Open
GNWT — Wage Subsidy Program
Supports employers hiring and training NWT residents with limited experience
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 30,500
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Northwest Territories, Canada
Overview
The GNWT Wage Subsidy Program offers up to $30,500 to employers in the Northwest Territories to offset the costs of hiring and training local residents with minimal work experience or education. The program aims to provide work experience and training for up to 52 weeks, enabling participants to obtain meaningful long-term employment through wage subsidies and support for special equipment.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 30,500 $
- Up to 20% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Northwest Territories
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hiring and providing on-the-job work experience for Northwest Territories residents with minimal prior work experience and education.
- Offering workplace-based training and skill development opportunities for eligible new employees to enhance their long-term employability.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered businesses operating for at least six months
- Industry associations
- Local housing authorities
- Non-government organizations
- Indigenous organizations
- Local, municipal, or Indigenous governments
Who is not eligible
- Companies seeking funding for federal or territorial government positions.
- Employers intending to hire immediate family members (such as parents, siblings, spouses, children, or in-laws) under the program, unless in exceptional circumstances.
Eligible expenses
- Wage subsidies for the hiring of eligible employees.
- Costs of special equipment, up to a specified limit.
Eligible geographic areas
- Businesses, organizations, and governments located in the Northwest Territories.
How to apply
- Step 1: Contact ECE Regional Service Centre
- Reach out to your local Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) Regional Service Centre to express your intent to apply.
- Step 2: Meet with a Career Development Officer
- Schedule a meeting with a Career Development Officer to initiate the application process.
- Step 3: Complete Employer Application Form
- Fill out the Employer Application form provided by the Career Development Officer.
- Step 4: Prepare Required Documents (Employer)
- Provide a detailed job description for the position to be subsidized.
- Include an Employee Development Plan outlining the training and skill development for the employee.
- Step 5: Employee Submission
- The employee must complete and sign an Application for Service form.
- The employee must provide an up-to-date resume.
- Step 6: Submit Application
- Submit the completed forms and supporting documents to your ECE Regional Service Centre.
Additional information
- There is no fixed application deadline; the program operates on a continuous intake basis.
- Employers must apply within three months of the employee's start date for the position in question.
- Additional support funding may be available for Persons with Disabilities participating in the program.
- Immediate family members of the employer are generally ineligible, unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the GNWT — Wage Subsidy Program Program
What is the GNWT — Wage Subsidy Program?
The GNWT Wage Subsidy Program offers up to $30,500 to employers in the Northwest Territories to offset the costs of hiring and training local residents with minimal work experience or education. The program aims to provide work experience and training for up to 52 weeks, enabling participants to obtain meaningful long-term employment through wage subsidies and support for special equipment.
How much funding can be received?
GNWT — Wage Subsidy Program Funds up to 20% of admissible expenses, capped at $30,500 per project.
Who is eligible for the GNWT — Wage Subsidy Program program?
To be eligible for the GNWT — Wage Subsidy Program program, you must:
Registered business operating for at least six months
Employer must contribute a minimum of 20% of wages/benefits
Employer must apply within three months of employee's start date
What expenses are eligible under GNWT — Wage Subsidy Program?
Hiring and providing on-the-job work experience for Northwest Territories residents with minimal prior work experience and education.
Offering workplace-based training and skill development opportunities for eligible new employees to enhance their long-term employability.
Who can I contact for more information about the GNWT — Wage Subsidy Program?
You can contact Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) or by phone at (867) 678-8065.
Where is the GNWT — Wage Subsidy Program available?
The GNWT — Wage Subsidy Program program is available the province of Northwest Territories.
Is the GNWT — Wage Subsidy Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
GNWT — Wage Subsidy Program is a Wage Subsidies And Interns