How much funding can be received?

Access funding to build new training centers, upgrade existing training centers or convert an existing building into a training center for in-demand jobs, such as the skilled trades, healthcare, information technology and other sectors experiencing labour

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant offers financial support to significantly defray the costs associated with technical planning for eligible projects within Ontario's emerging sectors.

Funding covers up to 70% of the Total Eligible Costs associated with the Architectural/Engineering Planning Project.
The maximum financial contribution through this pathway is capped at $200,000.
Recipients are required to source at least 30% of the Total Eligible Costs through independent means, which may include equity, debt, or other capital investments, but not in-kind contributions.
Funding may not overlap or duplicate between the SDF Capital Stream SEED Pathway and other government funding programs.
Payments will be made periodically based on actual costs incurred and upon submission and approval of required documentation and proofs of payment.
A condition of the grant requires recipients to return funds if the project is not completed within the stipulated timelines or an event of default occurs.

grant_single_labels|projects

The SDF Capital Stream SEED Pathway funds activities related to the technical planning of capital projects intended to create or improve facilities geared towards skills development. These projects aim to advance design plans to a 40% completion level, enabling further development and potential funding applications for full project execution.

Development of engineering/architectural plans and drawings for training facilities.
Creation of construction drawings and technical specifications necessary for project planning.
Preparation of civil plans and notes essential for facility development.
Designing structural plans and details describing building requirements.
Drafting mechanical and electrical plans that include plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, and electrical systems specifications.
Planning detailed demolition drawings, where applicable, for renovations.
Formulation of conveyance plans for any required elevators, escalators, or lifts.
Designing landscape schemes to complement the facility development.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 400,000

Expansion of a skilled trades training center to include welding and carpentry

$ 350,000

Expansion of a tech training center to include software engineering bootcamps

$ 600,000

Conversion of an old office building into a modern healthcare training facility

$ 700,000

Construction of a new IT training center focusing on cybersecurity skills

$ 300,000

Renovation of a healthcare training center to expand nursing education programs

$ 500,000

Retrofit of an existing building to create a green energy training center

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile and proposed activities.

Applicants must be a legal entity.
Applicants must be authorized to operate or carry on business in the Province of Ontario.
Applicants must have a physical presence and be actively operating or carrying on a business in the Province of Ontario.
Applicants must comply with all applicable legislation that may be relevant to their operations, business, or project including the Ontario Building Code, Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, and the Employment Standards Act, 2000.
Applicants must ensure that their project complies with municipal bylaws and zoning requirements.
Applicants individually or with partners must provide demonstrated experience and organizational capacity to deliver the SEED Architectural/Engineering Planning Project.
An entity must submit an application as the Primary Applicant.
Primary Applicants may be employers in Ontario, non-profit organizations, Indigenous band offices, professional/industry/employer associations, trade unions, or municipalities and similar governmental organizations.
Applicants intending to deliver apprenticeship in-class training must be, or must partner with, a minister-approved Training Delivery Agent (TDA).

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

Eligible applicants for the SDF Capital Stream SEED Pathway include a variety of entities operating in Ontario across different sectors. These include:- Employers located in Ontario, excluding specific educational organizations.- Minister approved, non-college apprenticeship program Training Delivery Agents (TDAs).- Non-profit organizations, such as Indigenous band offices and Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISETs) agreement holders.- Professional, industry, or employer associations.- Trade unions or union-affiliated organizations.- Municipalities, District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSABs), Hospitals, and Consolidated Municipal Service Managers (CMSMs).Eligible applicants must be legal entities authorized to operate in Ontario, comply with applicable laws and regulations, and demonstrate experience and capacity to deliver the required planning project. Educational institutions like district school boards, publicly assisted colleges, and universities are not eligible as primary applicants but can participate as partners.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant specifies certain educational organizations as being ineligible to apply as Primary Applicants, however, they may participate as partners. These restrictions are designed to support partnerships but exclude some entities from leading the initiative.

District School Boards under the Education Act.
Publicly assisted colleges, universities, or Indigenous Institutes in Ontario.
Career colleges registered under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005.
Private universities with consent from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer degrees under the Post-Secondary Education Choice and Excellence Act, 2000.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly associated with the development of technical engineering/architectural plans and design drawings for the Capital Project.

Professional fees related to technical capital planning and hiring certified professionals to produce Construction Working Documents at 40%.
Civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and landscape design plans.
Construction cost estimates validated by a qualified consultancy.
Administrative costs, capped at 5% of the total eligible costs, including prorated salaries, accounting, IT maintenance etc.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This funding opportunity is available to entities operating or carrying on business within specified geographical areas in Ontario. Eligible locations are aligned with the regional economic growth objectives of the Ontario government.

Organizations must have a physical presence and be actively operating or carrying on business in the Province of Ontario.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for the SDF Capital Stream SEED Pathway are based on specific criteria to assess the potential impact and feasibility of the proposed projects.

Project Concept and Readiness: Evaluates the project's planning and financial acumen, experience in training delivery, and ability to implement the proposed project effectively.
Capital Need and Impact: Assesses the necessity of the project based on evidence of labor demand, sector growth, and training needs, in alignment with SDF Capital Stream Policy Objectives.
Return on Investment: Considers the design practices and financial prudence to ensure effective use of funds and enhance the project's value.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Preliminary Registration
Create an account on Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) system.
Register your organization to access the SDF Capital Stream SEED Pathway application form.
Step 2: Prepare Application Package
Compile the required documents including roles and responsibilities, risk management plan, documentation of capital asset control, project budget, professional services quotes, project implementation plan, financial statements, and a bank reference letter.
Ensure that all documents are in line with the guidelines provided.
Step 3: Complete Online Application
Log into TPON and fill out the SDF Capital Stream SEED Pathway online application form accurately.
Upload the prepared documents as requested in the application form.
Step 4: Submit Application
Review the application for completeness and accuracy.
Submit the application through TPON before the deadline.
Step 5: Confirmation of Submission
Receive confirmation of submission from TPON along with a reference number for tracking purposes.
Retain the confirmation for your records.
Step 6: Await Communication
Wait for communication from the Province regarding the next steps, which may include negotiating the Transfer Payment Agreement (TPA).

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

The Skills Development Fund: Capital Stream SEED Pathway provides additional relevant details for potential applicants.

Recipients must ensure compliance with all applicable legal standards and regulations, which include the Ontario Building Code and municipal requirements.
The SEED Pathway specifically funds only the planning phase, up to 40% design development status of a capital project.
Professional services such as engineering or architectural planning and other administrative costs related to project planning can be claimed under this pathway.
Recipients must submit at least one quote for each professional service needed in the project plan, alongside the financial budget.
The grant requires that at least 30% of total eligible costs are sourced independently by the recipient, ensuring some level of organizational commitment and financial capacity.

grant_single_labels|documents

Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — SEED Pathway

grant_single_labels|contact

SDFCapitalProgram@ontario.ca

416-325-3408

Apply to this program

Empowering Ontario's Workforce Through Capital Investments in Training Centres

The Skills Development Fund: Capital Stream is a strategic funding initiative supporting the development and upgrading of training facilities to bolster Ontario's workforce capacity in high-demand sectors. This program closes skill gaps and addresses labour market challenges by enabling organizations to enhance or construct training centres tailored to Ontario's economic needs.

Understanding the Impact and Mechanics of the Skills Development Fund: Capital Stream

The Skills Development Fund: Capital Stream stands as a pivotal component in Ontario's strategy to equip its workforce with the skills necessary to thrive in emerging and high-demand sectors. Specifically, the program is designed to provide financial support to eligible organizations for construction, refurbishment, or conversion of buildings into training centres. These centres are crucial for preparing workers in sectors such as skilled trades, healthcare, and information technology—industries currently experiencing significant labour shortages.

A key aspect of this fund is its comprehensive scope, covering a range of capital expenditures that are essential to upgrading training facilities. This includes costs associated with facility renovations, retrofits, expansions, repairs, building conversion tasks, and new construction. Furthermore, the funding targets critical growth sectors in Ontario, addressing both immediate skills shortages and longer-term labour market challenges by enhancing training infrastructure.

Organizations eligible to spearhead these initiatives include employers in Ontario, non-college apprenticeship program delivery agents, and a variety of non-profit organizations, such as Indigenous groups and union-affiliated entities. This diverse eligibility criterion ensures that the fund supports a broad array of projects across different regions and communities in Ontario, thereby catering to localized economic strategies and workforce needs.

By bolstering the physical training infrastructure, the Skills Development Fund: Capital Stream aims to increase both the capacity and quality of training for job seekers, particularly those facing barriers to employment or at risk of job displacement. The project requirements outline that applicants must not only align with the program’s objectives but also demonstrate their ability to impact the specific target sectors or occupations that will utilize the funded projects. Thus, successful applications must show clear outcomes, such as increased numbers of trainees and improved training facilities that support a diverse range of trainee needs.

The initiative underscores the Ontario government's commitment to fostering an adaptable and skilled workforce capable of meeting current and future economic demands. By navigating the program's transparent and rigorous evaluation criteria, applicants can secure funding that supports critical infrastructure projects, contributing to broader economic resilience and growth.

Moreover, the impact of these investments extends beyond individual trainee success; they enhance community economic development by building a robust local workforce equipped to respond to dynamic market conditions. The Skills Development Fund: Capital Stream not only invests in physical spaces but also in Ontario’s economic future by supporting the institutions that prepare individuals for successful careers in pivotal economic sectors.