Many Manitoba employers have trouble finding skilled workers or keeping up with changing labour needs. These programs fund partnerships, training, and research to improve employment in Manitoba.
This guide explains how to apply for three important streams—Labour Market Partnerships, Employment Partnerships, and Research and Innovation—and how to choose the best fit for your business or organization.
All three programs are part of the Workforce Training and Employment group, run by the Government of Manitoba. They are ongoing (open) programs, not one-time intakes. Funding is usually proposal-based rather than a set amount for each applicant.
Best for: Industry groups, employers, non-profits, and communities working together on workforce challenges.
The Workforce Training and Employment — Labour Market Partnerships program supports projects that help with labour market development and workforce adjustment at a sector, regional, or provincial level.
Who can apply
Eligible activities
Funding details
How to apply
Best for: Employers who want to train, upskill, or support workers directly.
The Workforce Training and Employment — Employment Partnerships stream helps individuals prepare for, find, or keep jobs and supports employer training needs.
Who can apply
Eligible participants
Eligible supports
Funding details
How to apply
Best for: Organizations testing new ideas to improve employment outcomes.
The Workforce Training and Employment — Research and Innovation program funds practical, innovative projects that help people prepare for, enter, return to, or stay in the workforce.
Who can apply
Eligible projects
Funding details
How to apply
Pick the right stream
Describe the workforce problem
Be clear. Explain the skills gap, labour shortage, or employment barrier you want to solve.
Build partnerships early
Multi-organization projects are strongly encouraged, especially for Labour Market Partnerships.
Write a clear project proposal
Include your goals, timeline, partners, budget, and expected results.
Contact Manitoba Workforce Development
Early discussions with program staff can improve your chances.
If you are unsure which stream fits your organization, GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you compare Manitoba workforce programs by organization type and project goal.
Applying without real partners
Partnership-based streams expect true collaboration, not just letters of intent.
Unclear employment results
Projects must lead to real jobs or training results.
Assuming fixed funding amounts
These programs do not publish standard grant caps.
Treating it like a one-time grant
These are managed programs with ongoing oversight and reporting.
Q: Are these Manitoba workforce programs currently open?
Yes. All three streams are ongoing and accept project discussions and proposals year-round.
Q: Can non-profits apply for Labour Market Partnerships funding?
Yes. Non-profit and community organizations are eligible if the project addresses labour market or workforce development issues.
Q: Do these programs offer wage subsidies?
Some Employment Partnerships and Research and Innovation projects may include wage-related supports, depending on the approved plan.
Q: Is there a maximum funding amount?
No fixed maximum is published. Funding is based on project scope, costs, and outcomes.
Q: Is the funding taxable?
Government funding and wage supports are generally taxable and should be reviewed with your accountant.
Q: Where can I compare these programs with other grants?
GrantHub’s database lets you search and compare Manitoba and national workforce grants by eligibility, deadlines, and project focus.
See also:
If your business or organization is planning workforce training, sector collaboration, or employment research, these Manitoba programs are a strong place to start. For more details and to find other grants that match your hiring or training needs, browse GrantHub’s up-to-date listings before you write your proposal.
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