Closed
Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream
Supports workforce training and retention for Ontario organizations
Last Update: April 10, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : October 1, 2025
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream provides funding for innovative projects that address challenges in hiring, training, or retaining workers in Ontario. This program aims to create a sustainable and resilient workforce by focusing on sectors experiencing labor shortages, and by supporting marginalized groups facing employment barriers. Eligible activities include projects that foster workforce development, capacity building, and support for in-demand sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and construction.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : October 1, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Manufacturing
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Other Racialized Persons
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Social Services
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Housing
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Professional Associations
- Unions
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- General public
- Children & youth
- Young adults
- Indigenous peoples
- New immigrants & refugees
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- 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
- Innovative projects aimed at addressing challenges in hiring, training, or retaining workers.
- Workforce development initiatives that support skills acquisition and capacity-building in key economic sectors.
- Programs supporting the recruitment, training, and retention of underrepresented groups in the workforce.
- Research, prototyping, and pilot projects exploring new approaches to skills development and training delivery.
- Partnership-driven initiatives that build sectoral collaborations to respond to specific labour market needs.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Employers operating in Ontario (excluding publicly assisted educational organizations)
- Minister-approved non-college apprenticeship training delivery agents (TDAs)
- 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, District Social Services Administration Boards, Consolidated Municipal Service Managers, and hospitals
Who is not eligible
- Publicly assisted colleges, universities, or Indigenous Institutes in Ontario (unless partnering as a co-applicant).
- Career colleges registered under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005 (unless partnering as a co-applicant).
- District school boards (unless partnering as a co-applicant).
- Organizations not authorized to operate or without a physical presence in Ontario.
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits for staff delivering project-related activities.
- Consulting and subcontracting services directly linked to project delivery.
- Marketing and promotional costs for the program.
- Purchase of materials and consumables used by participants (e.g., supplies, safety equipment, cleaning supplies).
- Maintenance and support of equipment used for the project.
- Operational office supplies and printing.
- Pro-rated lease, utility, or interest costs related to project delivery space.
- Audit costs up to $5,000 for third-party project audits.
- Employability support services such as job search assistance and skills upgrading.
- Legal, accounting, IT, and administrative fees (capped at 15% of operating costs).
- Acquisition of training equipment, software licenses, and accessibility equipment.
- Purchase, lease, or approved modification of vehicles or mobile units used for project service delivery.
- Wraparound supports for participants, such as training materials, licensing fees, relocation, temporary housing, childcare, or transportation directly linked to project participation.
- Wage subsidies for employers (up to 50% of wages, maximum $5,000 per participant).
- Training stipends for eligible participants (up to $5,000 per training participant).
- Travel costs related to project activities for staff and participants, including transportation required to participate in training or job placement.
Eligible geographic areas
- Ontario
Additional information
- Funding applications are prioritized for projects with budgets greater than $150,000.
- Successful applicants may be required to submit to third-party evaluation during or after the project.
- Recipients must provide activity, financial, and final reports using ministry-provided templates.
- If awarded $150,000 or more, a third-party auditor's report is required after project completion.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream. 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) — Training Stream?
The Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream provides funding for innovative projects that address challenges in hiring, training, or retaining workers in Ontario. This program aims to create a sustainable and resilient workforce by focusing on sectors experiencing labor shortages, and by supporting marginalized groups facing employment barriers. Eligible activities include projects that foster workforce development, capacity building, and support for in-demand sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and construction.
Who is eligible for the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream program?
To be eligible for the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream program, you must:
Must be an employer operating in Ontario (excluding educational organizations such as colleges, universities, and school boards).
Must be a legal entity authorized and actively carrying on business in Ontario.
Must comply with all applicable legislation and maintain appropriate insurance coverage.
What expenses are eligible under Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream?
Innovative projects aimed at addressing challenges in hiring, training, or retaining workers.
Workforce development initiatives that support skills acquisition and capacity-building in key economic sectors.
Programs supporting the recruitment, training, and retention of underrepresented groups in the workforce.
Research, prototyping, and pilot projects exploring new approaches to skills development and training delivery.
Partnership-driven initiatives that build sectoral collaborations to respond to specific labour market needs.
Who can I contact for more information about the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream?
You can contact Government of Ontario (ON).
Where is the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream available?
The Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream?
Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream is funded by Government of Ontario (ON)