We're Here For You!
During this uncertain time, we wanted to let you know that the career team at Western University is thinking about you and your business. We wanted to offer any support we can for recruiting and hiring, and highlight that there is funding available to hire students to continue the important work of your organization.
Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)
The Student Work Placement Program (SWPP), administered by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), is a wage subsidy program available to employers hiring post-secondary students for work placements. ESDC recognizes that the COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly and may impact an organization's ability to meet the activities outlined in student work placement agreements.
In response to those challenges, the following changes have been made to the SWPP:
- Employers can now apply for funding before they finalize their selection of students
- Employers have the flexibility to postpone placement start dates to avoid rescinding their offer (i.e. students can start later than May if needed)
- Small and medium sized employers (who have fewer than 500 employees) and non-profit organizations will be able to use wage subsidies up-front when there is an operational cash flow need
- Students will be able to work from home
- Post-secondary institutions now qualify for SWPP funding as long as the experience is a quality work-integrated learning opportunity that's linked to the student's program of study and career goals
Note: If you have already been approved for SWPP funding and have made changes to a student's work term, you will need to reach out to the applicable SWPP funding partner to notify them.
How to Apply:
You can find a list of all SWPP delivery partners, eligibility requirements, and how to apply here
NRC IRAP Innovation Assistance Program (IAP)
On April 17, 2020, the Government of Canada announced $250 million in funding for the Innovation Assistance Program (IAP) to assist small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). IRAP IAP provides a wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks. SMEs pursuing technology-driven innovation who have been unable to secure funding under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) are eligible and can apply for financial assistance under IRAP IAP.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be ineligible for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
- Be an incorporated, profit-oriented small or medium-sized business in Canada
- Be a company with 500 or fewer full-time equivalent employees
- Plan to pursue growth and profit by developing and commercializing innovative, technology-driven new or improved products, services or processes in Canada
- Lack sufficient financial resources to sustain operations during the COVID-19 downturn period
- Have a Canada Revenue Agency business number
- Be incorporated by no later than March 1, 2020
How to Apply:
The deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 11:59pm EDT. Additional information about this funding and how to apply can be found here.
