Looking to hire entry-level talent in Canada? We’ve got you covered. 

Navigating the financial challenges of expanding your team can be tough, especially for startups and small businesses. With so many funding options available across Canada, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of five funding programs designed to support hiring recent graduates efficiently and cost-effectively.

1. Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ)

The Canada Summer Jobs program offers financial support to employers who can provide meaningful summer work experiences for young people aged 15 to 30. Funding covers up to 100% of the minimum wage for not-for-profits and up to 50% for public and private sector employers.

• Eligibility: Open to not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers, and small businesses who can provide safe and inclusive work environments. 
• Location: Nation-wide 
• Industry: Suitable for projects within Canada that do not involve partisan political activities, fundraising, personal services, or activities outside of Canada. Employment opportunities must not restrict access based on prohibited grounds such as sex, religion, race, etc.
• Company Size: Private sector employers must have 50 or fewer full-time employees.

2. Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS)

YESS aims to help young Canadians aged 15-30, particularly those facing barriers to employment, develop skills and gain experience to transition into the labor market. The program supports projects that provide wrap-around services including skills development and training. 

• Eligibility: Supports employers who provide wrap-around services including skills development and training to help youth aged 15-30 facing barriers to employment.
• Location: Nation-wide 
• Industry: Must focus on helping youth develop skills and gain experience to transition into the labor market, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
• Company Size: No specific limitations. 

3. Youth Employment Program (YEP)

Administered by the National Research Council of Canada, YEP helps employers by providing financial assistance to hire young post-secondary graduates. This program is especially beneficial in sectors that are innovative and research-driven.

• Eligibility: Supports businesses by providing up to $30,000 per graduate for a period of 6 to 12 months.
• Location: Nation-wide 
• Industry: Focuses on sectors that offer young Canadians career skills development opportunities, particularly in innovative and research-oriented fields. 
• Company Size: Small to medium-sized enterprises of 500 or fewer employees. 

4. Science Horizons Youth Internship Program

The Science Horizons Youth Internship Program offers internships in environmental science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields for recent post-secondary graduates under 30. The program provides up to $25,000 for wage subsidies and up to $5,000 for skills development, training, and other job supports​. 

• Eligibility: Supports internships for recent post-secondary graduates under 30 years old in STEM. 
• Location: Nation-wide 
• Industry: Must be in STEM fields and focus on environmental projects.
• Company Size: Often used by small and medium-sized enterprises.

5. BioTalent Canada – Digital Skills for Youth

The Digital Skills for Youth Program is designed to help employers enhance their digital capabilities by providing subsidies for internships that develop digital skills among youth.

• Eligibility: Provides up to $24,000 in wage subsidies for internships that enhance digital skills. 
• Location: Nation-wide 
• Industry: Designed for companies within the digital economy seeking to expand their technological capabilities. 
• Company Size: Ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises aiming to strengthen their digital presence.

You’ve secured funding… now what? 

Navigating the financial aspects of hiring is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in ensuring that your new hires are skilled, ready, and a great fit for your company culture. That’s where Venture for Canada’s Fellowship Partner Program comes in– we understand the importance of not just finding any talent, but the right talent to elevate your business. 

While we don’t directly fund the hiring of recent graduates, we specialize in connecting you with motivated post-secondary graduates who are thoroughly vetted and equipped with the entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in startup environments from day one.

Don’t just take our word for it: 89% of our employer partners report that their VFC Fellow was a standout hire compared to other entry-level employees.

• Eligibility: Open to startups under 10 years in business 
• Location: Operating in any Canadian province or territory 
• Industry: Tech or social impact focus 
• Company Size: Under 250 employees 

Choosing a VFC Fellow means revitalizing your team with fresh perspectives and vibrant energy, fostering growth and sparking innovation. We encourage you to explore the various funding programs available to support your hiring efforts, helping you leverage our network of talented recent graduates.

Ready to meet your next game-changer? 

We’d love to chat! Joining our Employer Partner Program can elevate your hiring strategy with a consultative and customizable approach tailored to your needs. Let’s explore how our entrepreneurial Fellows can help your business thrive from day one.

Explore Fellowship Partner Opportunities