This program is designed for businesses like yours in Northern Ontario. It offers a unique opportunity to strengthen your workforce by hiring Indigenous interns. You can receive up to 75% of an intern's salary and employer costs, up to $52,500 per year. This financial support can significantly reduce your hiring expenses and allow you to invest in other areas of your business.

What You Get:

• Up to 75% of an Indigenous intern's salary and employer costs covered
• Maximum funding of $52,500 per year
• Potential for a two-year internship for certification or apprenticeship needs

By participating, you not only gain financial support but also contribute to the development of a skilled Indigenous workforce. This can lead to a full-time, permanent job for the intern, benefiting both your business and the community. The application process is straightforward, and you can expect to hear back within 2 to 4 weeks.

Type of Financing: Conditional Contribution

Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:

• No repayment is required if all conditions are met.
• This is not a loan, so there are no interest rates.

Eligible Expenses:

• Salaries and wages for Indigenous interns.
• Employer’s portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs), such as:
  • Canada Pension Plan
  • Employment Insurance
  • Mandatory minimum vacation pay (as per Employment Standards Act)

Ineligible Expenses:

• Discretionary benefits paid by the employer (e.g., sick pay, group medical/dental plans).
• Training expenses, computers, equipment, travel, and accommodations.
• Positions that displace existing employees.
• Positions involving general, manual labor or requiring minimal training.
• Clerical positions (e.g., answering phones, filing, general office work).
• Positions primarily involving retail and general sales.

Fees:

• There are no fees associated with this program.

This program is designed to help your business by offering funding to hire Indigenous interns. You can get up to 75% of an intern’s salary covered, with a maximum of $52,500 per year. This funding can be used to pay for the intern's wages and mandatory employment costs like Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance.

The internship lasts for 52 weeks, with at least 35 hours of work per week. This program aims to provide meaningful work experience for Indigenous persons who are new to the workforce, transitioning careers, or are unemployed or underemployed.

Funding is conditional and is paid in two installments: one at six months and the other at the end of the internship. This program not only helps you cover salary costs but also supports the development of a skilled workforce in Northern Ontario.