Human Resources and Skill Development Canada (HRSDC) – Career Focus
Human Resources and Skill Development Canada (HRSDC) is currently accepting applications for small business grants under the Career Focus Program. Career Focus is a Canadian government funding initiative for small businesses looking for grants for hiring recent grads.
The Career Focus program provided by Human Resources and Skill Development Canada (HRSDC) has been updated and is now administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Canadian Government Funding for Small Business through HRSDC
This funding for small business contributes to the costs of hiring a recent graduate for a 12-month period, to a maximum of $20,000 (or up to 100% of wages) for the first 25 weeks of employment. This Canadian government funding program is aimed at helping new graduates gain work experience while small businesses acquire academic knowledge from recent graduates. Employers may have to contribute around $2-$3 per hour depending on the wage offered to the recent graduate.
Small Business Grants Canada Government Funding for Hiring Details
Government funding for business offered through this program is in the form of a small business grant – a non-repayable sum. Employers applying for this small business grants Canada program are expected to provide the government with details about the project related work the graduate will be involved in and to demonstrate a clear plan of learning for the duration of the internship. In addition, a detailed project budget is expected.
Eligibility for this Canadian Small Business Grants Program
To apply as an employer for this Canadian business grants program, the applicant must be one of the following:
- A business;
- An organizations (including not-for-profit, professional, employer and labour associations);
- Any public health or educational institution;
- A band/tribal council, or Aboriginal organization;
- An individual; or
- A municipal government.
Recent Grads Eligible for Government Grants for Small Business
Small businesses then recruit recent grads who meet the following criteria:
- Between the ages of 15 and 30 (inclusive) at the time of intake/selection;
- Post-secondary graduates;
- Out of school;
- Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons who have been granted refugee status in Canada;
- Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations; and
- Not in receipt of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.
Canadian Government Funding through Small Business Grants for Hiring Timeline
Applications for this small business grants for hiring program are accepted throughout the year. However, it is recommended that you submit your application prior to hiring to ensure the application is approved in time.
Get Started on Your HRSDC Small Business Grant for Hiring Today
learn more about this program and/or contact a Canadian government funding expert today in order to get started.
Interested in Small Business Grants for Hiring?
In addition to the program described above, Mentor Works has helped hundreds of small and medium-sized business access government funding through wage subsidies and small business grants for hiring programs. Some of our favourite programs include iSTEM, Ontario Exporter’s Fund, ICTC CareerConnect, and Mitacs Enterprise, and NOHFC Youth Internship & Co-op. Click on any of these programs for more information and when you have found the program of your choice fill out a contact form and a Canadian Government Funding Expert will respond shortly.
Canadian Government Funding Selection & Support Services
Are you a business of 15 or more employees that has been incorporated for at least 3 years? If so, contact a Canadian government funding expert for a free consultation and we will outline the best programs to help you reach your strategic growth initiatives. Please sign up for our Canadian government funding weekly E-newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn for up-to-date information on all of the most exciting Canadian government funding happenings.