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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) Program
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