ECO Canada — Youth Employment in Natural Resources (YNR) ### 📋 Eligible Entities - Private sector businesses (for-profits) - Non-profit organizations - Indigenous-led organizations - Social enterprises - Registered charities - Crown corporations (in some cases) Key Requirements: - Must be registered in Canada - Must have a valid business number or charity registration - Able to provide full-time employment (minimum 30 hours/week) - Able to supervise and mentor youth employee --- ### 💰 Funding Details - Maximum Grant Amount: $20,000 per youth hired - Wage Coverage: Up to 75% of eligible wages paid to the youth employee - Remaining Cost: Employer covers minimum 25% (non-repayable matching contribution) - Employment Duration: Minimum 6–12 months of full-time employment - Repayability: Non-repayable grant (funds do not need to be returned) - Funding Source: Federal government (ECO Canada with support from ESDC) --- ### 🛠️ Approved Expenses - Direct Youth Wages: Salary/hourly compensation for the youth employee (primary eligible expense) - Benefits: Employer-paid benefits such as health insurance, dental, or pension contributions - Training & Development: On-the-job training, certifications, or professional development directly related to the role - Supervision Costs: Partial costs for dedicated supervisor/mentor time (in some cases) - Safety Equipment: Personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety training specific to the role Not Eligible: - Recruitment or advertising costs - Capital equipment purchases - Administrative overhead unrelated to the youth's employment --- ### ⚠️ Conditions & Milestones - Youth Eligibility: Applicant must be under age 30 and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person - STEM Sectors: Role must be in one of four approved natural resource sectors: - Energy (renewable/non-renewable) - Forestry - Minerals/Metals - Earth Sciences