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START Program
Hiring incentives for Nova Scotia employers
Last Update: March 16, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
Funding for employers to hire unemployed Nova Scotians, with support for wages, training, and equipment. It is administered by Employment Nova Scotia and also offers a marketing letter for eligible individuals.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Finance and insurance
- Professional, scientific and technical services
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- Social economy enterprise
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Provincial
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hiring an unemployed Nova Scotian to fill a job vacancy.
- Creating a work experience position linked to ongoing employment or transferable skills.
- Providing training for a new employee.
- Providing equipment or other direct support for the new hire.
Documents Needed
- Job description
- LaMPSS External Access form
- Electronic Funds Transfer form
- Workplace accident or injury insurance details
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Small and medium-sized businesses
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Social enterprises
- Eligible unemployed individuals in Nova Scotia
Who is not eligible
- Employers without a physical location in Nova Scotia
- Employers whose staff do not live and work in Nova Scotia
- Summer jobs
- Commission-based or per-kilometer jobs
Eligible expenses
- Wage incentives for salary and mandatory payroll costs.
- Training costs for the new employee.
- Equipment, software, assistive devices, and other direct costs related to the new hire.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Commission-based or per-kilometer employment.
- Jobs already funded through LMDA, WDA, or the Department of Community Services.
- Positions that displace current staff or employees on leave.
- Summer employment.
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by Employment Nova Scotia.
- Incomplete applications are not reviewed and are closed.
- Approved employers may receive written approval before the agreement is signed.
- Funding is issued under an agreement with the Province of Nova Scotia.
- Employers must submit activity and financial reports during the agreement and follow-up may occur after hiring.
Additional information
- Employers must apply for the START Program before hiring a new employee to be eligible for funding.
- The program may also offer assistance for jobs that are short-term if they help the employee develop skills or align with priority sectors.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the START Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the START 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 START Program?
Funding for employers to hire unemployed Nova Scotians, with support for wages, training, and equipment. It is administered by Employment Nova Scotia and also offers a marketing letter for eligible individuals.
Who is eligible for the START Program program?
To be eligible for the START Program program, you must:
Small or medium-sized employers
Physical presence in Nova Scotia
Application before hiring
What expenses are eligible under START Program?
Hiring an unemployed Nova Scotian to fill a job vacancy.
Creating a work experience position linked to ongoing employment or transferable skills.
Providing training for a new employee.
Providing equipment or other direct support for the new hire.
Who can I contact for more information about the START Program?
You can contact Government of Nova Scotia or by phone at 877-223-0888.
Where is the START Program available?
The START Program program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the START Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
START Program is a Wage Subsidies And Interns
Who are the financial supporters of the START Program?
START Program is funded by Government of Nova Scotia, Employment Nova Scotia, Sudbury Manitoulin Children's Foundation (SMCF)