August 5th, 2015

Do you have a growing bio-economy business? The production of renewable biological resources is a major industry in Canada. Converting these resources into food and feed, amongst other products, comprises a major aspect of the Canadian economy. Canadian food processing constantly incorporates the newest technology and knowledge to help improve their sector. But how can these businesses afford to pay for new graduates in the field to help grow their businesses?

Fortunately, there is government funding available for food processors to bring new graduates on board. The Career Focus Wage Subsidy Program helps provide the funding answer for Canadian food processors, with money coming from a joint venture between theGovernment of Canada’s Youth Career Focus Program, BioTalent Canada and the Food Processing Human Resources Council.

Growing staff always entails some level of financial risk, but the Career Focus Program helps employers expand with a higher degree of freedom. This program helps food processing businesses grow by drawing on a pool of capable candidates who are ready to develop their own talents while improving your business in the process.

Improving the Hiring Process

Finding the right employee is a challenge for employers in any industry. Even with the right candidate, generating enough money to pay for this new employee often prohibits the making of this decision.

Hiring a new employee can help a business avoid stagnation and encourage innovation. Reaching business goals becomes a real possibility with the addition of a talented staff member with new experience and knowledge in the industry.

The Career Focus Program offers subsidies of up to CAD $20,000 to help offset the initial cost of bringing on a new employee. New candidates work on specialized projects, increasing their skill levels. This sets these new employees up for a possible career in the same company who is already well versed in the workings and goals of the company.

Is Your Business Eligible?

Any variation of a Canadian food processing company in the private sector can apply for this funding opportunity.

These subsidies cover promotion or education within the industry, research, or some other mixture of business or science related skills. The work performed by these candidates covers a wide variety of jobs, from manufacturing and production to product commercialization, sales, bio-safety, regulatory concerns, or quality control and assurance.

Who Can You Hire?

The Career Focus Program does not cover existing employees. There are other government funding opportunities available for food processors that covers costs outside of salaries.

What are the Specific Funding Terms?

Any business receiving funding from Career Focus has to enter into a placement contract (as does the new employee). The job opportunity needs to last for a period of at least three months, at a rate of at least thirty hours in a week. Businesses must pay at least one dollar to match every dollar of wage subsidy, up to the maximum of $20,000.

There are other funding requirements for businesses hoping to receive this funding. Here at INAC we have a firm grasp on the best practices required for successful applicants, so consider contacting us today to get your application started. This program has helped companies across Canada hire over 500 employees since 2005. The last three years alone had record levels of successful applicants. Give your business the strength it needs to accomplish its goals by using this subsidy to encourage innovation and growth. Check out our bulletin on the Career Focus funding program.