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People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream
ON, Canada
Wage subsidy to hire Indigenous interns in Northern Ontario
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Wage Subsidies And Interns
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
- Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The People & Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream provides funding to support internships for Indigenous persons in Northern Ontario, with variations in conditional contributions based on the type of organization. The funding modalities ensure targeted financial support for salary and employment-related costs, reflecting the program's focus on workforce development.
- For eligible municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations, funding is in the form of a conditional contribution up to 90% of an Indigenous intern’s salary and employer’s portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs), capped at $35,000 per year.
- For eligible businesses, funding comes as a conditional contribution covering up to 75% of an Indigenous intern’s salary and employer’s portion of MERCs, up to a maximum of $52,500 per year.
- Funding payments are made generally on a cost-incurred basis, with disbursements at six-month intervals and at the end of the internship.
- Combined NOHFC funding and other provincial/federal government sources are limited to 90% of eligible costs for municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit employers, and 75% for businesses.
- An evaluation by the NOHFC Board of Directors determines the final funding amount, recognizing that not all qualifying projects will receive approval due to funding limitations.
grant_single_labels|projects
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.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 31,500
Facilitating an Indigenous internship in software testing
$ 33,750
Implementing an Indigenous research internship at a university
$ 33,750
Developing an Indigenous internship program focusing on financial analysis
$ 39,375
Launching an Indigenous internship for a web developer
$ 33,000
Initiating an Indigenous apprenticeship internship in carpentry
$ 35,000
Creating a two-year internship for professional certification
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant requires that the applying organization meets certain operational and locational criteria.
- The applicant must be a business, municipality, Indigenous community, or a not-for-profit organization.
- The location of the applicant must be in Northern Ontario.
- The organization must have been in operation for at least one year.
- The organization must have a minimum of one full-time employee.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
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.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria that assess the potential impact and sustainability of the internship positions in Northern Ontario.
- The extent to which the position addresses a labour shortage or supports the development of a skilled trade or profession in Northern Ontario.
- The opportunity for the placement to result in a full-time, permanent job with the applicant or another Northern Ontario business.
- The quality of the skill development opportunity and the potential for the position to provide specific and recognizable transferrable skills.
- The quality of the position's work/training plan and direct onsite supervision methods.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Ensure your organization is eligible and meets the criteria for the Indigenous Workforce Development Stream.
- Confirm that the potential intern meets all the eligibility requirements.
- Step 2: Develop Internship Plan
- Outline the internship position that addresses a labour shortage or supports skill development in Northern Ontario.
- Prepare a training and work plan for the intern with clear objectives and skill development opportunities.
- Ensure the position provides significant and recognizable transferrable skills and includes direct onsite supervision.
- Step 3: Compile Application Documents
- Gather necessary documents including organizational details, proposed internship details, and any supporting materials.
- Ensure compliance with required insurance standards and have the certificate ready, if granted funding.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Access the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation's online portal or application form.
- Fill out the application form accurately with all required information.
- Attach all necessary documents and double-check for completeness.
- Submit the application by the specified deadline.
- Step 5: Post-Submission
- Receive confirmation of submission with an application number for future reference.
- Prepare for potential follow-up or requests for additional details from the funding body.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
