Open
Source verified July 12, 2026
Workforce Development Stream
Funding for Northern Ontario internship opportunities
Funding available
$ 35,000
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Workforce Development Program supports businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations in Northern Ontario through contributions of up to 50% or 90% of eligible intern salary and MERCs, to a maximum of $35,000 per year, to grow workforce capacity. Eligible costs include salaries and wages, MERCs, and limited-term internship positions of 52 weeks.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 35,000 $
- Up to 90% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Ontario
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 1 employees minimum
Audience
- Youth (<40)
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Higher Education
- Research
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Regional
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Limited-term internship positions of 52 weeks, with at least 35 hours of work per week.
- Apprenticeship internships with an extended placement period of up to 18 months to accommodate any necessary off-site training and/or educational requirements.
- Second-year internship funding for eligible businesses where the intern must complete a minimum number of hours of professional experience greater than 52 weeks of full-time employment to obtain a certification, designation, or registered apprenticeship.
Documents Needed
- Job posting proof
- Insurance certificate
- Program guidelines
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses
- Municipalities
- Indigenous communities
- Not-for-profit organizations
Eligible expenses
- Intern salaries or wages.
- Employer’s share of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs).
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Discretionary benefits such as sick pay and group medical or dental plans.
- Training expenses, computers, equipment, travel, and accommodations.
- Positions that displace existing employees.
- Clerical roles, general manual labour, and retail or general sales positions.
Eligible geographic areas
- Northern Ontario
Selection criteria
- The extent to which the position addresses a labour shortage or supports the development of a skilled trade or profession in Northern Ontario.
- The opportunity for the placement to result in a full-time, permanent job with the applicant or another Northern Ontario business.
- The quality of the skill development opportunity and the potential for the position to provide specific and recognizable transferrable skills.
- The quality of the position’s work/training plan and direct onsite supervision methods.
How to apply
- Submit your application to NOHFC.
- NOHFC will review it and make sure your project meets the program guidelines.
- NOHFC will get additional information on your project and review it in greater detail.
- NOHFC will share its review with its board of directors, who will make the final decision on your application.
Processing and Agreement
- You are required to post a job advertisement in at least one public forum, and NOHFC will require proof of the posting, including the opening and closing dates.
- If you hire an intern before funding approval and your application is denied, NOHFC is not responsible for any costs related to the intern.
- If your application is approved after hiring, NOHFC will only cover the intern if you can prove that the hiring process was fair and transparent, the intern meets the program guidelines, and all other program requirements are met. Exceptions might be made for apprenticeship internships.
- If you receive funding, you must show that you have the right insurance to run your business and employ the intern, including at least $2 million in commercial general liability insurance, and provide an insurance certificate that names the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and its staff as additional insureds.
- The insurance certificate should also include a cross-liability clause, contractual liability coverage, and a 30-day notice period for cancellations or changes.
Additional information
- A separate application is required for second-year funding.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Workforce Development Stream Program
What is the Workforce Development Stream?
The Workforce Development Program supports businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities and not-for-profit organizations in Northern Ontario through contributions of up to 50% or 90% of eligible intern salary and MERCs, to a maximum of $35,000 per year, to grow workforce capacity. Eligible costs include salaries and wages, MERCs, and limited-term internship positions of 52 weeks.
How much funding can be received?
Workforce Development Stream Funds up to 90% of admissible expenses, capped at $35,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Workforce Development Stream program?
To be eligible for the Workforce Development Stream program, you must:
Businesses, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations in Northern Ontario
In operation for at least one year and with at least one full-time employee
Must recruit interns through a fair and transparent process
What expenses are eligible under Workforce Development Stream?
Limited-term internship positions of 52 weeks, with at least 35 hours of work per week.
Apprenticeship internships with an extended placement period of up to 18 months to accommodate any necessary off-site training and/or educational requirements.
Second-year internship funding for eligible businesses where the intern must complete a minimum number of hours of professional experience greater than 52 weeks of full-time employment to obtain a certification, designation, or registered apprenticeship.
Who can I contact for more information about the Workforce Development Stream?
You can contact Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) by email at asknohfc@ontario.ca.
Where is the Workforce Development Stream available?
The Workforce Development Stream program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Workforce Development Stream a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Workforce Development Stream is a Grant and Funding