Access to Talent Program

Hiring the right expertise can be a major hurdle for growing companies developing natural products or bio-based technologies. For Canadian start-ups and small businesses that need experienced talent to move a product closer to market, the Access to Talent Program offers targeted wage support to make those hires more achievable. Delivered by Natural Products Canada, the program is designed to help companies bring in seasoned professionals who can drive meaningful progress during critical development and commercialization stages.

This national program supports businesses working in areas such as biotechnology and life sciences, clean technology, food and beverage, and healthcare. Funding is applied directly to salary costs, helping offset a significant portion of wages for a new full-time hire over an extended project period. With support of up to roughly $75,000 in many cases, businesses can bring on experienced individuals to work on product or technology development, regulatory strategy, scale-up planning, business development, or preparing for fundraising and market entry. The focus is on hands-on roles that help advance a natural product or technology toward commercialization, rather than general administrative hiring.

The Access to Talent Program is particularly relevant for companies that have validated their innovation and are ready to hit key growth milestones but lack the internal capacity to do so alone. For founders and management teams looking to strengthen their team with proven expertise, exploring the full program details can clarify whether this funding aligns with their next stage of growth.