Hiring in Yukon can be challenging. Many employers have trouble finding, training, and keeping staff in a small labour pool. The Staffing UP Program in Yukon is a Government of Yukon initiative designed to help local employers strengthen their teams by helping you hire, train, and improve how you manage your staff.
This guide covers who can apply, what the program funds, and how to complete your application.
Staffing UP is a Yukon government funding program for employers who already have staff and want to grow or improve their workforce. The program helps you hire, train, and improve how you manage your staff.
Staffing UP can help Yukon employers:
If your business does not have any employees yet, the Yukon government recommends the Working UP program instead. Note: “Building UP” is not a Yukon government program.
To qualify for the Staffing UP Program, your business or organization must:
Sole proprietors:
You can apply only if you have at least one employee besides yourself. If you have no staff, you are not eligible and should consider Working UP instead.
There are no industry limits, but all activities must support workforce development or staff retention.
Staffing UP funds a variety of activities to meet your workforce needs. It is not just a wage subsidy.
Eligible expenses include:
Hiring support
Training and skills development
Workplace supports
Human resources improvements
The Government of Yukon does not list a fixed maximum funding amount for Staffing UP. Funding depends on:
Because funding decisions are made case by case, it helps to clearly describe your staffing problem and show how the funding will address it.
Follow these steps to complete your application:
Make sure:
If you are unsure, tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and staffing needs.
Be specific. The program supports clear workforce goals, such as:
Link each activity to a real staffing challenge.
Apply through the Government of Yukon website.
Be ready to explain:
After you apply, the Yukon government may:
Reply quickly to keep your application moving.
Applying without employees
Staffing UP requires at least one worker beyond the owner. Applications without staff are declined.
Not being clear about your staffing challenges
General statements like “we need help with hiring” are not enough. Be clear about roles, skills, or retention problems.
Thinking it’s just a wage subsidy
Staffing UP funds more than wages. Missing out on training or HR improvements can weaken your application.
Not checking other Yukon programs
Some businesses are better suited to Working UP or other programs. Make sure you apply for the best fit.
Q: What is the Staffing UP program in Yukon?
Staffing UP is a Government of Yukon program that helps employers find, hire, train, and keep workers. It focuses on building strong teams, not just funding wages.
Q: Who can apply for Staffing UP funding?
Yukon employers with at least one employee in addition to the owner are eligible. Businesses without staff should look at Working UP instead.
Q: How much funding does Staffing UP provide?
There is no set amount. Funding is based on your proposed activities and workforce needs.
Q: What types of expenses are eligible?
Eligible expenses include hiring support, training, workplace accommodations, and improvements to HR practices.
Q: Is Staffing UP funding taxable?
Funding is usually treated as business income. Check with your accountant for details on your situation.
The Staffing UP Program in Yukon is flexible, but your application should be clear and closely matched to your staffing goals. GrantHub lists Yukon and Canada-wide workforce funding programs and helps you see which ones fit your business, so you can focus on the strongest opportunities.
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