6 programs on this page
Help with the cost of hiring students, apprentices and new staff, or training the people you have.
Up to 50% of the provincial adult minimum hourly wage for private and public sector employers (up to 100% for not-for-profits)
Canada Summer Jobs pays part of the wage when you hire a young person for a full-time summer job. Small private businesses get up to half of the provincial minimum wage per hour. Applications for summer 2027 close December 3, 2026.
Employment and Social Development CanadaAll of Canada
Up to $17,000 per apprentice, paid in $1,000 steps as the apprentice finishes in-class levels and earns their certificate, with registration and extra payments for some apprentices.
Ontario pays employers and group sponsors a grant when their registered apprentices hit training milestones. Payments come at each completed level of in-class training and when the apprentice earns the top certificate in their trade. A registration payment and extra amounts apply for apprentices under 25 or who self-identify as part of an under-represented group.
Government of Ontario (Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development)All of Ontario
Up to $10,000 per trainee. Employers with under 100 staff can get up to $15,000 per trainee for a new hire who was unemployed.
The Ontario Job Grant pays part of the cost of third-party training for your current employees or for new hires with a job offer. It's open to private and non-profit employers with an Ontario location. You pick the training, and it has to come from an eligible training provider.
Government of Ontario (Employment Ontario)All of Ontario
Up to $5,000 for each placement offered to a student
The Student Work Placement Program helps employers hire post-secondary students for work placements. You apply through a partner organization, not to the government directly. The official page lists up to $5,000 per placement.
Employment and Social Development Canada, through partner organizationsAll of Canada
Up to $5,000
An Ontario program delivered by Business Centre Guelph-Wellington for people starting, growing or buying a small business in Guelph or Wellington County. It includes 8 in-person group sessions, advisor meetings and the chance of a grant of up to $5,000. Grants aren't guaranteed and spaces are limited.
Business Centre Guelph-Wellington, funded in partnership with the Government of OntarioGuelph
Up to $5,000, with a 25% personal contribution
An Ontario program delivered in Waterloo Region by the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre. It combines an 8-week training program and mentoring with a chance to pitch for a grant of up to $5,000. It's for people starting, buying or growing a business under 5 years old in Waterloo Region.
Waterloo Region Small Business Centre, funded in part by the Government of OntarioAll of Waterloo Region
