Manitoba — First Jobs Fund
MN, Canada
Support for employing youth facing employment barriers
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateJanuary 01, 2016
- grant_single|closingDateOctober 01, 2023
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
Wage Subsidies And Interns
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Manitoba
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|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.
grant_single_labels|projects
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.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
There is no specific mention of eligible expenses in the provided context.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
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.
grant_single_labels|criteria
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.
grant_single_labels|register
- 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.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
youthpartnerships@gov.mb.ca
Apply to this program
Empowering Youth with the First Jobs Fund
The First Jobs Fund, once open, provided vital support to Manitoba organizations aiming to employ youth aged 15 to 29, especially those facing employment barriers, emphasizing BIPOC youth. This program uniquely combined job readiness activities with substantial work experience to prepare young individuals for successful career paths.
In-Depth Exploration of the First Jobs Fund Benefits and Structure
The First Jobs Fund was an initiative designed to bridge the gap between youth needing their first employment experiences and organizations willing to support them. Focused on Manitoba's youth, particularly those from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) backgrounds, this initiative aimed to address systemic barriers by offering comprehensive employment programming. The program mandated a blend of job readiness activities and direct work experience, ensuring participating youth not only gained employability skills but also substantial practical experience within their chosen fields.
Organizations eligible for this fund were primarily non-profits and NGOs, or private businesses collaborating with these entities, reflecting a commitment to addressing social and economic disparities. In particular, the program encouraged the incorporation of Truth and Reconciliation activities, fostering both employment opportunities and cultural awareness.
Employability was enhanced through tailored workshops focusing on foundational skills such as literacy and language, employability skills, and short-term training tailored to industry demands. Such activities were essential in equipping youth with the necessary tools to navigate Manitoba's labor market effectively. The structured approach not only facilitated immediate job placement but also ensured long-term career readiness by embedding critical skills required by employers.
The fund supported initiatives targeting key economic sectors experiencing job demand, thus aligning youth skills with market needs. By doing so, not only were employment gaps addressed, but economic development within Manitoba was bolstered. A significant feature of this program was the wage subsidy, ensuring youth could benefit from paid work experience, which is critical in breaking cycles of poverty and unemployment.
Monitoring and reporting were integral to the fund's operations, with participating organizations required to use the Manitoba government’s Service Provider Reporting System. This ensured transparency and accountability, allowing for accurate assessment of program impacts and adjustments to maximize benefit.
Importantly, work placements under this program could not displace existing employees or reduce the hours of current staff, guaranteeing that job creation was genuine and sustainable. The emphasis was very much on supporting new employment pathways without negatively impacting the existing workforce.
Furthermore, this fund recognized the specific challenges faced by youth in rural and northern communities. By prioritizing support for these areas, the fund sought to level the playing field, ensuring all Manitoba youth could access meaningful employment opportunities regardless of their geographical location.
The First Jobs Fund stood as a testament to Manitoba's dedication to youth empowerment through strategic employment interventions. By supporting projects with up to $225,000, the province invested in building a future workforce skilled, resilient, and ready to contribute meaningfully to the economy and society at large. This initiative highlighted the province's acknowledgment of youth potential as a driving force for more inclusive and diverse economic growth.
