Open
People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream
Wage subsidy to hire Indigenous interns in Northern Ontario
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 52,500
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
Get funding to cover up to 75% of an Indigenous intern's salary and employer's portion of MERCs to a maximum of $52,500/year (for-profit businesses) or up to 90% of an Indigenous intern’s salary and employer’s portion of MERCs to a maximum of $35,000 per
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 52,500 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Rural or Northern Residents
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Municipal
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
The Indigenous Workforce Development Stream grant supports initiatives that focus on offering internships to Indigenous persons in Northern Ontario. These internships are tailored to promote workforce entry, career transitions, and professional skill development.
- Provision of salaries/wages and the employer’s portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs) for a limited-term internship position of 52 weeks.
- Hiring of apprentices under a registered apprenticeship program for eligible funding.
- Support for the extension of the internship placement period up to 18 months for apprenticeship roles to accommodate off-site training needs.
- Eligibility for businesses to apply for a two-year internship when the intern is required to complete professional experience exceeding 52 weeks for certification or designation purposes.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Eligible applicants for the Indigenous Workforce Development Stream are businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations located in Northern Ontario that have been operational for at least one year. These entities must have a minimum of one full-time employee to be considered eligible for the program.Who is not eligible
While the grant does not explicitly exclude specific industries or types of companies, certain restrictions related to the nature of the position and selection process might limit eligibility. These ensure alignment with the grant's workforce development goals.
- Positions that involve manual labour or require minimal training (less than six months).
- Clerical positions focused on tasks such as answering phones or general office work.
- Roles primarily in retail and general sales.
- Employers hiring immediate family members or relatives, except in limited labour base communities.
Eligible expenses
This grant program is designed to enhance the Indigenous workforce by supporting paid internship opportunities. Eligible projects focus on creating meaningful positions that address skill development and career growth in Northern Ontario.
- Internship positions offering career entry for Indigenous individuals in Northern Ontario.
- Internships in skilled trades or professions experiencing labour shortages in Northern Ontario.
- Internship opportunities that facilitate skill development and provide transferable skills.
- Creation of internship work plans that incorporate direct onsite supervision and training.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to entities located within Northern Ontario to support the development of the Indigenous workforce. The focus on this geographical area aims to strengthen local employment and training initiatives.
- Businesses operating in Northern Ontario.
- Municipalities within Northern Ontario.
- Indigenous communities located in Northern Ontario.
- Not-for-profit organizations based in Northern Ontario.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Participants must not have previously participated in a NOHFC-funded internship.
- A conditional contribution can cover a significant portion of salary depending on the organization type, with a cap per year.
- Insurance coverage must include Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation as additional insured with other specific requirements.
- Employers may hire an intern before funding approval, but at their own risk, and only upon proof of a fair selection process.
- Immediate family members or relatives of owners and directors generally cannot be hired as interns, with some exceptions in smaller communities.
Frequently Asked Questions about the People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream. 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 People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream?
Get funding to cover up to 75% of an Indigenous intern's salary and employer's portion of MERCs to a maximum of $52,500/year (for-profit businesses) or up to 90% of an Indigenous intern’s salary and employer’s portion of MERCs to a maximum of $35,000 per
How much funding can be received?
People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $52,500 per project.
Who is eligible for the People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream program?
To be eligible for the People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream program, you must:
Businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations located in Northern Ontario.
Must have been in operation for at least one year.
Must have a minimum of one full-time employee.
What expenses are eligible under People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream?
The Indigenous Workforce Development Stream grant supports initiatives that focus on offering internships to Indigenous persons in Northern Ontario. These internships are tailored to promote workforce entry, career transitions, and professional skill development. Provision of salaries/wages and the employer’s portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs) for a limited-term internship position of 52 weeks.
Hiring of apprentices under a registered apprenticeship program for eligible funding.
Support for the extension of the internship placement period up to 18 months for apprenticeship roles to accommodate off-site training needs.
Eligibility for businesses to apply for a two-year internship when the intern is required to complete professional experience exceeding 52 weeks for certification or designation purposes.
Who can I contact for more information about the People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream?
You can contact Government of Ontario (ON).
Where is the People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream available?
The People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?
People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream is a Wage Subsidies And Interns