How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 225000% of admissible expenses.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Manitoba — First Jobs Fund?

Manitoba — First Jobs Fund is funded by Government of Manitoba

What are Manitoba — First Jobs Fund's eligibility criterias?

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.

Manitoba — First Jobs Fund

Last Update: July 22, 2025

MN, Canada

Support for employing youth facing employment barriers

Manitoba — First Jobs Fund at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $225,000

Timeline

Open Date : January 1, 2016
Closing date : October 1, 2023

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Wage Subsidies And Interns

Eligible Industries

All industries

Grant Providers

Government of Manitoba

Program status

Closed

Overview of the Manitoba — First Jobs Fund program

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.

Financing terms and conditions

The Manitoba First Jobs Fund provides organizations with funding to support youth employment initiatives with priority given to new employees in specific sectors. Funding is allocated based on availability and alignment with program priorities.

Organizations can apply for funding up to a maximum of $225,000 per project.
Funding is specifically available for hiring new employees only.
Projects focusing on program priorities such as Truth and Reconciliation activities and in-demand job skills are prioritized.
Funding allocations are determined by the availability of funds and the project's alignment with key program priorities.
Funding cannot be used to replace existing employees or reduce current employees' hours.
Retroactive funding for previously hired youth is not eligible.

Eligible projects & activities

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 criteria of the Manitoba — First Jobs Fund program

Eligibility for the First Jobs Fund requires organizations to meet specific criteria related to the type of organization and program activities.

The organization must be a registered non-profit or non-government organization.
If a private business is involved, it can only partner with a non-profit or NGO and cannot apply independently.
The organization must provide job opportunities to youth aged 15-29 facing barriers to employment, with emphasis on BIPOC youth.
Organizations must be implementing Truth and Reconciliation activities.
The projects must support key economic sectors or in-demand jobs.

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.

Eligibility criteria of the Manitoba — First Jobs Fund program

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.

How to apply to the Manitoba — First Jobs Fund program

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.

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.

Read Application Guidelines

Review the application guidelines thoroughly to understand the definitions, instructions, and other critical information for completing your application.

Submit Application

Submit the completed application form and project budget by the specified deadline.

Confirmation of Submission

After submission, confirm receipt with the program contacts or through the designated submission portal if applicable.

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.

Contact Government of Manitoba

youthpartnerships@gov.mb.ca

Apply to this program

Funding for workforce training in Manitoba