The Nova Scotia Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive (WIPSI) grants help businesses enhance workforce skills, improve productivity, and foster innovation by covering a portion of training costs. Here’s an overview:
1. Overview of WIPSI
WIPSI is a government-backed initiative designed to support businesses in Nova Scotia with employee training, helping them to boost workforce capabilities and adopt innovative practices. It is particularly beneficial for businesses focused on:
- Training employees in new technologies, leadership, and specialized skills.
- Improving productivity and driving workforce innovation.
- Supporting business growth and competitiveness in global markets.
This program is cost-sharing, where the government funds a percentage of the training costs, and businesses cover the remaining portion.
2. Funding Amount
The WIPSI grant covers varying portions of training costs depending on the size of the business:
- For SMEs: Up to 100% of direct training costs, including:
- Tuition fees
- Instructor fees
- Materials
- Travel and accommodation costs
- Employee wage subsidies during training
- For Large Businesses: Typically covers 50-75% of eligible expenses, with businesses contributing the remaining costs.
3. Eligibility Criteria
- Business Size: Must be a registered business in Nova Scotia, including private businesses, non-profits, and industry associations.
- Employee Training Focus: Training must be designed to enhance productivity and innovation, including technical skills, leadership, or process improvements.
- Priority Industries: Includes manufacturing, technology, healthcare, tourism, hospitality, and trades.
- Funding Contribution: Employers must co-fund a portion of training costs (either financially or in-kind).
4. Eligible Training Programs & Costs
The grant supports various training programs, such as:
- Leadership & Management Training
- Technical & Industry-Specific Skills
- Process Improvement & Innovation
- Health & Safety Certification
- Customer Service & Sales Training
Covered expenses include:
- Tuition, instructor fees, and materials
- Travel and accommodations for training outside Nova Scotia
- Wage subsidies for employees during training
Note: General onboarding training is not eligible.
5. How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply:
- Identify Training Needs – Assess workforce skills and find relevant training providers.
- Gather Required Documents – Prepare documents such as business registration, a training plan, and employee details.
- Submit the Application – Submit through Nova Scotia’s Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration.
- Application Review – Applications are evaluated based on relevance to business productivity, innovation, and workforce development.
6. Success Tips
- Align training with business growth goals to showcase how it will improve productivity.
- Choose reputable training providers to improve chances of approval.
- Highlight innovation and how training will give employees a competitive edge.
- Demonstrate long-term impact and how it supports business expansion.
7. Additional Benefits
- Enhanced workforce skills lead to improved efficiency and productivity.
- Increased competitiveness through advanced technologies and operational improvements.
- Stronger employee retention by investing in skill development.
- Access to further grants for additional workforce development.
8. Why Apply for WIPSI?
WIPSI offers businesses a cost-effective way to enhance employee skills, adopt innovative practices, and boost overall performance. It’s an invaluable resource for Nova Scotia-based companies looking to gain a competitive edge.
Ready to Apply? Visit the official Nova Scotia Labour, Skills, and Immigration website to get detailed application instructions and deadlines.