This program is designed for businesses like yours in Northern Ontario. It offers a unique opportunity to strengthen your workforce through internships. By participating, you can receive up to 50% of an intern’s salary and employer’s portion of mandatory costs, capped at $35,000 per year. This financial support can significantly reduce your hiring expenses and allow you to bring in fresh talent.

What You Get:

• Financial Support: Up to 50% of an intern’s salary and mandatory costs.
• Talent Development: Access to new entrants, career transitioners, and underemployed individuals.
• Potential for Full-Time Employment: Internships can lead to permanent positions, helping you build a skilled and loyal workforce.

Applying is straightforward, and the benefits are substantial. This program not only helps you financially but also supports the growth and development of your business by providing access to motivated and capable interns.

Type of Financing: Conditional Contribution

Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:

• For eligible businesses: Up to 50% of an intern’s salary and employer’s portion of Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs), to a maximum of $35,000 per year.
• For eligible municipalities, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profit organizations: Up to 90% of an intern’s salary and employer’s portion of MERCs, to a maximum of $35,000 per year.
• No repayment required if all conditions are met.

Eligible Expenses:

• Salaries/wages for the intern.
• Employer’s portion of MERCs (e.g., Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, mandatory minimum vacation pay).

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:

• No fees associated with the program.

This program is designed to help your business grow by offering funding for internships. You can receive up to 50% of an intern’s salary and employer’s portion of mandatory costs, with a maximum of $35,000 per year. This funding can be used to pay for salaries, Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, and mandatory vacation pay for a 52-week internship.

The program focuses on creating opportunities for new entrants to the workforce, those transitioning to new careers, or the unemployed and underemployed. By participating, you can address labor shortages and develop skilled trades or professions within your business. This can lead to a full-time, permanent job for the intern, either with your business or another in Northern Ontario.

The funding is conditional, meaning it’s based on meeting specific criteria and the approval of the NOHFC Board of Directors. This program is a great way to bring fresh talent into your business, provide valuable training, and potentially secure long-term employees.