Closed
Source verified March 4, 2026
BioTalent — Career Starter Program
Funding to hire youth in bio-economy roles
Latest source updateLast Update: April 15, 2026Latest change: BioTalent Canada has tightened Career Starter eligibility, prioritizing Youth Furthest from Employment as of April 1, 2026 and waitlisting other eligible applications.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: April 15, 2026
Latest change: BioTalent Canada has tightened Career Starter eligibility, prioritizing Youth Furthest from Employment as of April 1, 2026 and waitlisting other eligible applications.
Career Starter Program eligibility narrowed
BioTalent Canada has updated the Career Starter Program eligibility rules to prioritize Youth Furthest from Employment as of April 1, 2026. Other eligible applications are now waitlisted, and the definition of Youth Furthest from Employment is described more specifically with a stricter requirement for chronic NEET status and additional employment barriers. The page still shows the broader participant and employer requirements, but the main change is a narrower screening standard for who can be funded. No visible changes were found to funding amounts, contact details, or the application steps.
Funding available
$ 20,000
Deadline
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.
/100
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
- 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