Hire an Intern (VentureforCanada)

The Venture for Canada (VFC) Internship Program provides Canadian post-secondary students with valuable work experiences in startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
  • VentureforCanada
Overview of the Hire an Intern (VentureforCanada) program:

Since its launch in 2018, the VFC Internship Program has focused on empowering students and supporting businesses across Canada. Funded by the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program, this initiative connects Canadian startups and SMEs with motivated post-secondary students to tackle real-world challenges. Interns participate in meaningful projects that build critical workplace and entrepreneurial skills while receiving customized training through VFC’s micro-courses, live sessions, and practical challenges. The program is designed to be flexible, offering full-time and part-time internships lasting up to 20 weeks. Internships are available in various fields, including business, marketing, computer science, engineering, and accounting. To make these opportunities accessible, the program provides wage subsidies of up to $7,000 to eligible employers, easing financial barriers and promoting equitable hiring practices. Interns are also introduced to exclusive opportunities for professional growth, including participation in VFC’s Fellowship Program and invitations to events like the Intern Summit. Employers benefit from accessing a diverse talent pool and fostering innovation through fresh perspectives.

Benefits of the Hire an Intern (VentureforCanada) program:
  • For Students:
  • Hands-on work experience in dynamic, innovative environments.
  • Access to entrepreneurial training, including micro-courses, live sessions, and challenges.
  • Networking opportunities with peers, industry leaders, and mentors.
  • Potential for fast-tracked admission to VFCs Fellowship Program or exclusive events like the Intern Summit.
  • For Employers:
  • Access to a diverse pool of skilled and motivated students.
  • Financial support through wage subsidies, reducing the cost of hiring interns.
  • Support for hiring processes, including help with job postings and candidate matching.
  • Opportunities to engage with future leaders and innovators.For Students:
  • Hands-on work experience in dynamic, innovative environments.
  • Access to entrepreneurial training, including micro-courses, live sessions, and challenges.
  • Networking opportunities with peers, industry leaders, and mentors.
  • Potential for fast-tracked admission to VFCs Fellowship Program or exclusive events like the Intern Summit.
  • For Employers:
  • Access to a diverse pool of skilled and motivated students.
  • Financial support through wage subsidies, reducing the cost of hiring interns.
  • Support for hiring processes, including help with job postings and candidate matching.
  • Opportunities to engage with future leaders and innovators.
Eligibility criteria of the Hire an Intern (VentureforCanada) program:
  • For Students:
  • Must be a full-time or part-time post-secondary student at a Canadian institution.
  • Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or refugee.
  • For Employers:
  • To meet the conditions of our funding, businesses and internships must meet the following criteria:
  • Be a small or medium-sized business, start-up, social enterprise, nonprofit, or charity
  • Registered in one of the following Canadian provinces or territories: BC, AB, SK, MB, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL, YT, NT, or NU
  • Employ fewer than 500 people
  • Provide a safe and supportive internship that develops innovation or entrepreneurial skill-building opportunities
Request Funding Information

Related Funding Opportunities

Explore similar funding opportunities that match your goals.

StandUp VenturesOPEN
  • StandUp Ventures
Start-Up Loans Program OPEN
  • Wabasca Entrepreneurial & Marketing Board (WEMB)
Azure grantOPEN
  • Microsoft
Future Fisher ProgramOPEN
  • PEI Provincial Department of Fisheries.
Community Futures Loans - SaskatchewanOPEN
  • Community Futures Saskatchewan

Other Grants and Funding by Region

ELLA ExpressOPEN
  • YSpace
Canada Cultural Spaces FundOPEN
  • Canadian Heritage
Arts Operating FundOPEN
  • Government of Northwest Territories
GST/HST creditOPEN
  • Canada Revenue Agency
Artist to Market Program OPEN
  • Government of Northwest Territories
Aboriginal Community Development FundOPEN
  • Nova Scotia Office of Aboriginal Affairs
Materials for Clean Fuels Challenge programOPEN
  • National Research Council Canada

More Grants and Funding by Industry

Dairy Innovation ProgramOPEN
  • Canadian Dairy Commission (CDC)
Small Business Loan BC OPEN
  • Small Business BC
Indigenous Affairs Grants ProgramOPEN
  • Government of New Brunswick
Fisheries and Sealing - Commercial Fisheries Freight SubsidyOPEN
  • Nunavut Department of Economic Development and Transportation
Prospectors Assistance GrantOPEN
  • Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Natural Resources
Chrysalix Energy Venture CapitalOPEN
  • Chrysalix Energy Venture Capital
Corner Store GrantsOPEN
  • City of Edmonton