START Program

Hiring can be a major hurdle for small and medium-sized organizations in Nova Scotia, especially when budgets are tight but staffing needs are urgent. The START Program is designed to ease that pressure by helping employers bring unemployed, job-ready Nova Scotians onto their teams. Delivered by Employment Nova Scotia, this hiring incentive focuses on making it more affordable for businesses and nonprofits to fill vacancies while supporting people re-entering the workforce.

Through the START Program, employers can receive non-repayable funding that helps offset a portion of wage and benefit costs when they hire a new employee. Depending on the role and the individual being hired, support may also be available for training expenses or job-related equipment, reducing the upfront costs that often come with onboarding. While full-time, longer-term positions are generally prioritized, some shorter-term roles may still qualify when they build transferable skills or align with priority sectors in the province. Funding amounts vary by project and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

The program is currently accepting applications and is open to Nova Scotia–based small businesses, nonprofits, and social enterprises planning to hire locally. Because applications must be approved before a new hire starts, understanding how the program works ahead of time is key. Exploring the full details through GrantHub can help determine whether the START Program fits your hiring plans.