START program: hiring incentive
The START Program helps employers find and attract the people they need. Employers can receive funding when they hire eligible unemployed Nova Scotians to fill their job vacancies.
You can apply to the program as an employer or as an individual.
START for employers
Different types of funding are available for employers, depending on the type of employment offered, the employer’s needs and the employee’s skill level.
Wage incentive
Wage incentives help offset some of the salary and benefit costs related to hiring a new employee. Preference is given to employers who can offer full-time, sustainable employment. Short-term jobs may be eligible if they help the employee develop transferrable skills that can improve their chances of finding other employment in the future, or if they're related to a priority sector or industry where a short-term contract is being implemented.
Employment Nova Scotia determines wage incentive amounts on a case-by-case basis, considering:
- type of employment offered
- wages offered
- employee’s skill level
- how long the employee has been looking for work
- whether the position supports a priority sector in Nova Scotia (like digital technologies, information and communications technology, defence and aerospace, energy and cleantech, natural resources, agriculture and fisheries or housing and construction)
Other factors may also be considered.
Training costs
Employers can get funding to help cover some of the costs of training the new employee.
Equipment and other costs
Employers can get funding to cover some of the cost of equipment or other direct costs associated with the new employee.
Employer eligibility
START is available to small or medium-sized employers, including businesses, not-for-profit organizations and social enterprises, that are located in Nova Scotia and whose employees live and work in the province. These employers may have headquarters outside Nova Scotia but must have a physical location in the province and must have employees working in the province.
Employers need to apply and be approved for the START Program by an ENS representative before they hire an employee. If you hire a new employee before applying and being approved for START, you won't be eligible for funding.
How to apply
When you apply online you need to create a LaMPSS Account or sign in.
Make sure you’ve read the START Program Guidelines before you apply.
START for individuals
If you’re unemployed and looking for work, you can use the START Program to help promote yourself to potential employers.
You can apply to receive a START Marketing Letter from Employment Nova Scotia. You can use the letter in your job search to tell employers that they may be eligible to receive funding from the START Program if they hire you.
Eligibility
To apply for the START program as an individual, you must be:
- a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, an international graduate who meets eligibility requirements or a spouse of a member of the military who has an imminent transfer to Nova Scotia
- a resident of Nova Scotia
- unemployed (or employed less than full-time hours)
How to apply
Contact a Nova Scotia Works Employment Services Centre to discuss your situation. If you’re eligible, they’ll help you submit your application.
Related information
Contact Information
Employment Nova Scotia
1-877-223-0888