Hiring new staff can be costly, especially for small businesses. The START Program in Nova Scotia offers repayable wage support to help employers hire unemployed Nova Scotians. Employment Nova Scotia runs the program and makes it available to eligible employers throughout the province.
If you want to hire someone who is unemployed and lives in Nova Scotia, learning the application process will help you avoid mistakes and save time.
The START Program helps small and medium-sized employers hire ready-to-work Nova Scotians by sharing wage costs. Instead of a grant, START provides repayable assistance—you must pay back the support according to your agreement.
Your business or organization may qualify if it:
The candidate you want to hire must:
If either the employer or employee does not meet these requirements, the application will be rejected.
START funding helps cover part of the new employee’s wages, but it is important to know how the program works before applying.
Since the support must be repaid, many businesses treat START as a form of low-cost financing linked to job creation. Ask your accountant about tax rules, as repayable assistance is not taxed the same way as grants.
Identify the position and candidate before you apply. Do not hire the person yet. Applications for employees who have already started working are not eligible.
Make sure the candidate is:
Many applications fail because the candidate does not meet these criteria.
You will need:
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if START and other wage support programs fit your business before you apply.
Send your application directly to Employment Nova Scotia. You must get approval before the employee starts working.
If approved, you will receive a funding agreement that explains:
After you sign the agreement, the employee can begin work.
Applying for wage support can be straightforward if you follow the right steps. Here are some tips to help your application stand out:
Double-check eligibility
Review all requirements for both employer and employee before submitting your application.
Prepare clear job descriptions
Include detailed information about the role, responsibilities, and wage to avoid delays.
Organize your documents
Keep all business, financial, and job information ready to submit with your application.
Communicate with Employment Nova Scotia
If you have questions, contact them early to clarify any uncertainties.
Use available tools
Resources like GrantHub can help you compare programs and track deadlines.
Q: Is the START Program a grant or a loan?
START provides repayable assistance, not a grant. Repayment terms are set in your agreement with Employment Nova Scotia.
Q: Do I have to apply before hiring the employee?
Yes. Your application must be approved before the employee starts work, or you will not receive funding.
Q: How much funding can I receive through START?
The amount depends on the job, wage, and agreement. There is no fixed amount; it is decided with Employment Nova Scotia.
Q: Can non-profits apply for the START Program?
Yes. Eligible employers include small and medium-sized businesses, not-for-profits, and social enterprises in Nova Scotia.
Q: Is START funding taxable?
Repayable assistance is taxed differently than grants. Ask your accountant for advice.
If you want to hire in Nova Scotia, the START Program can help you manage wage costs while building your team. GrantHub tracks hiring and wage support programs across Canada, including provincial and federal options, so you can compare START to other programs your business may qualify for.
You might also want to look at Co-op Student Hiring Incentives in Nova Scotia or see how provincial programs differ in Federal vs Provincial Wage Subsidy Programs in Canada.
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