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

Financing 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.

Eligible projects & activities

Construction of new training centres for skilled trades and in-demand sectors.
Upgrading or expanding existing training centres to increase training capacity.
Converting existing buildings into training facilities for workforce development.
Planning and technical preparation for capital projects, including development of engineering and architectural plans.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 400,000

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

$ 500,000

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

$ 300,000

Renovation of a healthcare training center to expand nursing education programs

$ 700,000

Construction of a new IT training center focusing on cybersecurity skills

$ 600,000

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

$ 350,000

Expansion of a tech training center to include software engineering bootcamps

Eligibility criteria of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — SEED Pathway program

The applicant must be an employer in Ontario (excluding specific educational organizations), a minister-approved non-college apprenticeship training delivery agent, a non-profit organization, an Indigenous band office or agreement holder, a professional, industry or employer association, a trade union or union-affiliated organization, a municipality, a hospital, a District Social Services Administration Board, or a Consolidated Municipal Service Manager.
The project must aim to create or improve physical spaces to increase training capacity and/or retain or increase the number of trainees for emerging and in-demand jobs in Ontario.
The project must support skills development activities in growth sectors of Ontario’s economy or sectors experiencing recruitment challenges.
The project must serve participant groups such as job seekers, workers at risk of job displacement, or individuals facing higher barriers to employment.

Who is eligible?

Employers in Ontario (excluding eligible educational organizations as primary applicants)
Minister-approved, non-college apprenticeship program training delivery agents
Non-profit organizations (including Indigenous band offices and Indigenous Skills and Employment Training agreement holders)
Professional, industry, or employer associations
Trade unions or union-affiliated organizations
Municipalities
Hospitals
District Social Services Administration Boards
Consolidated Municipal Service Managers

Eligible expenses

Costs for developing engineering or architectural plans.
Preparation of mechanical and electrical drawings.
Construction cost estimates related to technical planning.
Expenses for related technical planning activities necessary to develop a capital proposal for a skills development asset.

Eligible geographic areas

Ontario

Eligibility criteria of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — SEED Pathway program

Alignment with the policy objective to create or improve physical spaces to increase training capacity and the number or retention of trainees for emerging and in-demand jobs.
Alignment with target sectors or occupations, specifically supporting skills development activities in growth sectors and sectors experiencing recruitment challenges.
Service to intended participant groups, including individuals seeking employment, workers at risk of job displacement, those needed to fill talent gaps, or people facing higher barriers to employment.
Demonstrated ability to deliver on key performance indicators by increasing training capacity, training volume, or training for targeted participant groups.

How to apply to the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — SEED Pathway program

Preliminary Registration

Create an account on Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) system.
Register your organization to access the SDF Capital Stream SEED Pathway application form.

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.

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.

Submit Application

Review the application for completeness and accuracy.
Submit the application through TPON before the deadline.

Confirmation of Submission

Receive confirmation of submission from TPON along with a reference number for tracking purposes.
Retain the confirmation for your records.

Await Communication

Wait for communication from the Province regarding the next steps, which may include negotiating the Transfer Payment Agreement (TPA).

Additional information

Application intake for the SEED and GROW Pathways opens on November 29, 2024, with applications assessed on a rolling basis.
Applicants can preview the application forms before the official intake date, though submissions can only be made starting November 29, 2024.
All applicants will be informed whether their application is successful or unsuccessful based on defined evaluation criteria.
The program guidelines for the SEED and GROW Pathways incorporate feedback from the previous round of the SDF Capital Stream program.

Documents and links

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

Contact Government of Ontario

SDFCapitalProgram@ontario.ca

416-325-3408

Apply to this program

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