Closed
BioTalent — Career Starter Program
Subsidy to hire barriered youth into the labour market
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 20,000
Timeline
- Closing date : June 28, 2024
Location
Canada
Overview
The BioTalent Career Starter Program provides bio-economy employers with wage subsidies of up to $20,000 to support the hiring of barriered youth. The program aims to facilitate the integration of underrepresented young talent into the workforce through paid internships and wrap-around services, including training and employment supports.
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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
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- Social economy enterprise
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 and integrating barriered youth as new employees in bio-economy organizations.
- Developing and strengthening a diverse and inclusive workforce within the bio-economy sector.
- Facilitating full-time, skills-based work placements for young talent in bio-economy companies.
- Providing supervised internships or entry-level employment opportunities to help youth transition into the bio-economy labour market.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Employers operating within the bio-economy sector
Who is not eligible
- Companies that do not operate within the bio-economy sector.
- Organizations seeking to fund a position already supported by another Federally funded program such as IRAP, Mitacs, etc.
Eligible expenses
- Wages for eligible youth participants, covering up to a specified percentage of the salary (excluding vacation pay, employment insurance premiums, and Canada Pension Plan contributions).
- Wrap-around services for participants, which may include training, disability accommodations, relocation costs, transportation supports, housing assistance, additional job success training, counselling and mental health supports, personal protective equipment, childcare, legal supports, cultural competency training, networking events, and mentoring.
Eligible geographic areas
- Companies located in Canada.
Additional information
- The application review process can take up to 40 business days.
- The program is reaching capacity; new applications may be placed on a waitlist.
- Funding for Career Starter placements ends on June 28th, 2024.
- Pre-approval must be obtained for wrap-around services before submitting for reimbursement.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the BioTalent — Career Starter Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the BioTalent — Career Starter Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the BioTalent — Career Starter Program?
The BioTalent Career Starter Program provides bio-economy employers with wage subsidies of up to $20,000 to support the hiring of barriered youth. The program aims to facilitate the integration of underrepresented young talent into the workforce through paid internships and wrap-around services, including training and employment supports.
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 within the bio-economy sector
Provide a full-time position (minimum 30 hours per week for at least 3 months)
Contribute at least 40-50% of participant's salary
What expenses are eligible under BioTalent — Career Starter Program?
Hiring and integrating barriered youth as new employees in bio-economy organizations.
Developing and strengthening a diverse and inclusive workforce within the bio-economy sector.
Facilitating full-time, skills-based work placements for young talent in bio-economy companies.
Providing supervised internships or entry-level employment opportunities to help youth transition into the bio-economy labour market.
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