How much funding can be received?

<p>The Skills Development Fund Capital Stream: GROW Pathway grant provides a maximum funding amount of up to 49% of the total eligible costs for projects, including major capital investments to build, upgrade, or convert training centres in Ontario. The purpose of the program is to enhance education and skills development, increase training capacity and delivery, and foster economic growth in emerging and in-demand sectors.</p>

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

The Skills Development Fund Capital Stream GROW Pathway offers structured financing modalities to support major capital investments in training infrastructure across Ontario. These modalities ensure responsible use of funds and demand recipient contributions to foster sustainable project delivery.

The total grant funding can cover up to 49% of the Total Eligible Costs of the project.
A minimum of 30% of Total Eligible Costs must be sourced by the recipient from equity, debt, or other financial sources, excluding in-kind contributions.
Recipients can utilize additional funding from federal, provincial, or municipal government programs to cover the remaining costs.
Payment of the grant consists of a Design Development Payment, a Substantial Performance Payment, and a Holdback Amount, distributed over the Intended Use Period.
A Letter of Credit or Surety Bond is required to secure funding, especially prior to the Substantial Performance Payment.
Funding is conditional on achieving specific milestones such as design completion and substantial project performance.
Costs incurred prior to funding approval under specific conditions may be eligible for reimbursement.
Recipients are expected to meet a Minimum KPI Standard in trainee enrollment volume, influencing the subsequent release of funds.
Fund allocations are scrutinized, and repayments may be required in the event of non-compliance with stipulated obligations.
Grants consider only certain eligible costs, including direct construction costs and some soft costs up to specified limits.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Skills Development Fund's GROW Pathway offers support for a variety of capital projects aimed at enhancing educational and training facilities. These projects focus on the construction, renovation, and conversion of spaces to increase training capacity and support in-demand sectors.

Building new facilities that support training delivery, which may include dormitory space exclusively for trainees.
Converting existing commercial, industrial, institutional, or residential facilities into dedicated training centers.
Expanding the capacity of existing facilities to offer more training, cross-functional training, or safety demonstration platforms, and additional dormitory spaces exclusively for trainees.
Renovating facilities to improve functionality and increase training output.
Repairing facilities to restore them to useful life, enabling continued training delivery.
Retrofitting facilities to add new features that enhance functionalities or efficiencies of training centers through modernization.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

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

Employers in Ontario, other than the educational organizations listed as ineligible.
Minister approved, non-college apprenticeship program Training Delivery Agents (TDAs).
Non-profit organizations, including Indigenous band offices and Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISETs) agreement holders.
Professional/industry/employer associations.
Trade unions/union-affiliated organizations.
Municipalities, District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSABs), Hospitals and Consolidated Municipal Service Managers (CMSMs).
The applicant must be a legal entity authorized to operate in the Province of Ontario.
The applicant must have a physical presence and be actively operating in the Province of Ontario.
The applicant must comply with all applicable legislation, including the Ontario Building Code, Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Employment Standards Act, 2000, and Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021.
The project must follow municipal by-laws and comply with zoning requirements.
The applicant or its partners must demonstrate experience and organizational capacity to deliver the Capital Project and Skills Development Activity.
The applicant intending to deliver apprenticeship in-class training must be or partner with a minister-approved TDA.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The following entities are eligible to apply for the SDF Capital Stream as Primary Applicants:- Employers in Ontario, excluding certain educational organizations- Minister-approved, non-college apprenticeship program Training Delivery Agents (TDAs)- Non-profit organizations, including Indigenous band offices and ISETs agreement holders- Professional/industry/employer associations- Trade unions/union-affiliated organizations- Municipalities, DSSABs, Hospitals, and CMSMsThese entities must meet specific criteria such as being a legal entity, being authorized to operate in Ontario, having a physical presence and actively operating in the province, and complying with relevant legislation and municipal requirements.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Educational institutions cannot apply as Primary Applicants to the SDF Capital Stream GROW Pathway. They may, however, participate as Partners in projects led by eligible Primary Applicants.

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

This grant covers specific expenses associated with capital projects that enhance training facilities.

Hard construction costs directly related to the capital project, including materials, site utilities, HVAC, and security equipment.
Soft costs directly attributable to the capital project, such as architectural plans, permit fees, LEED certification, and consultation with Indigenous communities.
Land and/or building acquisition costs, up to 49% of the purchase price, considered on a case-by-case basis.
Administrative costs up to a maximum of 5% of the recipient’s eligible costs, covering utilities and staff compensation related to project administration.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant is available to companies located in specific geographical areas within the Province of Ontario. Eligible locations align with regional workforce development objectives and infrastructure within Ontario.

Organizations operating within the province of Ontario.
Companies with a physical presence and actively carrying on business in Ontario.

grant_single_labels|register

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

Step 1: Register on Transfer Payment Ontario
Create an account on the Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON) online system if you haven't already done so.
Follow instructions for registration and provide basic information about your organization.
Step 2: Prepare Application Documents
Gather necessary documents, including a project plan, risk management plan, design drawings, and evidence of financial capacity.
Ensure compliance with the detailed requirements for each document such as roles and responsibilities with organizational chart, design drawings, construction specifications, and capital cost supporting documents.
Step 3: Complete Application Form
Log into TPON and access the SDF Capital Stream GROW Pathway application form.
Complete the application form with details of the proposed project, eligibility information, and requested funding amount.
Step 4: Submit Application
Upload all required supporting documents to TPON.
Review the application and ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission.
Submit the application via TPON before the deadline.
Step 5: Confirmation of Submission
Receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application.
Keep this confirmation for future reference.
Step 6: Await Further Instructions
Wait for communication from the Province regarding the status of your application.
Be prepared to provide additional information or clarification if requested.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The SDF Capital Stream is part of efforts to enhance training facilities and support economic growth in Ontario.
Recipients must operate aligned with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and make spaces accessible.
Public-facing communications must follow specific guidelines for using the EO wordmark/logo and Ontario logo.
Recipients must maintain records and documentation for at least seven years following the end of the TPA agreement.
Recipients have obligations related to privacy and access to information under Ontario law.