Hiring and training staff in Manitoba can be expensive and take a lot of time. To help employers, job seekers, and community groups, the Manitoba government offers Employment Assistance Services (EAS). These programs connect people to jobs, provide training, and support businesses in finding and preparing workers. EAS operates across Manitoba through a network of approved service providers.
This guide explains what Manitoba Employment Assistance Services are, who can use them, and how your organization can get started.
Manitoba Employment Assistance Services are a group of government-funded supports. They help people get ready for work and help employers find and train employees. EAS is not a single grant with a set amount. Instead, it is a bundle of services and different funding streams, delivered by approved providers throughout Manitoba.
The program is run by the Government of Manitoba and supports both job seekers and employers. Services include training, job matching, and wage-based funding.
Funding and supports depend on the service stream and the person or business involved. There is no single maximum grant amount.
Eligibility depends on your role. Manitoba Employment Assistance Services are open to many types of participants.
You may qualify if you are:
Many services focus on employers who hire eligible unemployed Manitobans.
Criteria can be different for each service. Many EAS supports are for people who are:
Service providers in Manitoba meet with job seekers and match them with the right programs.
If you are an employer in Manitoba, EAS can help lower your hiring risks and reduce training costs.
Wage subsidies
Some program streams pay a portion of wages when you hire eligible unemployed Manitobans. Wage subsidies are usually for a set time. They are often linked to training or onboarding. The tax treatment of wage subsidies can vary. You should ask your accountant how to report these funds.
Recruitment and job matching
Service providers help match your job openings with qualified Manitobans who are looking for work and getting employment support.
On-the-job training supports
Some funding can help cover training costs while your new hire learns job-specific skills.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly filter employment and training programs by province and business type.
You do not usually apply for Manitoba Employment Assistance Services funding directly online. Instead, you access EAS through approved service providers in Manitoba.
Identify your need
Decide if you want to hire, train staff, or look for self-employment support.
Connect with a Manitoba service provider
Service providers are located across the province and deliver EAS programs for the government.
Eligibility assessment
The provider checks if you or your employee qualifies. They will suggest the right services.
Program participation
Wage subsidies, training supports, or employment services are given based on the approved plan.
Programs and timelines can be different depending on your region and the service stream.
Employment Assistance Services funding changes by program and participant. There is no single dollar value.
Most wage supports must be approved before the employee starts. Ask your service provider early.
Non-profits, social enterprises, and community organizations in Manitoba are also eligible.
You cannot usually apply directly to the province. You must work with an approved Manitoba service provider.
Q: Who is eligible for Employment Assistance Services in Manitoba?
Employers, community organizations, and service providers in Manitoba may qualify. Job seekers are assessed by approved providers.
Q: Is there a wage subsidy under Manitoba Employment Assistance Services?
Yes. Some streams include wage subsidies for hiring eligible unemployed Manitobans. The amount and duration depend on the program.
Q: Is there a maximum funding amount?
No. Funding varies by service and participant. There is no fixed cap.
Q: Can non-profit organizations apply?
Yes. Non-profits and social enterprises are eligible under Employment Assistance Services.
Q: Do employers have to hire unemployed Manitobans?
Many services focus on hiring eligible unemployed people, especially for wage subsidy streams.
Manitoba Employment Assistance Services are flexible and can help employers and organizations save money on hiring and speed up staff training. The right service provider will guide you through each step. GrantHub tracks active employment and training programs across Canada, including Manitoba, so you can see which ones fit your organization’s needs.
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