How much funding can be received?

The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program offers funding of up to $50,000,000 to support projects aimed at addressing current and emerging workforce needs across key sectors of the Canadian economy. Eligible activities include training and reskilling workers, attracting and retaining a diverse workforce, and implementing creative solutions to meet labor market demands.

Eligible projects & activities

The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program funds projects focused on addressing workforce challenges in various key sectors. Eligible activities aim at enhancing skills and employment opportunities through targeted initiatives.

Training and reskilling workers to meet emerging workforce needs.
Implementing creative solutions to address labour market demands.
Developing solutions for employers to attract and retain skilled workers.
Establishing sector-wide standards and tools to support industry-driven initiatives.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 150,000

Launching a tech reskilling initiative for laid-off workers

$ 60,000

Implementing a mentorship program for women in tech

$ 100,000

Creating a specialized reskilling program for hospitality workers

$ 160,000

Establishing a skill-building hub for new immigrants

$ 120,000

Developing an advanced reskilling program for aging automotive workers

$ 75,000

Training Indigenous youth in digital marketing skills

Eligibility criteria of the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program program

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile, capacity, and proposed project focus.

The applicant must be a not-for-profit organization, for-profit organization, municipal government, Indigenous organization (including band council, tribal council, or self-government entities), or a provincial or territorial government body (such as an institution, agency, or Crown corporation).
The applicant must demonstrate the capacity and readiness to establish a project quickly and efficiently.
The applicant must have in-depth knowledge of skills issues in one or more sectors.
Applicants must have existing partnerships with national, provincial, and/or regional sectoral stakeholders, including cross-sectoral partners.

Who is eligible?

Eligible applicants for this grant included not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, municipal governments, Indigenous organizations (such as band councils, tribal councils, and self-government entities), and provincial or territorial government bodies, including institutions, agencies, and Crown corporations. Applicants must also have demonstrated the capacity and readiness to quickly establish a project, shown in-depth knowledge of skills issues in a sector or multiple sectors, and built established partnerships with national, provincial, and/or regional sectoral stakeholders.

Eligible expenses

This program supports large-scale projects that address workforce needs in key Canadian sectors through innovative solutions. The eligible activities focus on training, developing standards and tools, and creative solutions that enhance sectorial resilience and participation.

Training and reskilling initiatives to update workers' skills and meet sector demands.
Developing solutions to assist employers in attracting and retaining talent.
Creation and implementation of sector-wide standards and tools to enhance workforce capabilities.
Innovative solutions to address specific sectoral challenges creatively and effectively.

Eligible geographic areas

This funding source supports national or regional projects, indicating that projects need activities spanning multiple Canadian provinces or focusing within a single province, major economic hub, or key sector-based cluster.

Projects nationally active in at least three Canadian provinces or territories.
Regional projects centered in a province, a significant economic hub, or a key sector-based cluster.

Eligibility criteria of the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program program

The evaluation and selection of projects for the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program focus on various aspects to ensure that projects align with the program's objectives and deliver meaningful workforce solutions.

Organizational capacity including sector knowledge, partnerships, and governance structures.
Clear articulation of project objectives aligned with one of the policy priority areas.
Design and feasibility of project activities including timelines and partner involvement.
Expected project results with specific, measurable, and concrete outcomes.
Inclusion of diversity principles and strategies to increase the participation of equity-deserving groups.
Cost-effectiveness of the project, demonstrating reasonable and justified use of funds.

How to apply to the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program program

Gather the project documents

Complete the application form.
Finalize the detailed budget template.
Obtain confirmation letters from the project partners.

Choose the submission method

Submit an online application:
Create an account with the Online Grant and Contribution Services (SELSC).
Complete the application form following the Applicant's Guide.
Fill out the detailed budget template.
Submit an application by email:
Complete the application form and the budget template following the Applicant's Guide.
Sign the required sections and send a scanned copy of the signed pages with the other documents.
Email the documentation to the provided address.
Submit an application by mail:
Complete the application form and the budget template following the Applicant's Guide.
Print, sign, and mail the documents to the provided address.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

Organizations in Quebec must comply with specific conditions under An Act respecting the Ministère du Conseil exécutif (M-30) before signing agreements with the Government of Canada.
Successful projects are expected to commence activities quickly, within two months after the start of the project, especially for post-pandemic recovery initiatives.
There is an expectation for projects to have in-kind or cash contributions amounting to at least 10% of total project costs, except for healthcare sector projects.
Projects need to show how they will increase participation of equity-deserving groups through embedded diversity and inclusion strategies.
Equity-deserving groups targeted include women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, Black Canadians, other racialized communities, newcomers, and LGBTQ2 communities.
The program encourages collaboration with national, provincial, or regional stakeholders to ensure projects are employer or industry-driven.
Applicants are limited to submitting only one application per organization.
Projects must target a minimum of 250 participants and involve at least 50 employers, except for healthcare sector projects.