Contractors & Trades
Trades businesses can find funding for apprentices, staff training, equipment and software. Apprenticeship grants, wage subsidies and tax credits may pay part of the cost of hiring and training apprentices. Government-backed loans may pay for tools, equipment and commercial vehicles. Technology loans and some digital programs may help pay for quoting and scheduling software. We check which programs are open, explain the rules and deadlines, and send deadline alerts. You apply on the official program site.
Common costs
Costs funding can help with
Hiring and training apprentices
An apprentice needs time and supervision before they pay for themselves. Apprenticeship grants, wage subsidies and tax credits may cover part of that cost. The federal Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit is up to $2,000 per eligible apprentice per year.
Tools, equipment and work vehicles
Equipment and trucks are large costs. Loans under the Canada Small Business Financing Program and BDC equipment loans may pay for equipment and commercial vehicles. These are loans, so you pay them back.
Quoting and office software
Estimates, invoices and scheduling take hours after the job is done. Technology loans and some digital programs may help pay for software that saves office time.
Safety training and certifications
Courses and new certifications cost money and time off the job. Training grants such as the Ontario Job Grant may pay part of the cost of training staff.
Funding paths
Where to start, in order
- 01
Hire and train apprentices
In Ontario, the Achievement Incentive and Group Sponsorship Grant may pay eligible employers up to $17,000 when apprentices reach training and certification milestones. Other provinces have apprentice wage subsidies and training tax credits.
- 02
Buy equipment and vehicles
Help for equipment and work vehicles usually comes as a loan. The Canada Small Business Financing Program and the BDC Equipment Purchase Loan both list commercial vehicles. Compare the loan terms before you apply.
- 03
Pay for office software
Technology loans and some digital programs may help pay for quoting, invoicing and scheduling software. The BDC Technology Equipment Loan, for example, lists software and computers.
- 04
Train your team
Training grants may pay part of the cost of courses and certifications for your staff. Each province sets its own rules and intake dates.
Funding categories
Programs that may relate
Apprenticeship, training, hiring and equipment-loan programs may apply to some trades businesses. Each has its own rules and intake timing, and the program decides who is approved. We link every program to its official source, where you apply.
We track 124 programs across Canada that may fit a contracting business. Here are examples from different provinces. You can also check your funding fit to see the ones your province offers.
Starter Company Plus
Up to $5,000
Starter Company Plus pairs a grant of up to $5,000 with hands-on training and one-on-one guidance from your local Small Business Enterprise Centre.
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Ontario: Achievement Incentive Program
Up to $17,000
An Ontario grant for employers and group sponsors who train apprentices. The province offers up to $17,000 to eligible employers when their…
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Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit
Up to $2,000
A federal non-refundable tax credit for employers who hire apprentices in Red Seal trades. It is worth 10% of eligible apprentice wages, up to $2,000…
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British Columbia: Training Tax Credit for Employers
Up to $4,000
This is a refundable provincial income tax credit for British Columbia employers who employ apprentices enrolled in eligible SkilledTradesBC programs.
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Newfoundland and Labrador: Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy (AWS)
Up to $14
The Newfoundland and Labrador Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy (AWS) pays employers 75% of an apprentice's hourly wage, up to $14 an hour, when they hire…
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Student Work Placement Program
Up to $5,000
A federal wage subsidy for employers who hire post-secondary students through the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP).
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New contracting business funding, straight to your inbox
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Funding by need
Funding for what contracting businesses need
Where you are
Funding and grants in your province
Frequently asked questions
Is there funding to hire an apprentice?
There may be. In Ontario, the Achievement Incentive and Group Sponsorship Grant may pay eligible employers up to $17,000 when apprentices reach training and certification milestones. The federal Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit is up to $2,000 per eligible apprentice per year. Some provinces also have apprentice wage subsidies. Each program has its own rules, and the program decides who is approved.
Is there funding for a contractor's software or training?
Possibly, depending on what is open when you apply. Some digital programs have paid for technology for trades businesses, and the BDC Technology Equipment Loan may pay for software and computers. Training grants and wage subsidies may apply when you train or hire staff. Programs change and budgets run out. We check what is open now and link you to the official source, where you apply.
Can I get a grant for a work truck?
Usually not a grant. Work trucks and equipment are more often paid for with a loan. The Canada Small Business Financing Program and the BDC Equipment Purchase Loan both list commercial vehicles. Loans are paid back, so compare the terms before you apply.