Closed
Manitoba — First Jobs Fund
Support for employing youth facing employment barriers
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
$ 225,000
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2016
- Closing date : October 1, 2023
Location
Manitoba, Canada
Overview
The First Jobs Fund in Manitoba was designed to support organizations aiming to hire youth facing employment barriers, particularly BIPOC youth, by developing job readiness activities and work experience initiatives. Organizations could apply for up to $225,000 to deliver programming that included employability skills, mentorship, job coaching, and life skills to youth participants.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 225,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2016
- Closing date : October 1, 2023
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Manitoba
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Social Services
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Young adults
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
This fund facilitates programs that empower youth, particularly those facing employment barriers, to gain necessary skills and work experience. The eligible projects involve comprehensive support activities to prepare youth effectively for the workforce.
- Intake process to review service offerings and engage participants.
- Case management and counseling support for youth to achieve employment goals.
- Job search assistance through workshops or one-on-one support to clarify employment goals, prepare resumes, and develop interview skills.
- Job development, matching, and placement to connect youth with suitable employment opportunities, including wage subsidies.
- Short-term skills training to build employability skills.
- Foundational skills training to improve literacy and language skills.
- Employability skills workshops to prepare youth for the world of work.
Eligibility
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.
Additional information
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Manitoba — First Jobs Fund Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Manitoba — First Jobs Fund. 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 Manitoba — First Jobs Fund?
The First Jobs Fund in Manitoba was designed to support organizations aiming to hire youth facing employment barriers, particularly BIPOC youth, by developing job readiness activities and work experience initiatives. Organizations could apply for up to $225,000 to deliver programming that included employability skills, mentorship, job coaching, and life skills to youth participants.
How much funding can be received?
Manitoba — First Jobs Fund Funds up to $225,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was October 1, 2023.
Who is eligible for the Manitoba — First Jobs Fund program?
To be eligible for the Manitoba — First Jobs Fund program, you must:
The organization must be a registered non-profit or non-governmental organization.
The organization should focus on serving youth (ages 15-29) facing employment barriers.
The organization must implement Truth and Reconciliation activities.
What expenses are eligible under Manitoba — First Jobs Fund?
This fund facilitates programs that empower youth, particularly those facing employment barriers, to gain necessary skills and work experience. The eligible projects involve comprehensive support activities to prepare youth effectively for the workforce. Intake process to review service offerings and engage participants.
Case management and counseling support for youth to achieve employment goals.
Job search assistance through workshops or one-on-one support to clarify employment goals, prepare resumes, and develop interview skills.
Job development, matching, and placement to connect youth with suitable employment opportunities, including wage subsidies.
Short-term skills training to build employability skills.
Foundational skills training to improve literacy and language skills.
Employability skills workshops to prepare youth for the world of work.
Who can I contact for more information about the Manitoba — First Jobs Fund?
You can contact Government of Manitoba by email at youthpartnerships@gov.mb.ca.
Where is the Manitoba — First Jobs Fund available?
The Manitoba — First Jobs Fund program is available the province of Manitoba.