, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
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
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Other Racialized Persons
- Rural or Northern Residents
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Women
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
- Wages for eligible youth participants.
- Wrap-around services such as training, accommodations, relocation, transportation, housing, mentoring, childcare, and related supports.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Vacation pay.
- Employment insurance premiums.
- Canada Pension Plan contributions.
- Positions funded by another federally funded program.
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
- Applications can take up to 40 business days to review.
- Some applications may be waitlisted if capacity is reached.
- Wrap-around service claims require pre-approval before reimbursement.
- Selected applicants must follow BioTalent Canada’s onboarding and reporting requirements.
Additional information
- Applications may be waitlisted if capacity is reached.
- Funding for placements ends on June 28, 2024.
- Pre-approval is required for wrap-around service reimbursement.
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:
Operate in the bio-economy sector
Offer a full-time job placement
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 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