Closed
Skills Catalyst Fund
Supports innovative workforce development projects
Last Update: May 15, 2026
Funding available
$ 500,000
Timeline
- Closing date : January 27, 2020
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Skills Catalyst Fund supports innovative workforce development projects that test new approaches to labour market challenges. It offers up to 80% of project costs, to a maximum of $500,000, for initiatives such as partnership development, skills development, job pathways, and employer-led training investments.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 500,000 $
- Up to 80% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : January 27, 2020
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Partnership development projects.
- Skills and competency development projects.
- Job pathway support projects.
- Employer-led training initiatives.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses
- Non-profit organizations
- Labour organizations
- Training organizations
- Education organizations
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Selection criteria
- Innovation in the proposed solution.
- Strong employment or employability outcomes.
- Support for labour market participation.
- Local or regional relevance to labour market needs.
How to apply
- Step 1: Review program guidelines
- Read the Program Guidelines posted on the funder’s website.
- Step 2: Prepare your proposal
- Develop a project proposal aligned with the program themes.
- Include the required information for a call for proposals response.
- Step 3: Request clarification if needed
- Send questions about the program or the response process to the ministry contact email.
- Step 4: Submit the application
- Respond to the call for proposals according to the instructions in the program guidelines.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission by the ministry.
- Applicants may be asked for clarification about the proposal.
- Funding decisions follow the call for proposals process.
Additional information
- Applicants are encouraged to review the Program Guidelines on the funder’s website.
- Questions or requests for clarification can be sent to the Ministry’s Workforce Policy and Innovation Division.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Skills Catalyst Fund Program
What is the Skills Catalyst Fund?
The Skills Catalyst Fund supports innovative workforce development projects that test new approaches to labour market challenges. It offers up to 80% of project costs, to a maximum of $500,000, for initiatives such as partnership development, skills development, job pathways, and employer-led training investments.
How much funding can be received?
Skills Catalyst Fund Funds up to 80% of admissible expenses, capped at $500,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Skills Catalyst Fund program?
To be eligible for the Skills Catalyst Fund program, you must:
Partnership-based project.
Innovative training or workforce development approach.
Supports employment or employability outcomes.
What expenses are eligible under Skills Catalyst Fund?
Partnership development projects.
Skills and competency development projects.
Job pathway support projects.
Employer-led training initiatives.
Who can I contact for more information about the Skills Catalyst Fund?
You can contact Ontario Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development by email at skillscatalystfund@ontario.ca.
Where is the Skills Catalyst Fund available?
The Skills Catalyst Fund program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Skills Catalyst Fund a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Skills Catalyst Fund is a Partnering and Collaboration