Manitoba — First Jobs Fund

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies and organizations due to their status or main activity. The restrictions ensure that funds are allocated to entities capable of providing first job experiences to youth in need.

• Private businesses applying independently without partnership with a non-profit or NGO.
• Federal and Provincial government departments, agencies and Crown corporations.
• Organizations hiring immediate relatives of the owner, hiring authority, or any director.
• Individuals who are owners, part-owners, or board members of the applicant organization.
• Self-employed individuals, independent contractors, sub-contractors, independent commission salespersons, individuals involved in one-on-one personal services, or those paid on a piece-work basis.
• Employees currently approved/participating in another provincial or federal wage incentive program.

Eligible expenses

There is no specific mention of eligible expenses in the provided context.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is specific to Manitoba, as it is administered by the Province of Manitoba's Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources department. Eligible work experience placements must be based in this province.

• Organizations and placements located in Manitoba.

The evaluation and selection of projects for the First Jobs Fund are conducted through a two-phase process focused on meeting basic eligibility and specific assessment criteria to align with the program's objectives.

• Experience: The organization must demonstrate background, knowledge, expertise, and capacity to deliver the proposed programming to youth clients.
• Project Activities: Activities must be clearly outlined to support youth in gaining employability skills and work experience.
• Project Outcomes: Clearly stated, realistic, and measurable outcomes are expected for the project's success.
• Project Costs: Costs should be clearly outlined with budget items aligning with project activities, assessed based on requested funds and number of clients served.
• Priority: Priority is given to projects targeting youth with multiple barriers to employment, including paid work experience opportunities, addressing Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, providing skills for in-demand jobs or key economic sectors, and offering services in rural or northern communities.

• Step 1: Ensure Eligibility
• Verify that your organization meets all program eligibility criteria, including being a non-profit or NGO, focusing on youth employment barriers, and engaging in Truth and Reconciliation activities.
• Step 2: Application Form and Budget
• Complete the First Jobs Fund application form accurately, ensuring all necessary sections are filled out.
• Prepare a detailed project budget aligned with the proposed activities.
• Step 3: Read Application Guidelines
• Review the application guidelines thoroughly to understand the definitions, instructions, and other critical information for completing your application.
• Step 4: Submit Application
• Submit the completed application form and project budget by the specified deadline.
• Step 5: Confirmation of Submission
• After submission, confirm receipt with the program contacts or through the designated submission portal if applicable.

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

• The funded positions should not cause any layoffs, reduction of hours, or dismissal of current employees within the organization.
• Work experience placements are only for new employees and not for previously hired youth, and retroactive support is not eligible.
• The positions funded by the First Jobs Fund must not be concurrently funded by other federal, provincial, or municipal employment programs.
• Employers participating in the program must provide ongoing performance feedback and an end-of-term evaluation to the youth employees.
• Organizations need to use the Manitoba government Service Provider Reporting System (SPRS) for capturing program outputs and outcomes, along with monthly financial reporting of program expenses.