If you’re planning a training or employment project in the Northwest Territories (NWT), the Job Creation Partnerships Program can help cover real staffing and training costs. This territorial program supports community-based projects that improve employability through paid work and group skills training. It is especially useful for employers, non-profits, and Indigenous organizations. These groups often work together to create short-term jobs. The goal is to build long-term impact for participants.
The Job Creation Partnership Northwest Territories program is delivered by the Government of the Northwest Territories through Education, Culture and Employment (ECE). It funds projects that combine temporary employment with structured skills training for unemployed or underemployed residents.
Eligible applicants include a wide range of organizations operating in the NWT, such as:
Individual workers cannot apply directly. Only organizations can sponsor and submit applications.
To qualify, your project must meet several core requirements:
The program aims for more than just short-term jobs. It focuses on improving long-term employability for participants.
Funding can be used to support eligible project costs, including:
There is no fixed maximum funding amount. Approved funding depends on your project scope, timeline, and budget justification.
To be eligible, your project must have at least two partners from different community sectors. Having a mix of organizations—such as a municipality and an Indigenous group—shows community support and broad impact. Each partner should have a clear role in the project.
The training plan is also important. It must include group-based skills training. Examples include workplace essential skills, literacy and numeracy, or job readiness workshops. Vague or incomplete training plans are a common reason for rejected proposals.
Eligible costs include wages for both supervisors and participants, as well as training expenses. However, any costs incurred before you receive written approval are not reimbursed.
Applying for the Job Creation Partnerships Program in the NWT is a proposal-based process. Approval must be received before any project activities begin.
Design your project
Confirm partner commitments
Prepare your project proposal
Submit to ECE
Wait for written approval
Program intake timelines can vary. It’s best to speak with an ECE regional office early in your planning process.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly filter similar territorial and provincial programs by location and organization type.
Starting the project before approval
Costs incurred before written approval are usually not eligible for reimbursement.
Not meeting the partnership requirement
Multiple partners are mandatory, and they must represent different community sectors.
Vague training plans
Proposals without clear group skills training components are often rejected.
Underestimating reporting obligations
Funded projects usually require progress and financial reporting.
Q: Who benefits from the Job Creation Partnerships Program?
The program benefits unemployed or underemployed NWT residents by providing paid work combined with structured skills training. Projects are designed to improve long-term employability.
Q: Is the funding repayable?
The Northwest Territories Job Creation Partnerships Program is structured as project funding, not a loan. Approved costs do not need to be repaid if program terms are met.
Q: Do participants need to be on Employment Insurance (EI)?
EI eligibility rules vary by jurisdiction. In the NWT, eligibility is assessed through program guidelines and participant circumstances, not solely EI status.
Q: How long can a project run?
Project duration depends on the approved proposal and training plan. There is no single published maximum, but timelines must be clearly justified.
Q: Can businesses apply on their own?
No. Businesses must partner with at least one other eligible organization from a different community component.
GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and wage subsidy programs across Canada — including territorial employment programs — making it easier to see which ones align with your project.
If you’re planning a community employment or training project in the NWT, the Job Creation Partnerships Program is a strong starting point. The right mix of partners and a clear training plan can make your proposal competitive. GrantHub helps you compare this program with other territorial and provincial funding options, so you can plan with confidence and avoid missed opportunities.
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