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Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Youth Employment Program (YEP)
Money to hire a student
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 30,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Canada
Overview
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product or service
- Conduct research and development activities
- Launch or market a product/service
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 30,000 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 500 employees maximum
Audience
- Youth (<40)
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Advancing research and development, engineering, and multimedia activities.
- Developing new products and processes.
- Conducting market analyses for new technology-based products.
- Supporting business development related to science and technology activities.
- Improving customer services through innovative solutions.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small or medium-sized businesses (500 or fewer full-time equivalents)
- Incorporated and for-profit companies
- Companies interested in innovation and willing to partner with NRC IRAP
Who is not eligible
This grant overview does not explicitly list any ineligible companies or industries. As such, there are no defined restrictions mentioned for businesses that cannot apply based on their status or primary activity.
Eligible expenses
- Portion of the youth candidate's salary costs.
Eligible geographic areas
- Businesses located anywhere in Canada.
Additional information
- Applicants will receive a response within two weeks after submitting their project proposal regarding approval status.
- Monthly reimbursement claims must be submitted once the project is approved.
- The program only cost-shares a portion of youth salary expenses; employers are responsible for benefits and overhead costs.
- For feedback or improvements, applicants can follow the NRC IRAP feedback process.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Youth Employment Program (YEP) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Youth Employment Program (YEP). 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 Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Youth Employment Program (YEP)?
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.
How much funding can be received?
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Youth Employment Program (YEP) Funds up to $30,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Youth Employment Program (YEP) program?
To be eligible for the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Youth Employment Program (YEP) program, you must:
The business must be a small or medium-sized enterprise with 500 or fewer full-time equivalents.
The business must be incorporated and for-profit.
The business must be ready to enhance innovation capacity and be willing to partner with NRC IRAP.
What expenses are eligible under Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Youth Employment Program (YEP)?
Advancing research and development, engineering, and multimedia activities.
Developing new products and processes.
Conducting market analyses for new technology-based products.
Supporting business development related to science and technology activities.
Improving customer services through innovative solutions.
Who can I contact for more information about the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Youth Employment Program (YEP)?
You can contact National Research Council Canada (NRC) or by phone at 1-877-994-4727.
Where is the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Youth Employment Program (YEP) available?
The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Youth Employment Program (YEP) program is available across Canada.
Is the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Youth Employment Program (YEP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Youth Employment Program (YEP) is a Wage Subsidies And Interns