Closed
Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP)
Supports youth hiring in agriculture
Last Update: June 2, 2026
Funding available
$ 14,000
Timeline
- Closing date : May 4, 2026
Location
Canada
Overview
This program offers up to $14,000 in non-repayable funding to support youth employment in agriculture and agri-food. It funds wages, benefits, and certain relocation or barrier-related costs for eligible youth placements.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 14,000 $
- Up to 50% of project cost
Timeline
- Closing date : May 4, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
- Sole proprietorship
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 1-1 employees
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- Newcomers to Canada
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Youth (<40)
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Employment and Training
- Children and Youth Organizations
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Children & youth
- Young adults
- Indigenous peoples
- New immigrants & refugees
- People with disabilities
- LGBTQ+ community
- Rural / Remote communities
- Low-income individuals / families
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Agriculture or agri-food work experience project for one youth participant
- Employment placement with skills development and workplace mentoring
- Project-based activity aligned with AAFC's mandate
Documents Needed
- Project Application Form
- Participant Information Form
- Organization's Certificates or Articles of Incorporation, if applicable
- Indigenous legal documents, if applicable
- Supporting documents for relocation or barrier costs, if applicable
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Agriculture and agri-food related employers
- For-profit organizations
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Indigenous organizations and individuals
- Public sector employers and educational institutions
Who is not eligible
- Employers hiring contractors instead of payroll employees
- Organizations that cannot enter into legally binding agreements
- Employers hiring themselves for the project
Eligible expenses
- Youth wages and employer-paid benefits
- Relocation travel and accommodation costs, if applicable
- Barrier-related supports such as transportation, childcare, training, accessibility equipment, and internet access, if applicable
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Contracted employee wages
- Bonuses
- Costs outside the project dates
- In-kind contributions
- Family-member relocation or barrier costs
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
Processing and Agreement
- The application is acknowledged after submission.
- AAFC verifies that the application is complete before full assessment begins.
- The application is assessed against program eligibility criteria, and additional information may be requested.
- If approved, a contribution agreement must be signed before funding is issued.
- After the project ends, financial claim documents and final reports must be submitted for payment.
Additional information
- Applications from Indigenous applicants are prioritized.
- Applications from youth facing barriers are prioritized.
- One application covers one youth participant.
- Quebec applicants may need to comply with the M-30 Act.
Documents and links
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP). 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 Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP)?
This program offers up to $14,000 in non-repayable funding to support youth employment in agriculture and agri-food. It funds wages, benefits, and certain relocation or barrier-related costs for eligible youth placements.
How much funding can be received?
Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses, capped at $14,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) program?
To be eligible for the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) program, you must:
Agriculture or agri-food related organization
One youth aged 15 to 30
Agriculture-related work experience
What expenses are eligible under Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP)?
Agriculture or agri-food work experience project for one youth participant
Employment placement with skills development and workplace mentoring
Project-based activity aligned with AAFC's mandate
Who can I contact for more information about the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP)?
You can contact Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) by email at aafc.yesp-pecj.aac@agr.gc.ca or by phone at 1-866-452-5558.
Where is the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) available?
The Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) program is available across Canada.
Is the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) is a Grant and Funding