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COJG Has Been Replaced by the Ontario Job Grant (OJG)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

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