How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

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

What are Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream's eligibility criterias?

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.

Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream

Last Update: June 18, 2025

ON, Canada

Supports workforce training and retention for Ontario organizations

Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream at a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Open Date : February 5, 2024
Closing date : October 4, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Construction
Manufacturing

Grant Providers

Government of Ontario

Status

Closed

Overview of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream program

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.

Financing terms and conditions

SDF projects with a budget greater than $150,000 are prioritized for funding consideration. There is no specified maximum or minimum amount per project.
Wage subsidies can cover up to 50% of wages paid to participants, to a maximum of $5,000 per participant or job placement.
Training stipends may be provided up to a maximum of $5,000 per training participant.
Administrative costs are eligible up to a maximum of 15% of operating costs for the SDF project.
Funding may be paid in instalments, with up to 15% held back until project completion and fulfillment of all obligations.

Eligible projects & activities

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 criteria of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream program

The applicant must be a legal entity authorized to operate and actively carry on business in Ontario, with a physical presence in the province.
Eligible applicants include Ontario-based employers (excluding publicly assisted educational organizations), approved apprenticeship training delivery agents, non-profit organizations (including Indigenous band offices and Skills and Employment Training agreement holders), professional and industry associations, trade unions, union-affiliated organizations, municipalities, District Social Services Administration Boards, Consolidated Municipal Service Managers, and hospitals.
The project must address workforce hiring, training, or retention challenges and support in-demand sectors or occupations aligned with government priorities.
The applicant and its project must comply with all applicable laws and regulations relevant to their operations in Ontario.
The application must clearly demonstrate how the project supports one or more participant groups facing barriers to employment or underrepresented in the workforce.

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

Eligibility criteria of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream program

Demonstrated innovation in the proposed project (7%).
Clear alignment with one or more SDF program objectives and focus areas, and well-defined expected outcomes and key performance indicators (20%).
Support for an in-demand sector, with compelling rationale backed by labour market evidence (5%).
Clearly articulated project need, description of targeted issues, and evidence of how project activities lead to intended outcomes (20%).
Organizational capacity and experience to successfully deliver, monitor, and sustain the project beyond SDF funding, if possible (13%).
Project delivery plan with a feasible timeline, clear responsibilities, risks, and mitigation strategies (20%).
Reasonable and detailed budget, including clear cost breakdowns and adherence to limits on administrative costs (10%).
Demonstrated ability to share project costs or provide in-kind contributions (5%).

How to apply to the Skills Development Fund (SDF) — Training Stream program

Check eligibility and requirements

Review the Skills Development Fund Training Stream guidelines
Ensure your organization meets eligibility requirements
Gather necessary organizational and project information

Register your organization with Transfer Payment Ontario (TPON)
Obtain access credentials for the online portal
Verify that contact and organization details are current in TPON

Complete the application form

Log in to TPON and access the SDF Training Stream application form
Gather all supporting documents as required in the guidelines
Complete all necessary sections of the application form
Consult sample templates if available

Review and prepare for submission

Review the completed application for accuracy and completeness
Ensure all required documentation is included
Prepare to submit your application before the deadline (October 11, 2024, 11:59 p.m. EST)

Submit the application online

Submit your completed application and all attachments through the TPON portal
Receive confirmation of submission from the system

Wait for evaluation and results

Wait for notification regarding the status of your application
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis following submission
Be prepared to provide additional information if requested by the ministry

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.