Small Enterprise Co-op Placement Assistance Program

This grant supports employers in hiring cooperative education students by providing a wage subsidy, enhancing work-integrated learning experiences. It facilitates financial support particularly focused on subsidizing student wages.

• Wage subsidy of up to $5,000 for each student employed through the program.
• Additional wage subsidy of up to $7,000 available for hiring students in their first year or from under-represented groups such as women in STEM, persons with disabilities, newcomers, and Indigenous students.

Eligibility for this grant is determined based on specific criteria related to the applicant's business profile and the potential to provide co-operative education opportunities.

• The applicant must be part of the small business sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• The proposed placement must represent an appropriate work experience related to the student's field of study.
• The application must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate Co-operative Education Coordinator.

Who is eligible?

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant:

• Non-small businesses
• Businesses outside of Newfoundland and Labrador
• Companies not willing to provide a challenging employment opportunity

Eligible expenses

The SECPAP and SWPP funding programs support initiatives that integrate academic study with work experiences, aiming to foster career development and build strong connections between students and the small business sector. Eligible activities primarily involve engaging students in meaningful, paid work placements related to their fields of study.

• Providing work placements for post-secondary co-operative education students in small business settings.
• Engaging students in work that aligns with their academic studies, supporting experiential learning.
• Offering placements that are challenging and relevant, benefiting both students and employers.
• Facilitating opportunities for students from under-represented groups to gain valuable career experience.

Eligible geographic areas

SECPAP is intended for small businesses located in Newfoundland and Labrador, reflecting the regional focus of the program administered by the Co-operative Education Services Centre.

• Companies based in Newfoundland and Labrador.

SECPAP grant applications are evaluated based on eligibility criteria and the proposed work experience to ensure it aligns with program objectives.

• Demonstrated value of co-operative education for small businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador
• Relevance of proposed placement to co-operative education students' educational goals
• Potential long-term demand for co-operative education students and graduates
• Alignment with the objectives of the program

Additional information for SECPAP and SWPP grant applicants:

• SECPAP applications and claims must be submitted via email or through your co-op office contact, not by fax.
• SECPAP documents are available in fillable PDF format.
• SECPAP is funded by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and administered by the Co-operative Education Services Centre.
• SWPP offers higher subsidies for hiring students from under-represented groups or in their first year.
• Applications for spring and fall semesters have specific opening dates, with spring 2024 applications beginning January 1st.