Youth Employment and Skills Program
Highlights
This program is designed for you because it offers significant financial support to hire youth, especially those facing barriers. By participating, you can receive up to $14,000 in matching funds to employ one youth. If you hire a youth facing barriers, you could be eligible for up to 80% of total eligible costs, making it a cost-effective way to expand your team.
What You Get
- Up to $14,000 in matching funds for wages
- Up to $5,000 for additional support to offset employment barriers
- Up to $5,000 for relocation costs if needed
Why Apply?
- Financial Relief: The program covers a significant portion of wages and additional costs, reducing your financial burden.
- Support for Growth: Hiring youth can bring fresh perspectives and energy to your business.
- Ease of Qualification: The program is designed to be accessible, with straightforward eligibility criteria.
Being approved for this program will not only help you financially but also contribute to the community by providing opportunities for youth facing barriers. This is a unique chance to grow your business while making a positive social impact.
Financing Details
Type of Financing: Wage Subsidy
Repayment Terms and Interest Rates:
- No repayment terms or interest rates apply. This is a subsidy, not a loan.
Eligible Expenses:
- Wages: Up to 50% of wages for non-barrier applications, with a maximum of $14,000.
- Relocation Costs: If applicable, 50% of total relocation costs up to $5,000 for non-barrier applications.
- Barrier-Related Costs: Up to 80% of wages for barrier applications, with a maximum of $14,000.
- Additional Support: Up to $5,000 to offset employment barriers for the employee hired.
Use of Funds:
- Funds can be used to cover wages and, if applicable, relocation costs and barrier-related expenses.
Restrictions:
- Funds cannot be used for expenses unrelated to wages, relocation, or barrier-related costs.
Fees:
- There are no fees associated with this program.
Qualifications
- Must be an employer willing to hire youth facing barriers.
- Must be able to provide employment in the agriculture and agri-food sector.
- Must be able to match funding provided by the program (50% for non-barrier applications, 20% for barrier applications).
- Must be able to provide up to $14,000 in matching funds for the employee's wages.
Must be able to provide up to $5,000 for relocation costs if applicable.
Disqualifications:
- Businesses that cannot match the required funding.
- Businesses outside the agriculture and agri-food sector.
- Temporary residents with work permits or study visas.
- Businesses that have already received 100% of the total project amount in government financing.
Description
This program offers your business a chance to receive up to $14,000 in matching funds to hire a young employee. If you hire a youth facing barriers, you can get up to 80% of total eligible costs covered. This means you only need to cover 20% of the costs, making it easier to bring new talent into your team.
You can use this money to pay for 50% to 80% of the employee's wages. If the hired youth needs to relocate, the program can also cover up to $5,000 in relocation expenses. This support can help you find the right person for the job, even if they need to move to join your team.
The program also offers additional support of up to $5,000 to help offset any employment barriers the new hire might face. This could include costs related to accessibility or other needs. This makes it easier for you to provide a supportive work environment and helps the new employee succeed.
Program Steps
Gather Required Documentation: Prepare the necessary documents for your application. You will need:
- Business registration details
- Financial statements
- Business plan
- Details of intended use of funds
- Proof of hiring a youth facing barriers (if applicable)
- Any other relevant supporting documents
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Ensure all sections are completed accurately.
Submit the Application: Submit your completed application form along with the required documentation. This can typically be done online through the official program portal.
Review and Follow Up: After submission, monitor your email and the program portal for any updates or requests for additional information. Respond promptly to any inquiries to avoid delays.
Approval and Agreement: If your application is approved, review the terms and conditions of the funding agreement. Sign and return any required documents to confirm your acceptance.
Receive Funds and Implement Project: Once all agreements are finalized, the funds will be disbursed. Use the funds as outlined in your application to employ the youth and support your project.
Report on Progress: Periodically report on the progress of your project as required by the program guidelines. This may include financial reports and updates on the employment status of the youth hired.
Complete Final Reporting: At the end of the funding period, submit a final report detailing the outcomes of your project and the impact of the funding.
