Top Ontario Government Grants for Hiring Youth in 2025

Ontario businesses can tap into a wide range of youth hiring incentives that reduce labour costs and support skills development.  

If you’re planning to expand your workforce in 2025, now is the time to explore active wage subsidies and grants that make it easier and more affordable to bring young talent to your team.  

“We are making it easier for young people to find jobs with small businesses in Ontario, obtaining valuable experiences that will help kick-start their careers. Our plan is focused on creating opportunities for everyone, regardless of the barriers they might face, building strong foundations for our thriving local communities.” 
– Jeff Leal, Minister Responsible for Small Business 

 

Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) Hiring Funding 

The Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program is one of the most accessible wage subsidies for small businesses and nonprofits hiring youth. Through CSJ, eligible employers can receive up to 50% of the provincial minimum wage (and up to 100% for not-for-profits) when hiring youth aged 15–30 for full-time summer jobs. 

• Who can apply: Small businesses with 50 or fewer full-time employees, nonprofits, and public sector employers 
• Eligible employees: Youth aged 15–30 who are legally entitled to work in Canada 
• Application window: Typically opens in January; funding decisions announced by April 

CSJ is a gateway funding program for many small Ontario employers. If you missed this year’s application cycle, our Ryan team can help you prepare for next year and explore similar active alternatives. 

Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) 

The Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) provides up to $7,000 per student per placement when you hire post-secondary students for work-integrated learning experiences. 

• Funding breakdown: 
• Up to $5,000 per placement for most students 
• Up to $7,000 for students from underrepresented groups (Indigenous, newcomer, persons with disabilities, etc.) 
• Eligibility: Any Canadian employer offering paid, quality work experience tied to a student’s field of study 
• Administered by: Multiple sector-specific delivery partners such as Magnet, TECHNATION, and ECO Canada 

Unlike summer-only programs, SWPP runs year-round and supports multiple placements. It’s ideal if your organization is looking to bring on students for co-ops or internships in areas like tech, green energy, or public services. 

Canada-Ontario Job Grant (CJG) 

If you’re hiring youth but also need to upskill them, the Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) can help offset training costs. This grant covers up to 83% of training costs for new hires (aged 15+), including industry certifications, safety training, and technical skills. 

• Maximum funding: Up to $10,000 per trainee 
• Small employers (under 100 staff) hiring new, unemployed individuals may receive enhanced coverage 
• Eligible training: Third-party, short-term training programs such as forklift certification, digital skills, software, or sector-specific training 
• Available year-round: Apply anytime through local service providers 

This grant is not exclusive to youth, but it’s a valuable tool for helping young hires succeed, especially when paired with a wage subsidy program like SWPP or CSJ. 

Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) Youth and Talent Programs

The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) connects industry, academia, and government to drive collaboration, research, and job creation through advanced technology programs. Its Critical Industrial Technologies (CIT) Initiative helps Ontario SMEs commercialize and adopt technologies like 5G, AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and robotics.

Two CIT programs are especially relevant for employers hiring or developing young talent in 2025:

Future Ready

Receive up to $10,000 to train your team in emerging technologies. This funding supports short-term skills development through approved training providers listed in the program’s service roster. It’s ideal for employers looking to upskill youth or early-career employees in future-focused areas such as automation or AI.

Talent Development Internships

Access up to $20,000 to hire recent postsecondary graduates (within the last three years). Applications submitted before December 12, 2025, qualify for the full two-unit ($20,000) funding opportunity. After that date, single $10,000 units will be available.

Both programs fall under the broader Critical Industrial Technologies Initiative, which aims to accelerate innovation and workforce development across key sectors such as advanced manufacturing, agri-food, construction, and mining.

Other Youth-Focused Wage Subsidies 

In addition to the big three, several niche federal and provincial programs are open for 2025 and can be stacked or timed strategically with your hiring needs: 

Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS): 

YESS offers targeted funding for employers who provide youth with job skills and wraparound supports. Most streams prioritize youth who face barriers to employment (e.g. low-income, Indigenous youth, or those not in school). 

Green Jobs in Science and Technology Internship Program (STIP): 

Administered by Natural Resources Canada, STIP supports youth employment in sustainability and STEM. Funding covers up to $25,000–$32,000 for internships lasting 6–12 months. 

Youth Employment Program (YEP): 

The NRC IRAP YEP program helps innovative companies hire post-secondary graduates for tech roles. Employers can receive up to $30,000 per youth hire. 

All of these funding programs are either open or preparing to open for intake during the 2025 calendar year. Each one has different eligibility criteria, so working with an advisor ensures your application meets expectations. 

Get Started with Government Funding 

Hiring youth helps build long-term talent pipelines and fresh perspectives. But without funding, it can stretch already-tight budgets. Government programs like CSJ, SWPP, COJG, and IRAP YEP exist to ease that burden. 

Ryan’s Canadian Government Funding team can help you sort through the details, prepare your application, and maximize your eligible funding. We stay current on every intake window and hidden criteria, so you don’t have to. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.