Small and medium businesses in Stouffville, Ontario had until March 21, 2026, to apply for a $1,500 grant to help pay for hiring a college student this summer. Seneca Polytechnic offered 10 of these non-repayable grants to help local companies offset the costs of bringing on skilled help for the upcoming season.
To be eligible for the funding, a business must be a for-profit company located in York Region with up to 499 employees. Companies could only apply if they have never hired a student from the school before. The program targets specialized fields such as engineering, cybersecurity, marketing, and artificial intelligence.
The Greater Stouffville Chamber promoted the opportunity to its 400 members to help them find affordable ways to grow. Successful business applicants will be announced on April 1, 2026, with student placements beginning on May 4, 2026. Students are required to complete at least 420 hours of work through August 14, 2026.
This grant initiative is part of an ongoing effort to connect students with local employers, including a workforce partnership formed between the school and the Town of Stouffville in February. Business owners applied through the school’s online system or contacted HELIX, the school’s innovation department, for more information.
