How much funding can be received?

Get financial assistance to help cover the cost of hiring a post-secondary graduate (15 to 30 years old) for 6 to 12 months to work on projects with R&D, engineering, multimedia or market analysis components or the development of a new product or process.

grant_single_labels|projects

Eligible projects and activities for this grant include those with R&D, engineering, multimedia, or market analysis components, as well as the development of new products or processes.

Advance research and development activities
Conduct engineering projects
Create multimedia content
Perform market analyses for new technology-based products
Develop new products
Develop new processes
Support business development related to science and technology activities
Improve customer services

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$30,000

Calgary

Developing a new mobile app for virtual health consultations in Calgary.

$20,000

Ottawa

Developing an AI-driven market analysis tool for small businesses in Ottawa.

$25,000

Vancouver

Creating an interactive multimedia exhibit about Indigenous cultures in Vancouver.

$30,000

Montreal

Conducting R&D for sustainable packaging solutions in Montreal's food industry.

$25,000

Toronto

Improving customer service systems for an IT service provider in Toronto.

$22,000

Hamilton

Designing a new process for recycling electronic waste in Hamilton.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

To be eligible for financial assistance through the NRC Youth Employment Program, certain criteria must be met for both businesses and youth candidates.

Business must be a small or medium-sized enterprise with 500 or fewer full-time equivalents
Business must be incorporated and for-profit
Business must be ready to enhance innovation capacity and willing to partner with NRC IRAP
Youth candidate must be 15 to 30 years of age at the start of the internship
Youth candidate must be a post-secondary graduate
Youth candidate must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident of Canada, or person granted refugee status in Canada
Youth candidate must be legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial legislation and regulations
Youth candidate must be a first-time participant in a Youth Employment and Skills Strategy work experience program targeted at post-secondary graduates

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Yes, there are specific types of companies eligible for this grant. Eligible companies must meet certain criteria to receive financial assistance for hiring young talent under the Youth Employment Program.

A small or medium-sized business (500 or fewer full-time equivalents)
Incorporated and for-profit
Ready to enhance innovation capacity and willing to partner with NRC IRAP

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

There are no specific types of companies mentioned in the grant context that are not eligible for the grant.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

Eligible expenses for this grant program include a portion of the youth candidate's salary costs. Other expenses remain the responsibility of the business.

Portion of the youth candidate's salary costs

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant does not specify any particular geographic eligibility constraints within Canada. It is open to eligible businesses across the country.

nothing

grant_single_labels|criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) Youth Employment Program. These criteria include eligibility parameters for both businesses and youth candidates.

Businesses must be small or medium-sized (500 or fewer full-time equivalents).
Businesses must be incorporated and for-profit.
Businesses must be ready to enhance their innovation capacity and willing to partner with NRC IRAP.
Youth candidates must be between 15 to 30 years of age at the start of the internship.
Youth candidates must be post-secondary graduates.
Youth candidates must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, or persons granted refugee status in Canada.
Youth candidates must be legally entitled to work according to relevant provincial legislation and regulations.
Youth candidates must be first-time participants in a Youth Employment and Skills Strategy work experience program targeted at post-secondary graduates.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Call the toll-free number (1-877-994-4727) to discuss eligibility and business objectives.
Step 2: Discuss needs with an industrial technology advisor (ITA).
Step 3: Develop a project proposal with assistance from the ITA.
Step 4: Find a youth candidate through networks provided by your ITA.
Step 5: Submit the project proposal to NRC IRAP.
Step 6: Await approval, typically within two weeks.
Step 7: If approved, submit monthly reimbursement claims to NRC IRAP.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The Youth Employment Program helps small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) enhance their innovation capacity by providing financial assistance to hire young talent. The program is designed to support business development and improve customer services, while aiding young Canadians in transitioning into the labour market.

Businesses must be incorporated and for-profit to be eligible.
The program is under the federal government's Youth Employment and Skills Strategy.
The candidate must work a minimum of 30 hours per week.
The program covers a minimum of 6 months to a maximum of 12 months.
The youth candidate must be 15 to 30 years old at the start of the internship.
The candidate must be a post-secondary graduate.
Candidates must be first-time participants in a Youth Employment and Skills Strategy work experience program targeted at post-secondary graduates.
Small or medium-sized businesses (500 or fewer full-time equivalents) are eligible.
Businesses must be willing to partner with NRC IRAP and ready to enhance innovation capacity.
Businesses remain responsible for other expenses including benefits and overhead costs.

grant_single_labels|contact

1-877-994-4727

Apply to this program

Youth Employment Program: Fueling Innovation through Young Talent

Introduction to the Youth Employment Program

The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) offers financial assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to hire young talent through the Youth Employment Program. Designed under the federal government's Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, this program aims to help young Canadians enter the workforce, develop essential skills, and foster innovation within Canadian businesses.

Why Hire Young Talent?

Young professionals bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. By integrating young talent into your team, your business can benefit from increased creativity, new ways of thinking, and enhanced problem-solving capabilities. Hiring young individuals through this program can help advance your research and development, engineering, multimedia activities, develop new products and processes, conduct market analyses, support business development, and improve customer services.

Eligibility Criteria for Businesses

To access financial assistance through the Youth Employment Program, your business must meet specific eligibility criteria: - **Size of Business**: Your enterprise must be a small or medium-sized business with 500 or fewer full-time equivalents. - **Type of Business**: The business should be incorporated and for-profit. - **Innovation Readiness**: Your organization must be ready to enhance its innovation capacity and willing to partner with NRC IRAP.

Eligibility Criteria for Youth

The youth internship must last between six to twelve months, commencing with a minimum of 30 hours of work per week. Eligible candidates should meet the following criteria: - **Age Requirement**: The candidate must be between 15 to 30 years of age at the start of the internship. - **Educational Background**: They must be post-secondary graduates. - **Citizenship**: The candidate should be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or a person granted refugee status in Canada. - **Legal Work Entitlement**: The candidate must be legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial legislation and regulations. - **Program Participation**: They should be first-time participants in a Youth Employment and Skills Strategy work experience program aimed at post-secondary graduates.

Steps to Access the Program

1. **Initial Contact**: Call NRC IRAP toll-free at 1-877-994-4727 to discuss your eligibility. You will be asked about your business objectives and your capacity to grow through innovation. 2. **Consultation with ITA**: If eligible, you will be referred to an Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA) who will discuss your strategy, issues, opportunities, and future plans. This meeting can be in-person to better understand your business. 3. **Proposal Development**: The ITA will help you develop a project proposal for submission to NRC IRAP. 4. **Find a Youth Candidate**: Your ITA can connect you with networks to locate suitable candidates. 5. **Application Review**: You will hear back about the approval of your project within two weeks. Once approved, submit monthly reimbursement claims to NRC IRAP.

Financial Assistance and Support

The program provides partial funding to cover the youth candidate's salary costs, but businesses remain responsible for associated expenses, including benefits and overhead costs. This financial support significantly reduces the burden on SMEs, making it easier to hire young talent.

Benefits to Young Professionals

Participating in the Youth Employment Program helps young professionals transition into the workforce, offering them a valuable opportunity to gain real-world experience and develop essential skills. This experience can be pivotal in shaping their future careers and making them more employable in a competitive job market.

Impact on Innovation and Economic Growth

By integrating young talent into their teams, businesses not only benefit individually but also contribute to the broader objective of enhancing Canada's innovation ecosystem. This infusion of fresh perspectives and new skills can drive technological advancement, improve business processes, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Success Stories

Many SMEs across Canada have successfully leveraged the Youth Employment Program to fuel their growth and innovation. These companies have seen significant improvements in product development, market research, and customer service, thanks to the fresh perspectives brought by their young recruits.

Conclusion

The Youth Employment Program by NRC IRAP is a valuable initiative for both young professionals and businesses in Canada. By providing financial assistance to SMEs to hire young talent, the program not only fosters innovation but also helps young Canadians gain meaningful work experience. This win-win scenario strengthens Canada's economic and innovation landscape, ensuring that businesses are well-equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing market. If your business is looking to innovate and grow, consider leveraging this program to bring fresh, young talent into your team. For more information, call NRC IRAP toll-free at 1-877-994-4727 and start your journey towards enhanced innovation and growth.