The Industry Canada Small Business Internship Program can help
The Small Business Internship Program (SBIP) helps small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) expand their e-business strategy beyond simply having email or an Internet site. An active e-business strategy can help any business prosper, particularly during times of economic instability.
SBIP provides qualified SMEs with funding to hire a student intern, for 12 weeks, to assist them in adopting information and communications technologies (ICT). It has the double benefit of helping participating SMEs increase their productivity and competitiveness, and giving valuable, hands-on job experience to promising post-secondary students.
How does the Small Business Internship Program work?
Small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) from rural British Columbia and Victoria can submit an application to Community Futures British Columbia. If their application is approved, they will receive funding to hire a student intern. SMEs will have the flexibility to hire an intern with the skills and abilities appropriate for their specific project or needs. We encourage SMEs to hire from employment equity groups.
The SME negotiates the intern's salary and benefits. Once the 12-week internship is over, the Government of Canada will reimburse 75% of the SME's eligible costs, up to a maximum of $10,000.
Eligible costs include:
- Student intern wages
- Related expenses such as employee benefits