
Small Enterprise Co-op Placement Assistance Program
Last Update: July 22, 2025
NL, Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador co-operative student work terms
At a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $5,000
Timeline
- Open Date : January 1, 2024
Financing Type
Wage Subsidies And Interns
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Funds Providers
Unspecified
Program status
Open
Overview
Access a wage subsidy to hire a co-op student from Memorial University or the College of the North Atlantic to help build your future workforce.
Financing terms and conditions
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.
Activities funded
The SECPAP grant program is designed to support small businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador by integrating post-secondary co-operative education students into meaningful work placements. These activities aim to foster valuable work experiences for students while enhancing business operations.
- Providing co-operative education students with challenging employment opportunities within small businesses.
- Facilitating the integration of students' academic learning with practical work experiences in relevant business settings.
- Offering wage subsidies to small businesses that employ co-operative education students during their work terms.
- Encouraging small businesses to develop long-term collaborations with post-secondary educational institutions for ongoing student engagement.
- Supporting projects that expose students to entrepreneurial activities as potential career paths.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 7,000
Hire an engineering co-op student to assist in HVAC system design and implementation
$ 7,000
Employ a co-op student to support sustainable agricultural practices in local farms
$ 7,000
Engage a Computer Science co-op student to develop a mobile app for community engagement
$ 7,000
Employ a co-op student to develop digital marketing strategies for small local businesses
$ 7,000
Hire an IT co-op student to support cybersecurity initiatives for local nonprofit organizations
$ 7,000
Hire a communications co-op student to develop outreach programs for women in STEM
Eligibility
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?
Small businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador can apply for the SECPAP program. These businesses should be interested in providing educational opportunities and challenging employment to post-secondary co-operative education students, thereby creating a demand for such students and graduates in the future.
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.
Selection criteria
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
How to apply
1
Access the Application Forms
- Visit the Applications & Forms tab on the SECPAP website to find the updated fillable PDF application forms.
- Download the necessary forms required for the application process.
2
Complete the Application Forms
- Fill out the SECPAP application forms accurately with all required details about the business and proposed co-op placements.
- Ensure that all sections of the forms are complete and any supporting documents are prepared.
3
Contact the Co-operative Education Coordinator
Reach out to the Co-operative Education Coordinator to verify that the proposed placement is suitable and meets the necessary requirements.
4
Email the Application
- Send the completed SECPAP application forms and any supporting documents to the CESC office via email at cesc@mun.ca.
- Alternatively, you may send the documents through your co-op office contact if applicable.
5
Await Confirmation
After submission, wait for confirmation from the CESC office that your application has been received and is being processed.
Additional information
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.
Contacts
cesc@mun.ca
Frequently Asked Questions about the Small Enterprise Co-op Placement Assistance Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Small Enterprise Co-op Placement Assistance Program. 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 Small Enterprise Co-op Placement Assistance Program?
How much funding can be received?
What is the deadline to apply?
Is the Small Enterprise Co-op Placement Assistance Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Who are the financial supporters of the Small Enterprise Co-op Placement Assistance Program?
Who is eligible for the Small Enterprise Co-op Placement Assistance Program program?
Who can I contact for more information about the Small Enterprise Co-op Placement Assistance Program?
Where is the Small Enterprise Co-op Placement Assistance Program available?

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