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Incentives & Funding

Funding programs, tax credits and grants are available to organizations who participate in experiential learning.

Need help connecting to the right experiential learning activities? Speak with our Experiential Learning Advisor

Mitacs Business Strategy Internship

A funding subsidy to hire a student for a 4-month internship project.

  • Benefits: Organizations receive 50% funding to have a student complete a 4-month internship project. Projects are valued at either $10,000 or $15,000 and can begin at any time.
  • Do I qualify: Participating organizations must be a Canadian business, non-profit, hospital, or municipality. Internships projects must be aimed at improving organizational innovation capabilities and strategies.
  • How to apply: Visit the Smith’s Mitacs partner page to begin the process.

Student Work Placement Program

A federal wage subsidy to employers who hire post-secondary students. Delivered through Employer Delivery Partners, organizations and associations connected with various industries approved by government to coordinate the program.

  • Benefits: Employers may be eligible to receive up to $7,500 per Canadian student hired.
  • Do I qualify: Each delivery partner has unique eligibility criteria (for employers, students, roles) and timelines/deadlines.
  • How to apply: Get in touch with the relevant sector/industry employer delivery partner. Visit the Smith WIL Digital page to find instructions on how to begin the process for this specific subsidy.

Canada Summer Jobs

A federal wage subsidy program to create summer jobs for post-secondary students.

  • Benefits: Employers can receive up to 50% subsidy of the employee’s hourly wage.
  • Do I qualify: Employers must be not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers or small businesses (< 50 employees). Student employees must be full-time students, 15 to 30 years of age, and intending to return to their studies in the next school year.
  • How to apply: Employers must apply for funding through the ESDC website.

Ontario’s Co-operative Education Tax Credit

A refundable tax credit for employers who hire students enrolled in a formal internship or co-op program.

  • Benefits: Corporations can claim 25% of eligible expenditures (30% for small businesses), up to a maximum credit of $3,000.
  • Do I qualify: Ontario businesses that hire students enrolled in a post-secondary co-operative education program are eligible.
  • How to apply: For information, visit the Ontario Ministry of Finance, Co-operative Education Tax Credit website.