The First Jobs program offers Ontario businesses funding to hire a Masters or PhD level graduate to assist in increasing productivity and competitiveness through innovation. Established companies can receive a maximum grant of $40,000 to cover 50% of the graduate’s wages. For start-up operations, assistance is 80% up to $50,000. Funding is exclusive to supporting companies that require novel expertise to launch a product, services or process that will create uncharacteristic incremental growth or benefit. Eligible graduates must have completed their advanced studies within the last 5 years from an Ontario institution, and will be, for the first time, applying their gained academic knowledge though undertaking the funded position. The program budget is approximately $400,000.

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MAY 15, 2010.