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Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive
Supports workforce development and productivity in Nova Scotia
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Funding available
$ 5,000 - $ 100,000
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Overview
The Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive provides funding of up to 75% of eligible training costs to support workforce development, innovation and productivity in Nova Scotia. Eligible activities include innovative skills training, sector-specific training, capacity building, and equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives.
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At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Increase operational productivity
- Optimize production processes
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
- Minimum amount : 5,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Nova Scotia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 3
Activities funded
- Innovative skills training, including digital transformation and technology adoption, process improvements and operational efficiency, and sustainability and green workforce skills.
- Sector-specific training, including new industry certification and regulatory compliance, workforce readiness and skills adaptation, and customized training for high-demand occupations.
- Capacity building, including talent pipeline development and workforce planning, and employee upskilling and cross-training.
- Training that improves workforce diversity and accessibility and supports underrepresented groups, including Indigenous, Black and African Nova Scotians, newcomers, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ and youth.
Documents Needed
- Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive Project Proposal Template (PDF)
- WIPSI Itemized Budget Breakdown (XLSX)
- WIPSI Service Registration Intake Form (PDF) for projects with a participant component
Sources and recorded changes
- Source change captured
- Change recorded
- Record updated
A captured source change or record update does not confirm eligibility. Check the funder’s current rules before applying.
WIPSI guide updated with new intake and review details
The WIPSI guide now shows designated intake periods, updated review guidance, and a new note that pre-approved training costs are not guaranteed for reimbursement.
The WIPSI Program Funding Guidelines now show designated intake periods instead of the previously listed April 1 to April 30, 2026 application window, and the document is marked Effective: May 1, 2025, v.2. The updated material also clarifies that applicants may begin activities after submitting their application at their own risk, but costs incurred before official approval are not guaranteed for reimbursement and training already completed will not be funded. The revised guide and program update add more detail on proposal submission, reporting expectations, and assessment priorities, including the emphasis on workforce needs, feasibility, diversity and inclusion, collaboration, and long-term impact. They also note that WIPSI does not cover employee wages during training sessions.
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Legally registered businesses
- Industry associations
- Sector councils
- Non-profit organizations
Eligible expenses
- Training fees
- Instructor costs
- Course materials
- Travel
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Training that has already taken place
- Training that has already received WIPSI support and is not developing new capacity
- Training funded through another government program (e.g. the Workplace Education Initiative)
- Conferences or retreats
- Professional development focused on skills typically required for an employee to perform their existing role
Eligible geographic areas
- Nova Scotia
Selection criteria
- Applications are assessed against weighted criteria, and the final score is calculated by multiplying each criterion by its assigned weight and summing the results.
- Proposals must achieve a minimum overall score to be considered for funding.
- Alignment with Program Objectives, Project Design and Feasibility, and Impact and Sustainability.
- Fostering Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility in the Workforce.
- For sectors and associations, Collaboration and Resources Sharing.
How to apply
- Register in LaMPSS online to apply for WIPSI funding.
- Review the Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive Program Guide (PDF).
- Check the guide for details on all required supporting documents.
- Complete the project proposal form.
- Submit an application through the Labour Market Programs Support System (LaMPSS) and include your project proposal.
Processing and Agreement
- All proposals will be considered, however, the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration is under no obligation to fund every application submitted.
- Once assessed and scored a recommendation will be prepared for LSI senior leadership.
- Final funding decisions will be made by senior leadership to ensure transparency and strategic alignment.
- Once the Project Proposal has been assessed and a recommendation has been approved this will be communicated to the applicant and completed in LaMPSS.
- LaMPSS Activity/Accountability Reports are required at least twice during the project lifecycle, financial reports are required at the same intervals, additional interim updates or site visits may be requested, and failure to complete and submit required reports will delay continued funding support.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive Program
What is the Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive?
The Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive provides funding of up to 75% of eligible training costs to support workforce development, innovation and productivity in Nova Scotia. Eligible activities include innovative skills training, sector-specific training, capacity building, and equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility initiatives.
How much funding can be received?
Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $100,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive program?
To be eligible for the Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive program, you must:
Legally registered business, industry association, sector council or non-profit organization operating in Nova Scotia
Direct workforce development need
Financial and administrative capacity to deliver the initiative, and alignment with Nova Scotia's economic and workforce development priorities
What expenses are eligible under Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive?
Training fees
Instructor costs
Course materials
Travel
Who can I contact for more information about the Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive?
You can contact Government of Nova Scotia by email at wipsi@novascotia.ca or by phone at 902-221-0442.
Where is the Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive available?
The Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive program is available the province of Nova Scotia.
Is the Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive is a Grant and Funding