What the Ontario Job Grant Covers and Who Qualifies

Last updated October 9, 2026

The Ontario Job Grant helps Ontario employers pay for short training for their employees. This page explains the basics in plain language, based on the province's own page at ontario.ca/page/ontario-job-grant (updated August 31, 2026). Always confirm on that page, because the rules change.

How much can it cover?

The province's page lists up to $10,000 per trainee, with more flexibility for small employers. Small employers training previously unemployed new hires can get up to $15,000 per trainee and, in some cases, up to 100% of the cost.

What do you pay?

Employers with fewer than 100 employees pay at least one-sixth of the training cost. Employers with 100 or more employees pay 50%. Try the free grant calculator to see the numbers for your own courses.

Who qualifies as an employer?

• A private-sector or non-profit employer with a physical location in Ontario that you have operated for at least a year.
• Not a government agency, a broader-public-sector organisation, an Employment Ontario service provider, or an employer already receiving other government funds for substantially similar training.

Who qualifies as a trainee?

Citizens, permanent residents and protected persons who live in Ontario, are authorised to work in Canada, and are currently employed by you. Owners, shareholders, board members, immediate family, contractors, volunteers and temporary foreign workers are excluded.

What training counts?

Training delivered by an eligible third party such as a college, university, district school board, registered career college, union training centre, sector council or industry association. It must be finished within 52 weeks of the start date. See what does not count.

How do you apply?

Applications are made online through the Employment Ontario site named on the program page and are accepted year-round. The program allows one application at a time.

Next step

If you want a checklist, a 25-trainee estimator and a ten-question course check in one place, see the Ontario Job Grant DIY Pack ($29). This site is independent and is not affiliated with the Government of Ontario. Nothing here guarantees funding: the province decides.

KAE MOB ENTERTAINMENT INC., operating as K.M.E. Incorporated · Ontario corporation · CRA business number 753923143RC0001 · Mailing address: 22 John St, Toronto, ON M9N 2B3, Canada · Email: kmeinchq@gmail.com