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Workplace Education Initiative (WEI)
Customized, fully funded workplace skills training for Nova Scotians
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
No Condition
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
The Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) provides fully funded, customized workplace training programs—typically 30 to 40 hours per course—at no cost to eligible Nova Scotia businesses, organizations, and entrepreneurs, with funding provided under the Canada–Nova Scotia Workforce Development Agreement. The initiative supports skill development in areas such as business, digital literacy, communication, and leadership, enabling organizations to address current workforce challenges and drive productivity and growth.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop strategic partnerships
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- Social economy enterprise
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Employment and Training
- Business Associations
- Professional Associations
- Unions
Target groups
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Nonprofits / charities
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Local
- Regional
- Provincial
Next steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development and delivery of customized business skills training for employees and management.
- Implementation of training programs addressing workplace challenges such as communication, change management, digital literacy, and productivity.
- Creation of sector-specific or company-specific training clusters to address shared or unique workforce development needs.
- Conducting organizational and individual training needs assessments to inform and shape tailored training initiatives.
- Support for building a culture of learning and innovation to help businesses adapt, grow, and succeed.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- For-profit and not-for-profit businesses in Nova Scotia
- Business, sector, or industry associations
- Private-sector unions
- Social enterprises
Eligible expenses
- Costs of instruction for workplace education and skills development programs.
- Stipends provided to organizations hosting cluster training sessions.
- Fees for hiring independent contract instructors to deliver training.
- In-kind employer support (such as paid staff leave, provision of training space, and administrative support).
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
Additional information
- Programs are delivered in small groups (8 to 12 participants) to ensure individual attention and meaningful engagement.
- Training is typically 40 hours in length and can be scheduled flexibly over approximately 10 weeks.
- Regional Coordinators play a proactive role throughout the needs assessment, funding application, program development, and program evaluation.
- Host organizations or community partners may receive a stipend for facilitating cluster programs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI). 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 Workplace Education Initiative (WEI)?
The Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) provides fully funded, customized workplace training programs—typically 30 to 40 hours per course—at no cost to eligible Nova Scotia businesses, organizations, and entrepreneurs, with funding provided under the Canada–Nova Scotia Workforce Development Agreement. The initiative supports skill development in areas such as business, digital literacy, communication, and leadership, enabling organizations to address current workforce challenges and drive productivity and growth.
Who is eligible for the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) program?
To be eligible for the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) program, you must:
Must be a Nova Scotia for-profit or not-for-profit business, business/sector/industry association, private-sector union, or social enterprise
Must be seeking training for working Nova Scotians or entrepreneurs
What expenses are eligible under Workplace Education Initiative (WEI)?
Development and delivery of customized business skills training for employees and management.
Implementation of training programs addressing workplace challenges such as communication, change management, digital literacy, and productivity.
Creation of sector-specific or company-specific training clusters to address shared or unique workforce development needs.
Conducting organizational and individual training needs assessments to inform and shape tailored training initiatives.
Support for building a culture of learning and innovation to help businesses adapt, grow, and succeed.
Who can I contact for more information about the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI)?
You can contact Government of Nova Scotia.
Where is the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) available?
The Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Workplace Education Initiative (WEI)?
Workplace Education Initiative (WEI) is funded by Government of Nova Scotia, Labour and Advanced Education (NS)
