Kelid™

Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG)

R&D Grant for Canadian Start-ups

On March 2014, Ontario signed the Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) agreement with the Federal government that provided Ontario with around $200M budget per year for the next five years. The agreement is key source of funding to engage more effectively with employers and support residents of ontario in obtaining the skills required to fill and succeed in current or future careers. One of the COJG objectives is to support workforce development and encourage employer involvement in training through cost sharing arrangements. The program allows employers to meet with workforce development needs; enhance productivity; and boost competitiveness across Canada. Other objectives of the COJG are: supporting unemployed individuals; supporting job creation; increased job quality; and job advancements.

As stated on the COJG guideline, employers are required to contribute a minimum of 1/3 towards the training cost for each participant attending the course. Employers can obtain up to $10,000 per trainee to cover up to 66% of training costs. Small businesses with less than 50 employees have an option to request for additional fund.

COJG Eligibility Criteria:

COJG funding initiative provides direct financial support to employers who meet the following criteria:

  • For-profit and non-for-profit incorporated businesses licensed to operate in Ontario; or
  • First Nations band councils; and organizations acting on behalf of employers: including union training halls, industry associates, and training coordinators can apply for the grant.
  • Employers should comply with Occupational Health and Safety Act and maintain appropriate workplace safety insurance such as WSIB;
  • Have minimum of $2M third party general liability;
  • Comply with all applicable federal and provincial human rights legislations and regulations.

The duration of training must not exceed 1 year, and should be delivered by an eligible, third party trainers in Ontario. Examples of eligible training providers include:

  • College of Applied Arts and Technology;
  • Public Universities;
  • School Boards;
  • Private trainers;
  • Product vendors with recognized training certificates (e.g. Microsoft, AutoCad, etc.); and
  • Union-based training centres.

Example of training topics include:

  • Lean Manufacturing/Six Sigma;
  • Business Systems/Software Training (i.e. AutoCAD, Coding, Graphic Design);
  • Marketing, Business & Leadership Training;
  • Inbound and Online Marketing;
  • High Skilled Training Programs; and
  • Post-secondary courses for career and/or skills development.

COJG Eligible Expenses:

Eligible training costs for the Canada-Ontario Job Grant are as follows:

  • 3rd party trainer/instructor tuition fees;
  • Mandatory course registration fees;
  • Examination and certification expenses;
  • Course materials such as textbooks and training related software or clothing, equipment, disability supports, etc.[/one-half]

Apply for the COJG Grant:

Fill out the form below and start the process today. Our team members will contact you to assess your eligibility and assist you to file the COJG application.

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Kelid™ has successfully provided consulting services and assisted filing COJG applications for several small to medium-sized businesses in Ontario.  Our goal is to educate businesses on available Canadian government funds and grants and how these can be used to fulfill their strategic initiatives. To learn more about the Canada-Ontario Job Grant and start your application, please fill out the form above.