Skills Development Fund — Capital Stream — GROW Pathway
ON, Canada
Skills Development Fund supports Ontario's workforce training needs
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 01, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateNovember 30, 2024
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Ontario
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Skills Development Fund Capital GROW Pathway supports projects that are focused on the creation or improvement of facilities dedicated to training and skills development. The eligible projects aim to enhance training delivery, increase trainee retention, and support training for emerging and in-demand growth sectors in Ontario.
- Construction of new facilities dedicated to training delivery, possibly including trainee dormitory spaces.
- Conversion of existing facilities into dedicated training spaces.
- Expansion projects to provide additional training capacity or new training functionalities.
- Renovations to enhance the utility of current training facilities.
- Repairs to extend the operational life of a training facility.
- Retrofits to modernize facilities with new features for efficiency or incorporate technology improvements.
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
The SDF Capital Stream GROW Pathway is specifically available to companies located and operating in the Province of Ontario, Canada. Eligible applicants must have an active presence within this region to qualify for the grant.
- Companies based in Ontario, Canada.
- Entities with a physical presence and operations within the Province of 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.
grant_single_labels|contact
SDFCapitalProgram@ontario.ca
Apply to this program
Investment in Ontario's Future Workforce through the GROW Pathway Grant
The Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream GROW Pathway is a transformative grant opportunity offered by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development in Ontario. This initiative is designed to bolster Ontario's economic growth by enhancing training infrastructure to accommodate an evolving workforce.
Exploring the Objectives and Significance of the GROW Pathway Grant
The SDF Capital Stream GROW Pathway grant represents a strategic effort by the Government of Ontario to address labor shortages and enhance the training infrastructure across the province. By focusing on creating or improving physical spaces for training, this program aims to increase both the capacity and the efficacy of training delivery, thus better preparing the workforce for the demands of emerging and in-demand sectors. Targeted industries include skilled trades, healthcare, manufacturing, and construction, reflecting Ontario's broader economic goals and labor market needs.The GROW Pathway is distinct in its approach by providing capital investment for projects that lead to the construction of new training facilities or the refurbishment of existing ones. Eligible projects can range from new construction and expansion to repair, renovation, and conversion of existing infrastructures into advanced training centers. This creates opportunities not just for employers in various sectors but also for entities like non-profit organizations, union-affiliated groups, and municipalities that have the potential to deliver on the policy objective of fostering a more equipped workforce.Financially, the program aligns with a unique funding structure aiming to support up to 49% of eligible construction and development costs. This significant commitment from the government underscores its dedication to ensuring these projects are not only launched but sustained through a five-year operational use period, during which the intended training activities must be rigorously delivered. The program requires recipients to achieve specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), such as training volume increases, ensuring that the facilities meet the expanding needs of the labor market over time.Moreover, the program is keen on supporting a broad range of participant groups including jobseekers facing employment barriers and incumbent workers at risk of displacement, emphasizing a socially inclusive dimension to its economic strategy. The application process requires meticulous documentation, including detailed project plans and financial projections, which positions applicants to clearly articulate the anticipated impact and feasibility of their proposed projects.The GROW Pathway grant acts as a catalyst for development, accelerating the readiness of workforce development facilities to train individuals in both immediate demand jobs and future professions. It is not merely an investment in infrastructure but a strategic alignment with Ontario’s commitment to fostering a robust labor market. Through effective partnerships and strong governance structures, recipients can leverage these funds to create impactful training environments that address the acute skills shortages in key industries. In summary, the GROW Pathway is pivotal in transitioning Ontario towards a more resilient and diverse economic landscape by investing in human capital and infrastructure dedicated to skill enhancement.”
