AAFC Career Focus Canadian Government Grants for Hiring FAQs
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)Â Career Focus Program is a government funded initiative focused on helping recent graduates of a college or university program attain work experience in a position relevant to their education.
Why does Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada offer Career Focus?
Several government departments, including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada offer Career Focus Canadian business grants to enable graduates to find positions within sectors that need to hire people with relevant skills.
How many interns can be funded through the AAFC Career Focus small business grants at a time?
The AAFC Career Focus Program offers funding through Canada small business grants to hire approximately 80 interns across Canada into agriculture and agri-food related positions.
What type of funding is offered through the AAFC Career Focus Program?
Funding from the AAFC Career Focus is considered a grant – meaning it does not need to be repaid.
How much funding is provided through the AAFC Career Focus Program?
AAFC Career Focus small business grants provides up to 50% of the salary of an intern to a maximum amount of $20,000.
What are eligible small and medium-sized businesses required to contribute?
The organization is required to contribute a minimum of 50% of the salary costs. AAFC will match dollar for dollar what a company contributes up to the maximum amount of $20,000.
What organizations are eligible for Canadian government grants from the AAFC Career Focus program?
The following organizations are eligible for funding through the Career Focus Canadian small business grants program:
- Farm businesses
- Industry
- Not-for-profit organizations
- Provincial and municipal governments
- Associations, boards and councils
- Colleges and universities
What AAFC Career Focus eligibility requirements for employees?
To be eligible under this program an intern must be:
- Between the ages of 15 and 30
- Unemployed or underemployed
- Canadian citizen or landed immigrant
- Recent graduate within 3 years of a college or university program relevant to the agriculture industry, including provincial programs that focus on biological, agricultural and veterinary science or applied technology
When is the AAFC Career Focus Program accepting applications?
Applications are accepted each fall during a limited timeframe. In 2013, applications will be accepted between October 1st and November 15th.
Note: Internships, from applications submitted in fall of 2013, can begin any time after April 1st, 2014.
Learn More about CCAA Canadian Government Grants for Hiring
Find out more about this program and get started on your business’ application.
How are Career Focus small business grants applications processed?
Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis. Mentor Works recommends submitting your application as early as possible during the open timeframe to ensure there is still available funding. Interested organizations that meet all of the eligibility requirements can begin by sending a job description (and resume if applicable) to a Mentor Works Canadian government funding expert.   To learn about additional small business grants and loans opportunities please subscribe to our Canadian business grants and loans weekly e-newsletter, and follow us on social media: LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, Google+, and Twitter.