Small Business Internship Program (SBIP)

What is it?

Industry Canada's Small Business Internship Program provides small and medium-sized businesses with up to $10,000 to hire a post-secondary student to implement e-business (internet-based) strategies for greater productivity and competitiveness.

The Small Business Internship Program is available annually until March 31, 2014.

What is the benefit to your company?

This funding will defray the cost of adopting e-business practices and technologies that allow your firm to actively market its products online, reaching new customers in new markets. It could help you move from a passive internet presence to one that reaches out to engage customers and increase sales.

The Government of Canada will reimburse you for up to 75 per cent of the eligible wages and related expenses to hire a post-secondary student for a total of 12 weeks to carry out your project. Financial support of up to $10,000 is available .

In addition to growing your business, you will help a student gain valuable on-the-job experience.

Provincial contributions for this initiative are subject to availability of funds in each province and territory.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for this program, your firm must:

  • be a Canadian small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) with less than 500 employees;
  • be incorporated or a sole proprietorship and for-profit;
  • have been in continuous operation for a minimum of one year;
  • have an existing web site and wish to enhance your e-business capability; and
  • contribute 25 per cent of the student wages and related expenses.

What Qualifies?

Projects must take place between April 1 and March 31st. Many projects that enhance your e-business capabilities would qualify.

For Example . . .

  1. Your company wants to develop an on-line order system to market products regionally and keep inventory stocking cycles up to date. The SBIP funding allows you to hire a post-secondary student to build your company's e-business capacity.
  2. Your company wants to uses your small, but growing, online customer base as a test market for new products. To do so, you use funding from the program to hire a post secondary student.

More examples are available on the Small Business Internship Program website.

How does it work?

Once your project is approved, you can proceed in advertising your student intern position at universities and colleges or other job advertisements as appropriate. You negotiate the salary with the chosen intern, and the benefits they may receive. When the 12-week internship is over, the Government of Canada will reimburse up to 75 percent of the eligible costs, up to a total of $10,000. The internship must start on April 1 or later and be completed by March 31.

How do I apply?

Check the website in March 2012 and click on Application Forms and Guides. You must submit your application to one of the organizations responsible for the program under "Where to Apply".

Where can I find more information?

The Small Business Internship Program.



Author: OMAFRA Staff
Creation Date: 20 October 2009
Last Reviewed: 22 February 2012