Closed
Source verified October 2, 2026
BioTalent — Career Starter Program
Support for bio-economy employers hiring youth
Get notified when BioTalent — Career Starter Program reopens
Latest source updateLast Update: September 19, 2026Latest change: BioTalent updated the Career Starter Program page to require youth to secure a placement before applying and to remove employer matching support.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 19, 2026
Latest change: BioTalent updated the Career Starter Program page to require youth to secure a placement before applying and to remove employer matching support.
Career Starter Program eligibility and application steps updated
The Career Starter Program page now says youth must secure a placement before the application process starts, and it no longer presents BioTalent as providing employer matching. The contact line also changes from naming Colleen to the Outreach team, while the same phone number and email remain listed. The program description also shifts its target framing from youth who are NEET for six months to barriered youth and those furthest from employment.
Funding available
$ 20,000
Deadline
Unspecified
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.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
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.
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, ext. 218.
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