Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive

An initiative of the Canada - Nova Scotia Job Grant

Within the next few weeks, WIPSI applicants will see some small changes to the program in order to align with the Canada-Nova Scotia Job Grant. The application process has also changed in order to allow employers and associations to apply to WIPSI and other programs offered through Labour and Advanced Education (LAE).

About the Program

The Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive (WIPSI) is an incentive designed to encourage employers to invest in training to:

  • improve productivity
  • increase innovation
  • support the introduction of new technology, machinery and equipment, or work processes
  • provide employees with transferable skills
  • upgrade skills
  • increase inter-provincial and international competitiveness
  • foster workplace diversity

Funding is available for:

  • Training based on a valid business case
  • Eligible training expenses
  • Owners/employees permanently located in Nova Scotia

Is your organization eligible?

Businesses, industry associations, private sector unions, not-for-profit businesses and revenue generating social enterprises in Nova Scotia, that have been in existence for at least one (1) year and have at least $25,000 in wages or owner drawings (demonstrated in required financial information), are considered eligible employers for this program. Employees must be permanently located in Nova Scotia.

Stream 1:
Businesses/Social Enterprises with 50 or fewer employees
Stream 2:
Businesses/ Social Enterprises with more than 50 employees
Applicants are required to make a cash contribution of 50% toward the overall cost of training.
Stream 3:
Nova Scotia organizations, associations, and private sector unions representing Nova Scotia businesses, industries and sectors (see WIPSI Program Guidelines for details)

Businesses primarily involved in wholesale, retail, and accommodations and food services are not eligible under Streams 1 and 2 but may be eligible for WIPSI funding under Stream 3. (See WIPSI Program Guidelines for details).

What is eligible?

The following activities may be eligible costs under WIPSI:

  • purchase of training from a formal training institution or qualified training provider
  • registration, tuition or course fees
  • examination fees
  • international training
  • management skills development
  • training leading to certification
  • training that supports workplace diversity
  • other skills development and training based on a valid business case
  • other training related costs, such as: manuals, books, and support materials accommodating for disabilities (e.g., voice recognition software)

You also may be entitled for up to 50% of travel cost to attend training. However, training outside of Nova Scotia will not be supported if the training is readily available within Nova Scotia.

Applications must be submitted prior to any commitment to purchase the training. Please note that in order for your application to be considered, you are required to submit a full and complete application along with all required documentation.

See the WIPSI Program Guidelines for further details.

How to Apply

NEW
Within the next few week, applications will be required to be submitted in LaMPSS. In advance of this change, it is recommended that organizations register with LaMPSS in order to access the system. If you would like to register with LaMPSS in advance of the transition, you can find detailed information online at: find detailed information online at: http://novascotia.ca/lae/LaMPSS/LaMPSS.asp.

Apply for this program on our Access to Business website:

Apply Online

Supporting Documents

Contact Information

Labour and Advanced Education
WIPSI Program
PO Box 578
4th Floor, 2021 Brunswick Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2S9

Phone: 1-844-850-2030 (toll-free)

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