Ontario Job Grant
This guide is retained as dated editorial context. Confirm a current verified intake with the official program operator before taking action.
Current operational facts
Status
Status under review
Review the official source before relying on availability, timing, or funding amounts.
Timing
Confirm in official guidance
Funding
Confirm in official guidance
Being re-verified; check the official source
Open program operator pageOverview
Program availability is currently unavailable or under review.
The guide below preserves dated structure and source context. It does not represent a current offer, application path, or eligibility decision.
Eligibility context
Hard Gates — Must Have
Ontario employer
Must operate in Ontario
Third-party training
Training delivered by an eligible third-party provider, not in-house
Employees on payroll
Trainees must be employees or new hires, not contractors
25 trainees or fewer
Each application covers at most 25 trainees
Soft Gates — Nice to Have
Under 100 employees
Higher government share; up to $15K per previously unemployed hire
Skills gap documentation
A clear link between training and the job improves approval odds
How Much
Current status
Status under review
Timing
Confirm in official guidance
Funding
Confirm in official guidance
Editorial process context
Do not start an application from this guide. Confirm a current intake with the official program operator first.
Identify training need
Determine what skills your team needs and find an eligible third-party trainer.
Apply through Employment Ontario
Submit the application with the training plan, provider details, and cost breakdown before training starts.
Approval
Employment Ontario reviews and approves the training agreement.
Training delivery
Employees complete the training. The employer pays the provider.
Reimbursement
Submit completion proof and receipts. The government share is reimbursed.
Common Mistakes
Using the old COJG rules
The Ontario Job Grant has its own caps (25 trainees per application, $15K for unemployed hires at small employers). Check the current program page rather than old COJG guides.
Paying a consultant from the grant
Consultant and application-preparation fees are not eligible costs.
Training contractors
Only employees and new hires qualify. Independent contractors are not eligible.
Starting training before approval
Costs incurred before the agreement is approved may not be reimbursed.
Program action is unavailable
This program is not currently available for matching. Review the official program operator page for a verified future intake.