Open
Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — GROW Pathway
Funding for Ontario training centre capital projects
Last Update: June 9, 2026
Funding available
Up to 49% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : November 29, 2024
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides funding for capital projects that build, upgrade, or convert training centres in Ontario. Up to 49% of total eligible costs may be funded for projects that support training capacity, training volume, and in-demand skills development.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Attract or retain talent
- Increase production or service capacity
Eligible Funding
- Up to 49% of project cost
Timeline
- Open Date : November 29, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Youth (<40)
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Other Education
- Hospitals and Rehabilitation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Professional Associations
- Unions
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- General public
- Children & youth
- Young adults
- Seniors
- Indigenous peoples
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
- Academia / students
- Low-income individuals / families
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Build a new training centre
- Upgrade or renovate an existing training centre
- Convert an existing facility into a training centre
- Expand, repair, or retrofit training space
Documents Needed
- Roles and responsibilities with organizational chart
- Design drawings and construction specifications
- Capital cost supporting documents
- Proof of control over the project asset
- Three years of audited financial statements
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Ontario employers
- Minister-approved non-college apprenticeship training delivery agents
- Non-profit organizations and Indigenous band offices
- Industry, employer, and professional associations
- Trade unions, municipalities, hospitals, and social service managers
Who is not eligible
- District school boards
- Publicly assisted colleges, universities, and Indigenous institutes
- Career colleges
- Private universities with degree-granting consent
Eligible expenses
- Hard construction costs, including materials and labour
- Soft costs such as design, permits, and professional fees
- Land and building acquisition costs, subject to limits
- Administrative costs up to 5% of eligible costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Training delivery and other skills development activities
- Legal costs and debt-related payments
- Operating, renewal, and maintenance costs
- Equipment acquisition and operating costs
- Costs incurred before June 2023
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed against program requirements and available funding.
- The Province assesses financial capacity, technical readiness, and project risk.
- Selected applicants may be contacted for clarification, consultations, or TPA negotiations.
- Funding is only confirmed after a Transfer Payment Agreement is executed.
- Applicants are notified whether their application is successful or unsuccessful.
Additional information
- The program has two pathways: SEED and GROW.
- Applications are accepted on a continuous intake basis until funds are fully allocated.
- Applicants can submit only one application per unique project.
- Projects may be subject to consultations with Indigenous communities.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — SEED PathwayFunding for training centre planning and upgrades
- Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training StreamSupports workforce training and retention for Ontario organizations
Frequently Asked Questions about the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — GROW Pathway Program
What is the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — GROW Pathway?
This program provides funding for capital projects that build, upgrade, or convert training centres in Ontario. Up to 49% of total eligible costs may be funded for projects that support training capacity, training volume, and in-demand skills development.
How much funding can be received?
Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — GROW Pathway Funds up to 49% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — GROW Pathway program?
To be eligible for the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — GROW Pathway program, you must:
Legal entity in Ontario
Active operations in Ontario
Project supports training capacity
What expenses are eligible under Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — GROW Pathway?
Build a new training centre
Upgrade or renovate an existing training centre
Convert an existing facility into a training centre
Expand, repair, or retrofit training space
Who can I contact for more information about the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — GROW Pathway?
You can contact Government of Ontario by email at SDFCapitalProgram@ontario.ca or by phone at 1-855-216-2090.
Where is the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — GROW Pathway available?
The Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — GROW Pathway program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — GROW Pathway a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — GROW Pathway is a Grant and Funding