COJG is Now OJG

What Ontario Businesses Need to Know

If your business has previously used the Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG) — or you’ve been searching for how to access it — there’s an important update you need to know.

The Ontario government has officially replaced the COJG with a redesigned program called the Ontario Job Grant (OJG). Applications are now open, funding amounts have been maintained, and Ontario small and mid-sized businesses can access up to $10,000 per employee to support employee training.

Here’s everything you need to know about what changed, what stayed the same, and how your business can take advantage

What Was the Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG)?

For more than a decade, the Canada-Ontario Job Grant was one of the most valuable workforce development programs available to Ontario employers. It provided direct financial support for third-party employee training by helping businesses in virtually every sector upskill their teams without bearing the full cost. In the fall of 2025, COJG was paused for a ministerial review.

COJG Has Been Replaced by the Ontario Job Grant (OJG)

Here’s the great news: The Government of Ontario officially launched the Ontario Job Grant (OJG), a redesigned version of the program under a new name. The OJG is now accepting applications on an ongoing basis.

The updated program continues to help Ontario employers offset the cost of training that strengthens employee skills and supports workforce development for both new and existing employees in a changing economy.

The relaunch brings updated guidelines, a streamlined application process, and renewed commitment from the province to support small and mid-sized business growth.

What stays the same: The program covers up to two-thirds of eligible training costs for most employers, with SMBs receiving even greater support. Over the years, thousands of Ontario businesses used COJG funding to train employees in areas like leadership, sales, technology, communications, and more.

What Changed vs. What Stayed the Same

How Much Funding Can Your Business Receive?

The Ontario Job Grant offers flexible funding based on your business size and training scenario:

For businesses with fewer than 100 employees:

Government covers up to 5/6 (83%) of eligible training costs
Up to $10,000 per trainee
Your business contributes just 1/6 of the cost

For businesses with 100 or more employees:

Government covers up to 50% of eligible training costs
Up to $10,000 per trainee

Example: A small business with 30 employees wants to train 5 staff members. With OJG, a $30,000 training program could cost the business as little as $5,000 out of pocket while the government covers the remaining $25,000.

Who Qualifies for the Ontario Job Grant?

Eligible employers include:

Private sector businesses of any size operating in Ontario
Non-profit organizations acting on behalf of employers
Businesses that have been operating for at least one year

Eligible trainees must:

Be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons
Reside in Ontario
Be employed by the applicant employer (or be a confirmed new hire)

What Training is Eligible Under OJG?

The Ontario Job Grant is employer-driven, meaning your business chooses the training that fits your goals. Training must be delivered by an approved third-party provider and must be job-related.

Integram offers a wide range of training programs that are eligible under the program, including:

AI adoption and digital transformation
Leadership development and team management
Sales strategies and customer service
Workplace communication and conflict resolution skills
Brand development and strategic planning
Customized corporate training programs

Important: You must apply and receive approval before training begins. Do not start training while your application is under review.

How Integram Helps Ontario SMBs Navigate OJG

At Integram, we’ve spent more than 34 years helping Ontario small and mid-sized businesses grow — through strategy, employee training, and AI enablement. Our team has guided businesses through government-funding programs, including COJG and now OJG, and we understand what it takes to build a successful application and a successful training outcome.

As your OJG training partner, Integram:

Helps you assess eligibility and identify the right training programs
Provides detailed course outlines, training descriptions, and pricing documentation to support your application
Delivers OJG-eligible training across leadership, AI adoption, sales, strategic planning, communications, and more
Works with your business to maximize the value of every training dollar

Fact: Integram has helped 100+ Ontario small and mid-sized businesses grow. Let us help yours.

Why Now is the Time to Act

The OJG program is now open and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Keep in mind that funding is finite and applications are assessed in the order they are received.

Businesses that act now benefit from:

First-mover advantage while program capacity is fresh
No year-end rush — avoid the backlog that typically builds as applications accumulate
Immediate ROI — trained employees generate results while competitors wait

If your business has been on the sidelines waiting for COJG to return, the wait is over. The Ontario Job Grant is open, the funding is available, and Integram is ready to help you access it.

Ready to Get Started?

The Ontario Job Grant is one of the most accessible and valuable workforce development programs available to Ontario businesses right now. With up to $10,000 per employee and 83% of costs covered for small businesses, the case for acting is clear.

Integram’s team is ready to help you identify the right training programs, prepare your application materials, and deliver results-driven training that makes a real difference.

Frequently Asked Questions About COJG and OJG

What replaced the Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG)?

The Ontario Job Grant (OJG) officially replaced COJG. The Government of Ontario redesigned and relaunched the program under the new name. All new applications should be submitted through the OJG program portal. Consult Integram to get started.

Is COJG still available?

No. COJG was paused in the fall of 2025 and has been replaced by the Ontario Job Grant (OJG). Businesses searching for COJG funding should now apply through the OJG program.

How much funding is available through the Ontario Job Grant?

The OJG provides up to $10,000 per trainee. Small businesses with fewer than 100 employees can have up to 83% of training costs covered by the government. Employers hiring previously unemployed new hires may qualify for up to $15,000 per trainee with no minimum employer contribution.

Who qualifies for the Ontario Job Grant?

Private and non-profit sector employers operating in Ontario for at least one year are eligible. Trainees must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons residing in Ontario. Government agencies and broader public sector organizations are not eligible.

Does the Ontario Job Grant cover AI training?

Yes. AI adoption, digital transformation, and technology training are eligible under OJG when delivered by an approved third-party provider. Integram offers OJG-eligible AI enablement training specifically designed for Ontario small and mid-sized businesses.

How do I apply for the Ontario Job Grant?

Applications are submitted through the OJG Online Application Portal on ontario.ca. You must apply before training begins and include three quotes from three different training providers. Integram helps Ontario SMBs navigate the entire application process, starting with a free consultation.

Can a business apply for OJG more than once?

Yes. Employers may apply multiple times as long as they continue to meet eligibility requirements. Businesses that have not received funding in the past six months are given higher priority in the assessment process.

How long does OJG approval take?

Applications are typically reviewed within four to five weeks of submission. Approval must be received before any training begins.

7 Key Tips for Shaping a Powerful Elevator Pitch

In today’s business world, we all know that communication can be a power conduit to help sell your brand and its image. To ensure your brand engages your target audience, a vital communication strategy is to develop an effective elevator pitch.

Here are our top tips for shaping a pitch that is sure to position your business above competitive brands.

1. KEEP IT SIMPLE

Like anything in life, we prefer to take the simple path, rather than follow a complicated one. Your elevator pitch should be no different. A powerful elevator pitch grabs the target audience’s attention with a hook, then expands to detail your brand’s objectives as clearly and concisely as possible. Your pitch is an opportunity to emphasize what your audience will gain from investing in your business – for example, the problems it can solve – and the role they play.

2. ENCOURAGE A RESPONSE

A powerful elevator pitch entices your audience to actively want to learn more about your brand. To ensure your audience is interested and engaged, you’ll want to encourage the listener to ask the right questions. Some questions may include:

What do you do exactly?

Present a brief rundown of the company’s history, including an integrated explanation of what led you to your current endeavour. Take your cues from them – if they’re looking for me, it might be a good time to detail some previous experiences and success stories.

How are you unique from your competition?

Highlight exactly what specific features advantageously set you apart from other competing companies. For example, you might tell them how your brand is modelled toward helping other small businesses.

How do you help your clients?

Specify particular features and strategies of your services/products and how they manage and ensure client success.

3. SKIP THE INDUSTRY JARGON

An effective elevator pitch is free of professional jargon and concepts that are only prevalent to fellow colleagues. Your audience is more likely to invest in your brand if they understand your objectives and goals. Keep in mind: you’re connecting with an individual, so talk to them using conversational – not clinical or technical – language.

4. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

At Integram, we use our Brand Essence framework to shape an effective pitch. If it helps, write it out, whatever your frame of reference. Some key points include:

– Company history and business plan

– Problems you tackle/resolve

– Client successes

Ultimately, an effective pitch is second nature to any discussion. It shouldn’t sound like you’re reading from a script. In order to deliver a compelling pitch, practice it…as often as you need to before it feels natural. Say it in the mirror, or to yourself while you’re driving, cooking or when lying in bed.

5. SHOW YOUR PASSION

The expression in your delivery is as impactful as the words you use to phrase your pitch. Remember, you’re speaking to a person, not a robot (at least I hope not!) – and people are more likely to react to something they feel in your delivery.

6. BE CREATIVE IN YOUR APPROACH

More often than not, a successful business is able and willing to make structural changes and experiment with other alternatives, if necessary. Your pitch can be equally experimental, especially if you’re trying to stand out.

A few suggestions on being more creative with your pitch include tailoring it to the company or audience to whom you’re presenting. If you’re pitching to a golf store, try using golf visuals or terminology whenever possible. For example, “Partnering with my brand is a bogey-free collaboration.” Incorporating relatable and relevant stats is another helpful approach in creativity when presenting your pitch.

7. CREATE AN ACTION

When it’s all said and done, a powerful elevator pitch entices your audience to buy your product or service, or at least invite an opportunity to learn more. To ensure your business is on the right path to success, make sure you have a plan or process in place that proactively addresses the next step. Have you set a date to meet again? Do you have a booking system that arranges and secures the next meeting? The end action should be to seal the deal.

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