Eligibility criteria for this grant: Businesses must be small or medium-sized, registered in specific Canadian provinces or territories, employ fewer than 500 people, and provide safe and supportive internships that develop innovation or entrepreneurial skill-building opportunities.

Be a small or medium-sized business, start-up, social enterprise, nonprofit, or charity
Registered in BC, AB, SK, MB, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL, YT, NT, or NU
Employ fewer than 500 people
Provide a safe and supportive internship focused on innovation or entrepreneurial skill-building

Who is eligible

Small or medium-sized businesses, start-ups, social enterprises, nonprofits, or charities registered in specific Canadian provinces or territories and employing fewer than 500 people are eligible for this grant. Companies must provide a safe and supportive internship that develops innovation or entrepreneurial skill-building opportunities.

Small or medium-sized businesses
Start-ups
Social enterprises
Nonprofits
Charities

Who is not eligible

There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant:

International students
Recent graduates
Employers based exclusively in Ontario
Government departments and crown corporations
Credit unions
Post-Secondary Institutions

Eligible expenses

There are eligible expenses for this grant. Employers can receive a 50-70% wage subsidy (up to $7,000) per student per term. The eligible expenses include:

Hourly wages for interns
Training costs for interns
Virtual supervision and coaching for remote internships

Evaluation & selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Businesses and internships must meet the following criteria:

Be a small or medium-sized business, start-up, social enterprise, nonprofit, or charity
Registered in specific Canadian provinces or territories
Employ fewer than 500 people
Provide a safe and supportive internship that develops innovation or entrepreneurial skill-building opportunities

How to apply

Step 1: Check if you Qualify & Apply
- Complete the information form to determine suitability for the program
- Receive a link to the full application and await review within 5 business days
Step 2: Attend an Employer Onboarding Session
- Participate in a webinar to ask questions, receive recommendations, and prepare for the hiring process
- Attendance is mandatory for alignment of expectations
Step 3: Multiple Ways to Find a Student
- Utilize the VFC Job Board to access a pool of eager candidates
- Review Eligible Candidate Lists for specific skill sets and connect with them
- Hire eligible candidates through personal networks by verifying their eligibility
Step 4: Hire & Request Funding
- Submit a Hiring Request form after finding a suitable candidate
- Confirmation of the request secures funding for the internship
- Eligibility checks are conducted for the student, job, and internship details
- Expect a response within 15 business days with next steps
Step 5: Get Paid
- Wage subsidies are distributed in two installments
- First half transferred within 45 days of the intern's start date
- Second half distributed within 45 days of the internship completion
Step 6: Meanwhile, Interns get Training
- Interns undergo entrepreneurial training focusing on key skills
- Training helps interns contribute effectively to your company
Step 7: Hire Again!
- If deemed eligible as an employer, skip steps 1 and 2 for subsequent hires
- Conditions may apply for rehiring

Documents and links

Venture for Canada — Internship Program

Apply to this program

Student Internship Program for Entrepreneurs

Venture for Canada (VFC) offers a unique internship program designed for small businesses and startups, providing access to driven university and college students for entrepreneurial and work-readiness training. With up to $7,000 in wage subsidies, flexible part-time or full-time internships, and a focus on diversity, VFC aims to support businesses in hiring and training interns efficiently.

Unlocking Opportunities with VFC's Internship Program

Venture for Canada's Student Internship Program is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs looking to enhance their workforce with talented interns. This program is tailored to the needs of small businesses, offering a seamless process for finding, hiring, and training interns. The program provides wage subsidies of up to $7,000 per student, allowing employers to access a pool of diverse and skilled interns from various universities and colleges across Canada.

With a focus on innovation and entrepreneurial skill-building, VFC ensures that the internships are supportive and engaging for both the interns and the employers. The program supports internships in various roles, including sales, marketing, software development, finance, and operations, with an emphasis on encouraging all types of entrepreneurial jobs.

Employers have the flexibility to hire interns on a part-time or full-time basis, with options for work-from-home and remote internships. The funding provided by the program subsidizes hourly wages, ensuring that interns receive fair compensation for their work while gaining valuable experience in a professional setting.

Through a simple and digital application process, employers can quickly apply for funding and secure eligible interns for their organizations. VFC-trained interns undergo in-depth entrepreneurial training, allowing them to contribute effectively from day one and develop essential skills such as coachability, productivity, and resilience.

Additionally, the program encourages diversity and inclusivity by offering a higher wage subsidy of 70% for employers who hire interns from underrepresented groups, such as women in STEM, students with disabilities, Indigenous students, newcomers to Canada, first-year students, and visible minorities.

Employers can leverage VFC's extensive network of partner companies to connect with potential interns and tap into a pool of talented and diverse candidates. The program aims to create a supportive and enriching experience for both interns and employers, fostering a culture of learning, growth, and innovation within the business community.

By participating in VFC's Student Internship Program, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to access a valuable talent pool, receive financial support for hiring interns, and contribute to the development of the next generation of business leaders. With a focus on innovation, diversity, and skill-building, VFC's internship program is a win-win for businesses and aspiring young professionals seeking hands-on experience in the entrepreneurial world.