Hiring skilled talent is expensive—especially for small and mid-sized businesses working on new technology. The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI/CIT) Talent Development Internships program helps reduce costs. It covers part of a recent graduate’s wages when they work on an eligible innovation project. Ontario SMEs can receive up to $35,000 in non-repayable support, with a maximum of two internships per business and up to $17,500 per internship.
The CIT Talent Development Internships program gives Ontario businesses a way to hire recent graduates for technology-focused projects without carrying the full wage cost. This support helps companies:
For small and mid-sized companies, this can make it possible to start projects that would otherwise be too expensive.
The program is designed for Ontario businesses hiring recent graduates to work on applied innovation projects. It is not a general hiring subsidy. The intern must be tied to a clear technology-driven project.
CIT covers up to 50% of eligible intern wages. Your business pays the other 50%.
To access this funding, both the employer and the intern must meet specific requirements.
Your business must meet all of the following:
The intern must be:
The intern’s work must be directly tied to:
If the role is mostly operational or administrative, it will not qualify.
The application process is straightforward, but attention to detail is important. Many applications are declined because the project does not match program goals.
Clearly describe:
Your project description should connect directly to a CIT critical technology.
Before applying, confirm the candidate:
Show:
In-kind contributions do not count as a cash match.
Applications are submitted through the OCI/CIT program portal. The program is currently open, but funding is limited and competitive.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if your business and project meet the main criteria before you apply. You can also sign up for GrantHub updates to stay informed about new hiring grants and wage subsidies.
Weak technology alignment
Projects that only mention “innovation” without linking to an approved technology are often rejected.
Using the grant for existing staff
The intern must be a new hire. You cannot convert an existing employee into an “intern.”
Missing the wage match requirement
CIT funding is matched dollar for dollar. Applications without a clear employer contribution are declined.
Overly broad job descriptions
Roles focused on sales, admin, or general operations usually do not qualify.
(Insights based on Ontario Centre of Innovation program guidance)
Q: How much funding can I receive from the CIT Talent Development Internships program?
You can receive up to $17,500 per internship, with a maximum of two four-month internships per business (totaling $35,000). Funding is matched 1:1 by your company.
Q: Who is eligible to apply for CIT Talent Development Internships?
Ontario-based, for-profit SMEs with fewer than 500 employees can apply, as long as the project meets CIT’s technology criteria.
Q: What type of interns qualify for this program?
Eligible interns are recent undergraduate or master’s graduates who finished their studies within the last three years.
Q: Can I use this grant for an existing employee?
No. The intern must be a new hire brought on specifically for the approved project.
Q: Is CIT internship funding taxable?
The funding is usually treated as government assistance and may reduce eligible expenses for tax purposes. Speak with your accountant for advice for your business.
If you are exploring hiring or innovation funding in Ontario, see also:
The Ontario Centre of Innovation Talent Development Internships program is a good fit if you need skilled graduate talent for a defined technology project and can fund half the cost. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and wage subsidy programs across Canada—including Ontario hiring incentives—so you can quickly see which ones match your business profile before you apply. Consider creating a free GrantHub account to get personalized grant alerts and updates.
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