Graduate to Opportunity Program
NS, Canada
Subsidy for Nova Scotia graduate salaries
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grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|minCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Wage Subsidies And Interns
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Nova Scotia
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grant_card_status|open
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This funding covers up to 35% of the annual salaries for new graduate hires.
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This grant is available to companies located in Nova Scotia. The program is specifically designed to support businesses operating within the province.
- Businesses located in Nova Scotia, Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$18,848
Improving customer service efficiency through a new CRM system implementation
$21,175
Conducting a technical feasibility study for a new AI-based healthcare solution
$17,836
Pilot project for the launch of an organic skincare product line
$16,800
Developing an advanced data analysis tool for financial market predictions
$15,516
Conducting a market analysis for the launch of an eco-friendly packaging product
$15,799
Improving product quality through innovative material engineering processes
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Employers must meet certain criteria to be eligible for the Graduate to Opportunity grant initiatives in Nova Scotia.
- For GTO Grow, the employer can be a small business with fewer than 100 employees, a start-up incorporated within two years of the application, or a social enterprise, non-profit, or registered charity.
- For GTO Innovate, the employer must be a for-profit business with no more than 200 full-time employees.
- The employer cannot receive other government wage funding for the same position.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Eligible applicants for the Graduate to Opportunity (GTO) program include Nova Scotia employers who fall into specific categories. Applicants can apply under either the GTO Grow or GTO Innovate streams, depending on their circumstances.- For GTO Grow: - Small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. - Start-up companies incorporated within two years of the application date. - Social enterprises, non-profit organizations, or registered charities with recognized standing. - Employers must hire a recent graduate into a new, permanent, full-time position paying at least $37,500 annually, related to the graduate's field of study.- For GTO Innovate: - For-profit businesses that employ no more than 200 full-time employees. - Employers must hire a recent master's or PhD graduate for an innovation-focused job paying at least $60,000 annually.Both streams offer an additional 10% subsidy in the first year if the graduate hired belongs to certain underrepresented or minority groups. Graduate candidates must have completed a post-secondary program within one year prior to starting work, and the position must not receive other government wage funding. Apprentices in registered trades are not eligible for this program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
The GTO program guidelines specify certain restrictions on eligibility primarily related to the status of the company and receipt of other funding. However, specific types of companies or industries that cannot apply are not explicitly listed beyond these conditions.
- Employers receiving other government wage funding for the same position.
- Employers intending to hire apprentices in registered trades, as a separate START program is available for apprentices.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant focuses on providing salary incentives for employers hiring recent graduates into roles with specific activities, aiming to foster innovation and sectoral growth. The eligible activities primarily involve innovation-driven tasks and those related to improving business processes.
- Applied research to advance technologies or services.
- Development of new products and services.
- Conducting market analysis for complex new products or activities.
- Enhancing product quality, customer service, and business efficiencies.
- Development or improvement of operational processes.
- Performing technical feasibility studies and pilots for new product launches or market entry.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers a portion of the salary expenses for eligible positions.
- 25% of the first year's salary for GTO Grow positions.
- 12.5% of the second year's salary for GTO Grow positions.
- 30% of the first year's salary for GTO Innovate positions.
- 15% of the second year's salary for GTO Innovate positions.
- An additional 10% in year 1 if the graduate meets diversity criteria.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The Graduate to Opportunity program in Nova Scotia has specific evaluation and selection criteria for applicants.
- The graduate you hire must have completed a post-secondary program within 1 year of their first day of work.
- The program can't consider graduate-employees who have been working for the employer on a permanent basis before the GTO application is approved.
- Employers must not be eligible for other government wage funding for the position.
- Apprentices in registered trades are not eligible for the program.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Graduate to Opportunity grant:
- Step 1: Check Eligibility
- Review the Graduate to Opportunity Program Guidelines to ensure your organization and the job role meet the eligibility criteria.
- Ensure that the graduate you plan to hire has completed a post-secondary program within the last year and meets the position requirements.
- Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
- Prepare a detailed job description for the position you wish to fill.
- Gather a T4 Summary for your organization.
- Step 3: Create or Access LaMPSS Account
- Create a LaMPSS Account if you do not have one, or sign in to your existing account.
- Step 4: Complete Online Application
- Log into your LaMPSS Account.
- Choose the appropriate stream, GTO Grow or GTO Innovate, based on your situation and the position offered.
- Fill out the online application form, providing all required information and documentation.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Review your application for accuracy and completeness.
- Submit your application through the LaMPSS online system.
- Step 6: Wait for Approval
- It typically takes 2 weeks for the program to review your application and notify you of approval.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The Graduate to Opportunity program offers an additional 10% subsidy in year 1 if the graduate hired self-identifies as being from certain under-represented groups.
- The review period for applications is approximately 2 weeks.
grant_single_labels|contact
yepinfo@novascotia.ca
902-424-6000
Apply to this program
Bolstering Employment Opportunities for Recent Graduates
The Graduate to Opportunity (GTO) program provides financial incentives to Nova Scotia employers who hire recent graduates, thereby helping retain young talent in the region. Offering significant salary subsidies for eligible businesses, the program facilitates the development of a vibrant and diverse workforce while supporting graduates at the start of their careers.
Economic Engagement Through the Graduate to Opportunity Program
The Graduate to Opportunity (GTO) program, administered by the Government of Nova Scotia, is a strategically designed initiative aimed at easing the transition of recent graduates into the workforce, thereby fostering economic growth and diversity within the province. This program acts as a vital conduit for employers keen on integrating fresh perspectives into their workforce by subsidizing wages for recent graduates, making hiring young talent more financially viable. Particularly conducive for small businesses, start-ups, social enterprises, and non-profits, GTO extends its support across two main streams: GTO Grow and GTO Innovate, each structured to meet distinct employment needs and opportunities within Nova Scotia.
GTO Grow is targeted at employers who are prepared to create permanent, full-time roles with a minimum annual salary of $37,500 for recent graduates. This stream aids employers by subsidizing 25% of the first year's salary followed by 12.5% in the second year, effectively lowering the barrier to hiring and retaining young professionals. The program is inclusive, extending eligibility across various sectors, ensuring that the graduates are employed in positions relevant to their field of study, thereby maximizing the potential growth and utilization of their academic skills within the regional economy.
Conversely, the GTO Innovate stream is engineered for businesses that require innovative skills brought forth by graduates holding a Master’s or PhD qualification. It focuses on positions with an emphasis on innovation-related activities such as research and product development, with positions offering minimum annual pay of $60,000. Employers can benefit from this initiative by receiving a salary subsidy of 30% in year one and 15% in year two, ensuring that Nova Scotia's innovative capabilities are enhanced through the practical application of high-level academic knowledge and research expertise.
The merit of the GTO program is further accentuated by its additional subsidy structure which offers an extra 10% subsidy in the first year for employers who hire graduates from under-represented communities, including Indigenous people, visible minorities, individuals with disabilities, and international graduates, among others. This additional incentive not only supports equitable workforce practices but also cultivates a diverse workplace environment, aligning with contemporary socio-economic goals of inclusion and diversity.
To participate in these programs, employers must ensure they meet the outlined eligibility criteria, including having a suitable new graduate candidate who has completed their post-secondary education within the past year. The seamless online application process involves setting up a LaMPSS account, reviewing guidelines meticulously, and preparing necessary documentation such as detailed job descriptions and organizational T4 summaries. The efficiency of the application process is commendable, with decisions typically communicated within a fortnight.
The GTO program stands as a testament to Nova Scotia's commitment to empowering young graduates while simultaneously enriching local businesses through the infusion of contemporary skills and innovation. By bridging the gap between academic achievement and practical employment, it ensures that the province not only retains young talent but also establishes a robust local economy poised for future growth and resilience. Through targeted financial aid, strategic employment pathways, and a deep-seated commitment to diversity, the Graduate to Opportunity program plays a crucial role in shaping the economic future of Nova Scotia, fostering opportunities for both employers and graduates alike.
