START Program
NS, Canada
Financial incentives for Nova Scotia employers with a labour need
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Wage Subsidies And Interns
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Manufacturing
- Information and cultural industries
- Finance and insurance
- Professional, scientific and technical services
grant_single|grantors
- Employment Nova Scotia
- Government of Nova Scotia
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Financing focused on small to medium sized enterprises to help employ ready-to-work Nova Scotians.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is aimed at employers based in Nova Scotia, ensuring that local businesses and organizations can benefit from the employment incentives provided by the program.
- Companies must be located in Nova Scotia.
- Employers may have headquarters outside Nova Scotia but need a physical location within the province.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$100,000
Creating an aerospace engineering internship program to train graduates in advanced manufacturing techniques
$90,000
Implementing a financial services training program to upgrade the skills of unemployed Nova Scotians
$80,000
Developing an ocean data analytics platform to advance marine research and sustainable fisheries
$140,000
Establishing a life sciences research lab to study infectious diseases and train new researchers
$120,000
Launching a clean technology project to develop solar-powered water purification systems
$150,000
Establishing a cybersecurity training center to equip students with advanced security skills
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the START program for employers is defined by specific criteria concerning the employer's location, size, and employment practices.
- The employer must be a small or medium-sized business, not-for-profit organization, or social enterprise.
- The organization must be located in Nova Scotia.
- The employees must live and work in Nova Scotia.
- The employer may have headquarters outside Nova Scotia but must maintain a physical location within the province.
- The employer must apply for the START Program before hiring a new employee.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Employers who are eligible to apply for the START program include small or medium-sized businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and social enterprises located in Nova Scotia. These entities can have headquarters outside the province but must have a physical location within Nova Scotia where employees live and work. Employers must apply before hiring, and they are given preference if they can offer full-time, sustainable employment, particularly in priority sectors like ocean technology, ICT, financial services, clean technology, life sciences, or aerospace and defense.For individuals, eligibility to apply for the START program requires being unemployed, residing in Nova Scotia, and being a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible international graduate.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for the START grant. Small or medium-sized employers, including businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and social enterprises, located in Nova Scotia are eligible. Companies headquartered outside Nova Scotia but with a physical presence in the province and employees working there are also eligible.
- Large corporations
- Employers without a physical location in Nova Scotia
- Companies without employees working in the province
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The START Program in Nova Scotia provides financial support to employers for hiring unemployed Nova Scotians. The eligible activities for this grant are focused on hiring incentives, training expenses, and equipment costs associated with employing local talent.
- Offering full-time, sustainable employment to eligible unemployed Nova Scotians.
- Providing short-term employment that facilitates the development of transferable skills for employees.
- Employing individuals in positions related to priority sectors or industries within Nova Scotia.
- Covering wage incentives to partially offset salary and benefit costs of new employees.
- Receiving funding for training new employees to enhance their skills and integration into the company.
- Securing funding for equipment and other direct costs necessary for the employment of new staff members.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible expenses for the START Program entail costs directly related to employing and equipping a new hire.
- Wage costs associated with hiring a new employee.
- Training costs for developing the employee's skills.
- Costs of equipment or other direct costs related to the new employee.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for the START Program grant in Nova Scotia. Employers are assessed based on factors such as the type of employment offered, wages, employee skill level, duration of job search, support for priority sectors, and other relevant considerations.
- Type of employment offered
- Wages offered
- Employee’s skill level
- Duration of the employee's job search
- Support for priority sectors in Nova Scotia
- Other relevant factors
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to submit an application for the START Program:
- Step 1: Review Program Guidelines
- Download and read the START Program Guidelines to understand program requirements and eligibility.
- Step 2: Create a LaMPSS Account
- Go to the online application portal and create an account on LaMPSS (Labour Market Programs Support System) or sign in if you already have an account.
- Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the online application form with details about your organization and the position you wish to fill.
- Provide information related to the type of employment, wages offered, and how your hiring aligns with program priorities.
- Step 4: Submit Application
- Review your application form for completeness and accuracy.
- Submit the application through the LaMPSS system.
- Step 5: Contact Employment Nova Scotia
- If you have any questions or need assistance, contact Employment Nova Scotia at 1-877-223-0888.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
- 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.
grant_single_labels|contact
877-223-0888
Apply to this program
Employment Opportunities for Nova Scotians
The START Program offers vital wage incentives and funding opportunities for employers who hire unemployed individuals in Nova Scotia, aiming to match the talent pool with suitable job opportunities. For both employers and individuals, the program fosters growth and opportunity within local communities by supporting sustainable employment option
In-depth Insights into the START Program
The START Program, managed by Employment Nova Scotia, serves as a significant catalyst in the regional labor market, encouraging the employment of locally unemployed individuals through financial incentives. Employers, specifically those within small to medium-sized enterprises, not-for-profits, and social enterprises located in Nova Scotia, can benefit from this program by hiring eligible unemployed Nova Scotians. Designed to enhance workforce participation and reduce unemployment, the program offers tailored financial support based on specific criteria related to the job being filled and the prospective employee's situation.
For employers, a noteworthy component of the program is the wage incentive, which is crucial for offsetting the initial costs associated with onboarding new staff. The amount of financial aid is not standardized but determined individually, factoring the type of job offered, the wages proposed, the skill level of the job seeker, and the duration the individual has been unemployed. Additionally, positions linked to Nova Scotia's priority industries—such as ocean technology, clean technology, and life sciences—may be eligible for increased incentives, further promoting sectoral growth aligned with provincial economic strategies.
The program also addresses training and equipment costs, approving funds to cover necessary investments that aid new employees in integrating effectively into their roles. Through this support, the START Program enhances the competency and preparedness of the workforce, ensuring that individuals gain applicable skills that benefit ongoing and future employment prospects.
Eligibility is comprehensive, targeting employers who meet specific operational and geographical criteria, ensuring that the benefits remain within the region and assist in local economic development. Importantly, employers must engage with the application process prior to making any employment commitments to qualify for funding, which emphasizes strategic planning in talent acquisition and development.
On the individual's side, the program provides a unique avenue for job seekers by offering the START Marketing Letter. This document exemplifies a bridge between unemployed individuals and potential employers by informing the latter of the financial advantages of hiring through the program, which can significantly improve the applicant's prospects.
This innovative initiative does more than just bridge employment gaps; it is a transformational tool for economic resurgence, offering a mutually beneficial setup for both Nova Scotian job seekers and employers aiming for expansive growth and community development. Through structured support and clear guidelines, the START Program stands out as an effective governmental instrument to tackle unemployment and support economic resilience in the province. By participating, employers not only bolster their workforce but also contribute to a greater societal cause of reducing unemployment and nurturing skills development, allowing for inclusive economic growth throughout Nova Scotia.
