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Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) — Youth Employment Program (YEP)
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Canada
Money to hire a student
Wage Subsidies And Interns
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.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop a new product
- Research and experimental development
- Marketing a product
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)
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.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 30,000
Recruit a graduate for R&D in eco-friendly packaging
$ 30,000
Hire a graduate to develop a new mobile app
$ 30,000
Hire a market analyst for a technology feasibility study
Eligibility
- The business must be a small or medium-sized enterprise with 500 or fewer full-time equivalents.
- The business needs to be incorporated and for-profit.
- The business should be ready to enhance its innovation capacity and willing to partner with NRC IRAP.
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.
Selection criteria
- 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 its innovation capacity and willing to partner with NRC IRAP.
- The youth candidate must be aged 15 to 30 years at the start of the internship.
- The youth candidate must be a post-secondary graduate.
- The youth candidate must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person granted refugee status in Canada.
- The youth candidate must be legally entitled to work according to relevant provincial legislation and regulations.
- The youth candidate must be a first-time participant in a Youth Employment and Skills Strategy work experience program targeted at post-secondary graduates.
- The internship must last a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months with a minimum of 30 working hours per week.
How to apply
1
Contact NRC IRAP
- Call NRC IRAP toll-free at 1-877-994-4727 to begin the application process.
- Engage in an initial discussion about your business objectives and readiness to grow through innovation.
2
Eligibility Assessment
- Discuss with NRC IRAP representatives to determine if your business meets the eligibility criteria.
- If deemed eligible, you will be referred to an industrial technology advisor (ITA).
3
Consultation with Industrial Technology Advisor (ITA)
- Meet with the ITA to discuss your business strategy, opportunities for growth, and potential project ideas.
- Assess how your development and growth strategies align with the Youth Employment Program.
4
Develop a Project Proposal
- Work collaboratively with your ITA to create a detailed project proposal.
- Outline project goals, methodologies, and expected outcomes.
- Prepare supporting documentation as required.
5
Find a Youth Candidate
Utilize networks and resources to identify eligible youth candidates for your project.
6
Submit Application
- Submit the completed project proposal and required documents to NRC IRAP for review.
- Ensure all portions are completed and submitted by any designated deadlines.
7
Await Approval Response
Expect to hear back within two weeks regarding the approval status of your project.
8
Post-Approval Requirements
- Once approved, prepare to submit monthly reimbursement claims to NRC IRAP.
- Maintain records and documentation for reporting purposes.
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
1-877-994-4727
