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GradWorks — Employer Incentive Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

GradWorks — Employer Incentive Program Funds up to 66% of admissible expenses, capped at $30,360 per project.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the GradWorks — Employer Incentive Program?

You can contact Nova Scotia Community College.

Q: Where is the GradWorks — Employer Incentive Program available?

The GradWorks — Employer Incentive Program program is available the province of Nova Scotia.

Q: Is the GradWorks — Employer Incentive Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

GradWorks — Employer Incentive Program is a Wage Subsidies And Interns

Last Update: March 4, 2026

Nova Scotia, Canada

Connect with skilled graduates in Nova Scotia

Wage Subsidies And Interns

Nova Scotia Community College

Overview

Get up to 66% (maximum $30,360) salary support when you hire a qualified NSCC graduate for up to one year.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Improve employee retention

Develop employee skills

Eligible Funding

Maximum amount : 30,360 $
Up to 66% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction
Utilities
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Transportation and warehousing
Information and cultural industries
Finance and insurance
Professional, scientific and technical services
Management of companies and enterprises
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Accommodation and food services
Other services (except public administration)

Location

Nova Scotia

Legal structures

Financial cooperative
Non-profit
Public or Parapublic institution
For-profit business
Sole proprietorship
Social economy enterprise
Non-financial cooperative

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

All groups

Non-profit candidates

Sector of operation

Higher Education
Economic, Social and Community Development
Employment and Training
Business Associations

Target groups

Business owners / entrepreneurs
Academia / students

Revenue structures

All structures

Scope

Regional
Provincial

Activities funded

Hiring NSCC graduates from the Human Resource Management program.
Employing graduates from the Industrial Engineering Technology diploma.
Utilizing graduates with Occupational Health and Safety certification.
Engaging graduates in advanced manufacturing training, subject to special approvals.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 30,360

Employing a graduate for advanced manufacturing training to boost productivity and innovation

$ 30,360

Onboarding a certified occupational health and safety graduate to implement comprehensive safety programs

$ 30,360

Recruiting a Human Resource Management graduate to enhance employee engagement strategies

$ 30,360

Integrating an NSCC graduate into our HR team to manage talent acquisition and employee retention

$ 30,360

Engaging an NSCC Industrial Engineering Technology graduate to streamline manufacturing processes

$ 30,360

Hiring an Occupational Health and Safety specialist to improve workplace safety protocols

Eligibility

Employers must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the GradWorks program.

The business should operate in most sectors, with a preference given to business-to-business organizations focused on export and innovation.
The business must not be in the retail/wholesale, real estate, government services, or personal/social services sectors.
Businesses that have previously received funding through a similar ACOA-supported program may not be eligible.

Who is eligible?

Employers in most business sectors are eligible to participate in the GradWorks program, with a preference given to business-to-business organizations focused on export and innovation. However, businesses in retail/wholesale, real estate, government services, services of a personal or social nature, or those that have received funding through a similar ACOA-supported program in the past, are not eligible.

Who is not eligible

Certain types of companies and industries are not eligible to participate in this grant program. These restrictions are in place to ensure alignment with the program’s objectives.

Retail/wholesale businesses.
Real estate companies.
Government services.
Businesses providing services of a personal or social nature.
Businesses that have previously received funding through a similar ACOA-supported program.

Eligible expenses

This program facilitates the employment of NSCC graduates in various fields by providing salary support to employers. It focuses on enhancing company capacity and improving productivity through the hiring of graduates.

Hiring NSCC graduates in Human Resource Management.
Employing graduates from Industrial Engineering Technology programs.
Incorporating graduates specialized in Occupational Health and Safety.
Engaging graduates from programs with advanced manufacturing training, subject to special approvals.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specifically aimed at companies located within a certain Canadian region. Eligible geographical areas are chosen to foster regional economic growth and innovation.

Companies located in Nova Scotia.

Selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for the GradWorks employer incentive program. Employers are evaluated based on specific criteria to determine their eligibility for the program.

Demonstrated commitment to innovation and export development
Capacity to support productivity and profitability
Alignment with the objectives of the program
No previous funding received through a similar ACOA-supported program

How to apply

Application Submission

Fill out the GradWorks application form available from the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) website or contact their office directly.

Participant Guide Review

Download and read the Participant Guide for Employers to understand the program details, requirements, and any other relevant information.

Contact for Assistance

Reach out to NSCC with any questions or for support through the contact information provided in their materials.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Employers receive up to 66 per cent salary support when hiring qualified NSCC graduates for up to a one-year period.
GradWorks is funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and managed by NSCC.
Employers are encouraged to contact NSCC Student Services for more information or general inquiries.
Technical support information is available for employers needing assistance with the application process.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the GradWorks — Employer Incentive Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the GradWorks — Employer Incentive Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the GradWorks — Employer Incentive Program?

How much funding can be received?

Who is eligible for the GradWorks — Employer Incentive Program program?

To be eligible for the GradWorks — Employer Incentive Program program, you must: Employers must be in most business sectors with a preference for business-to-business organizations focused on export and innovation. Employers must not belong to retail/wholesale, real estate, government services, or services of a personal or social nature sectors. Employers must not have received funding through a similar ACOA-supported program in the past.

What expenses are eligible under GradWorks — Employer Incentive Program?

The GradWorks Employer Incentive Program focuses on connecting NSCC graduates with small-to-medium sized businesses in Nova Scotia. The aim is to support sectors in advanced manufacturing and business-to-business organizations, emphasizing innovation and export. Hiring NSCC graduates from the Human Resource Management program. Employing graduates from the Industrial Engineering Technology diploma. Utilizing graduates with Occupational Health and Safety certification. Engaging graduates in advanced manufacturing training, subject to special approvals.