Graduate to Opportunity — GTO Grow

Hiring your first professional employee or adding new talent can be a major step for a growing organization in Nova Scotia. For small businesses, startups, and community-focused organizations, the Graduate to Opportunity — GTO Grow stream helps reduce the cost of bringing a recent graduate into a permanent, full-time role. Delivered by Nova Scotia’s Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, the program is designed to strengthen the local workforce while helping employers build capacity with new skills and fresh perspectives.

Through GTO Grow, eligible employers can receive a non-repayable wage subsidy that covers roughly a quarter of a new graduate’s salary in the first year, followed by additional support in the second year. The position must be new and aligned with the graduate’s field of study, making the program especially useful for businesses that want to grow responsibly without overextending payroll. Employers from any sector can apply, including incorporated startups, small and medium-sized businesses, and non-profits or social enterprises looking to invest in long-term talent.

The program also places an emphasis on inclusive hiring, with enhanced support available when employers recruit graduates from underrepresented groups. Applications are generally accepted on an ongoing basis, and funding levels vary depending on the role and salary. For Nova Scotia employers considering their next hire, exploring the full details of GTO Grow can help determine whether this wage subsidy fits into your growth plans.