Open
Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — GROW Pathway
Funding for Ontario training centre capital projects
Last Update: April 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
Frequently Asked Questions about the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — GROW Pathway Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Capital Stream — GROW Pathway. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
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 (ON) 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