Closed
Source verified May 27, 2026
Community Workforce Development Program
Supports workforce planning and skills training
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
This program supports communities through workforce planning and skills training to address local economic needs. It also supports projects that help workers affected by a mass layoff transition to new jobs and employers fill in-demand positions.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Developing a community workforce plan with local partners
- Training affected workers for new jobs
- Supporting work experience opportunities for workers
- Helping employers fill in-demand positions
Documents Needed
- Declaration of interest form
- Information on the collective layoff
- Evidence of local labour market conditions
- Organizational information
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Nonprofit organizations
- For-profit organizations
- Municipal governments
- Indigenous organizations and governments
- Educational institutions
Eligible expenses
- Training and work experience support for affected workers
- Activities to develop a community workforce plan
- Support for employers to fill in-demand jobs
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Collective layoff occurred on or after April 1, 2024.
- Layoff is permanent and involves 50 or more employees in a community.
- Layoff represents at least 5% of employment in the affected subsector, unless an exception applies.
- Local labour market conditions make it difficult for workers to transition to new jobs.
How to apply
- Step 1: Confirm eligibility
- Verify that the collective layoff and community conditions meet the program requirements.
- Step 2: Prepare the declaration of interest
- Describe the layoff situation and the local labour market conditions.
- Explain how the project will support workforce planning and worker transition.
- Step 3: Submit the declaration of interest
- Use the program’s funding application process to send the declaration of interest.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through a declaration of interest process.
- Eligibility is assessed against the program’s layoff and labour market criteria.
- Applicants are notified if their project is considered eligible for funding.
- If approved, further authorization may be required in Quebec before signing an agreement.
Additional information
- In Quebec, certain organizations may need authorization under the M-30 Act before signing an agreement with the federal government.
- Eligibility is assessed through a declaration of interest.
- Funding is available on a continuous intake basis until funds are fully committed.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Community Workforce Development Program Program
What is the Community Workforce Development Program?
This program supports communities through workforce planning and skills training to address local economic needs. It also supports projects that help workers affected by a mass layoff transition to new jobs and employers fill in-demand positions.
Who is eligible for the Community Workforce Development Program program?
To be eligible for the Community Workforce Development Program program, you must:
Eligible organization type
Supports workforce planning
Linked to a qualifying layoff
What expenses are eligible under Community Workforce Development Program?
Developing a community workforce plan with local partners
Training affected workers for new jobs
Supporting work experience opportunities for workers
Helping employers fill in-demand positions
Who can I contact for more information about the Community Workforce Development Program?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) by email at EDSC.DGOP.ICPPPE-CROI.POB.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca or by phone at none.
Where is the Community Workforce Development Program available?
The Community Workforce Development Program program is available across Canada.
Is the Community Workforce Development Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Community Workforce Development Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Community Workforce Development Program?
Community Workforce Development Program is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)