ECO Canada — Science Horizons Youth Internship (SHI)
Highlights
This program is designed for you to help onboard young professionals and create meaningful environmental jobs in STEM fields. By participating, you can receive 80% wage coverage up to $25,000 for a new full-time position, plus an additional $5,000 for participant supports. This funding can significantly reduce the financial burden of hiring and training new talent.
Key Benefits:
- 80% wage coverage up to $25,000
- $5,000 for additional participant supports
- 6 to 12 months of full-time work funding
This program is easier to qualify for than many other financing options, and it provides a unique opportunity to invest in the future of your business while contributing to the growth of the environmental sector.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Wage Subsidy
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- No repayment terms or interest rates apply, as this is a wage subsidy.
Eligible Expenses:
- The subsidy covers 80% of a participant’s salary, up to $25,000.
- An additional $5,000 is available for participant supports.
Ineligible Expenses:
- Funds cannot be used for expenses unrelated to the participant’s salary and support costs.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with applying for or receiving this wage subsidy.
Qualifications
- Must provide a new, full-time permanent position.
- The job must be environmentally related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
- Open to businesses of all sizes.
- Employers must be Canadian-owned or a Canadian subsidiary, municipal government, provincial or territorial government department, or Indigenous organizations.
Funding will cover full-time placements that are 6 to 12 months long.
Disqualifications:
- None specified.
Description
This program offers your business a chance to receive up to $25,000 in funding. This can help cover 80% of a new employee's salary for a full-time position in the environmental sector.
You can use the funds for:
- Hiring new professionals in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM)
- Creating meaningful environmental jobs
- Onboarding and training young professionals
The funding covers:
- 80% of wages up to $25,000 for a new full-time position
- An additional $5,000 for participant supports, such as training and development
The program aims to help you bring in fresh talent and support your business growth. It also helps young professionals gain valuable experience and build their careers in the environmental sector.
The payback period is not applicable since this is a grant, not a loan. This means you do not need to repay the funds, making it a risk-free opportunity to invest in your workforce.
Program Steps
Gather Required Documentation:
- Business plan
- Financial statements (e.g., balance sheet, income statement)
- Proof of business registration
- Details of intended use of funds (e.g., quotes for equipment or project costs)
Complete the Online Application:
- Visit the program's official website.
- Fill out the eligibility assessment form.
- Complete the application form with accurate business and financial details.
Submit the Application:
- Review the completed application for accuracy.
- Submit the application through the online portal.
- Ensure all required documents are attached.
Await Pre-Qualification Notification:
- Monitor your email for a notification regarding pre-qualification.
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
Find a Suitable Placement (If Applicable):
- Utilize resources such as job boards to find a suitable candidate or project.
- Ensure the placement aligns with the program's objectives and criteria.
Secure Funding:
- Confirm the match between your business and the pre-approved candidate or project.
- Sign and return the contract agreements within 15 days of issuance.
Receive Funding:
- The program offers up to 80% wage coverage, up to $25,000 of a participant’s salary.
- Potential additional support of up to $5,000 may be available.
- Ensure both the employer and candidate complete required reports throughout the placement to maintain funding eligibility.
Implement and Monitor the Project:
- Begin the project or employment placement as outlined in the application.
- Regularly monitor progress and ensure compliance with program requirements.
Submit Regular Reports:
- Complete and submit any required progress reports.
- Ensure timely submission to avoid disruptions in funding.
Final Review and Completion:
- Upon project or placement completion, submit a final report.
- Review the outcomes and ensure all program requirements have been met.
