Open
Workforce Development Stream
Funding for Northern Ontario internship opportunities
Last Update: June 8, 2026
Funding available
$ 35,000
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Ontario, Canada
Overview
The Workforce Development Program supports Northern Ontario organizations that create internship opportunities to build workforce capacity. Funding is available for salaries and employer mandatory employment-related costs, with up to $35,000 per year per position.
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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 $
Timeline
- Open continuously
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
- All organization sizes
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 internships that support workforce development in Northern Ontario.
- Internship placements that build skills and may lead to employment.
Documents Needed
- Job posting proof
- Insurance certificate
- Program guidelines
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Businesses
- Municipalities
- Indigenous communities
- Not-for-profit organizations
Who is not eligible
- Organizations unable to recruit interns through a fair and transparent process.
- Organizations that plan to hire immediate family members of owners or directors, except in small Northern communities with limited workers.
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
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed to confirm they meet program guidelines.
- Additional information may be requested during evaluation.
- Final decisions are made by the NOHFC Board of Directors.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Internships must have a fair and transparent selection process, with proof required, such as job postings.
- Hiring immediate family members is generally not allowed, with possible exceptions in areas with limited labor bases.
- Interns must receive direct onsite supervision throughout their internships.
- Internship positions are intended to develop specific, recognizable, and transferable skills.
- Insurance obligations include maintaining commercial general liability insurance with specified coverage.
- Combining NOHFC funding with other public funding is allowed but must adhere to specified contribution limits.
- Successful applicants are required to demonstrate insurance coverage aligned with NOHFC guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Workforce Development Stream Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Workforce Development Stream. 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 Workforce Development Stream?
The Workforce Development Program supports Northern Ontario organizations that create internship opportunities to build workforce capacity. Funding is available for salaries and employer mandatory employment-related costs, with up to $35,000 per year per position.
How much funding can be received?
Workforce Development Stream Funds up to $35,000 of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Workforce Development Stream program?
To be eligible for the Workforce Development Stream program, you must:
Located in Northern Ontario
Operating for at least one year
At least one full-time employee
What expenses are eligible under Workforce Development Stream?
Limited-term internships that support workforce development in Northern Ontario.
Internship placements that build skills and may lead to employment.
Who can I contact for more information about the Workforce Development Stream?
You can contact Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).
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 Wage Subsidies And Interns