Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program
Gatineau, Canada
Funding to support employers toward economic recovery
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateFebruary 15, 2022
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 18, 2022
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant supports projects at the national level, covering activities in multiple provinces or territories, or at a regional level, focusing on a specific province, territory, or major economic hub within Canada.
- National projects: Activities must occur in at least 3 provinces/territories.
- Regional projects: Activities may occur in a specific province/territory or major economic hub within Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$100,000
Creating a specialized reskilling program for hospitality workers
$160,000
Establishing a skill-building hub for new immigrants
$150,000
Launching a tech reskilling initiative for laid-off workers
$120,000
Developing an advanced reskilling program for aging automotive workers
$60,000
Implementing a mentorship program for women in tech
$75,000
Training Indigenous youth in digital marketing skills
grant_single_labels|admissibility
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to implementing projects in line with sectoral workforce solutions.
- Training and reskilling initiatives for workers.
- Development of solutions for employers to retain and attract workforce.
- Implementation of sector-wide standards and tools.
- Creation and execution of innovative sector-specific solutions.
- Wage training subsidies to support the workforce development.
- Provision of wraparound supports to assist project participants facing participation barriers.
grant_single_labels|criteria
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.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:
- Step 1: Gather Supporting Documents and Information
- Complete the application form.
- Fill in the budget detail template.
- Obtain a letter from partner(s).
- Step 2: Decide How to Apply
- Choose from applying online, via email, or by mail.
- Step 3: Applying Online
- Create a Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) account.
- Complete the application form and budget detail template as per guidance.
- Submit the application via the GCOS platform.
- Step 4: Applying by Email
- Complete the Application for funding (EMP5523).
- Fill the budget detail template.
- Sign and scan the required sections of the forms.
- Email the completed documents to PSMS_OUVERT-SWSP_OPEN@servicecanada.gc.ca.
- Step 5: Applying by Mail
- Complete the Application for funding (EMP5523) and budget detail template.
- Print and sign all completed documents.
- Mail them to the specified address:
- Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program Coordination Unit Mailstop 402
- National Grants & Contributions Delivery Centre (ESDC)
- 140 Promenade du Portage Phase IV 4th Floor
- Gatineau QC K1A 0J9
- Step 6: After You’ve Applied
- Receive an automatic confirmation of receipt if applied online or via email.
- Receive confirmation by email within 21 calendar days if applied by mail.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
grant_single_labels|contact
PSMS_OUVERT-SWSP_OPEN@servicecanada.gc.ca
Apply to this program
Boosting Economic Recovery Through Workforce Development
The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP) by Employment and Social Development Canada is structured to aid businesses and organizations in overcoming workforce challenges through significant grants. Aimed at fostering skills development and employment needs, this program targets sectors impacted by the pandemic, promoting inclusive workforce participation.
Details on the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program and Its Impact
The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program is an ambitious initiative from Employment and Social Development Canada focused on revitalizing and equipping key sectors with the necessary workforce capabilities for post-pandemic economic recovery. This program provides significant financial backing, ranging from $5 million to $50 million, focusing on industry-driven projects that bridge the gap between current labor shortfalls and the emerging needs of Canada's rapidly changing economic landscape. Notably, projects targeting the healthcare sector are positioned for unique consideration with adjusted financial entry levels, acknowledging the critical demand for health services and workforce within this sector.
Central to the SWSP is its encouragement for collaborative efforts, advocating the unification of various sector stakeholders and provincial or territorial governments to craft comprehensive, scalable workforce solutions. By facilitating such partnerships, the program aims at stimulating large-scale initiatives intended to develop, reskill, and strategically position the workforce to adapt to modern industrial demands. This collaborative model not only enhances the effectiveness of funded projects but also ensures a symbiotic growth across sectors.
The initiative distinctly underscores the significance of implementing measures that cater to equity-deserving groups, as it seeks to embed principles of diversity and inclusion within project designs. This is critical in promoting equitable workforce participation, while simultaneously addressing skill gaps prevalent in sectors such as clean technology, construction, agriculture, and information technology, among others. Through such targeted support, the SWSP aims to democratize access to opportunities, thereby reinforcing the broader labor market.
Additionally, the SWSP mandates that projects should launch activities promptly within two months of inception, underscoring a keen emphasis on timely impact realization. This precise timeline ensures that the grant's objectives align closely with the urgent workforce recovery needs and economic vitality of Canada. Moreover, projects are expected to incorporate supportive measures termed "wraparound supports," ensuring that participants, particularly from equity-seeking communities, have all the necessary resources to fully engage with the program’s training initiatives.
As organizations contemplate applying for such substantial support, they are required to demonstrate significant organizational capacity and partnerships, present clear and measurable project objectives, and ensure a strong governance structure that will support efficient project management and accountability. The SWSP also accentuates the necessity for projects to be cost-effective while delivering substantial measurable benefits, with a clear expectation on results reporting to evaluate the impact of funded projects.
The SWSP marks a formidable opportunity for qualifying organizations across Canada to elevate their workforce strategies, drive sector-specific innovation, and enhance their resilience to future economic disruptions. By aligning project goals with national employment strategies, organizations can significantly contribute to Canada's economic resurgence while fostering an adaptive, skilled, and diverse workforce ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges today.
