Nova Scotia START Hiring Incentive

Insider Tip

The most important rule: apply before you hire. Employers who contact Employment Nova Scotia before posting or finalizing a candidate often get better outcomes — the case manager can sometimes help match you with a qualified job-seeker from their active caseload, which strengthens your application. If you're hiring for a priority sector (ocean tech, ICT, clean tech, life sciences, aerospace), say so explicitly in your application — priority-sector positions consistently receive larger subsidies. Companies offering sustainable, full-time positions also receive preference over term or contract roles.

Success Profile

A Nova Scotia SME or non-profit in a priority sector (ocean tech, ICT, cleantech, life sciences, aerospace) that has an unfilled position and is prepared to hire an unemployed NS resident. Best fit for employers willing to offer sustainable, full-time employment at or above market wages. Companies expanding their workforce for the first time or adding headcount in a growing division are ideal candidates.

Evaluation Criteria

Employment Nova Scotia case managers assess each application based on: the quality and sustainability of the employment offered (full-time preferred), alignment with priority sectors, the wage and benefit level relative to market rates, the employment barriers faced by the job-seeker, and whether the employer has previously used the program appropriately. There is no scoring rubric published — decisions are case-manager judgments with supervisor oversight.

Application Steps

Required Documents 7

Eligible Expenses 5

• Wages and salaries for the new hire during the subsidy period
• Mandatory employer payroll contributions (CPP, EI) related to the subsidized hire
• Taxable employment benefits
• Training costs directly linked to the new hire's position (if training support approved)
• Equipment and direct costs necessary for the new hire to perform the job (if equipment support approved)

Ineligible Expenses 5

• Wages for positions hired before program approval
• Costs for employees who are not unemployed Nova Scotians
• General business overhead not tied to the new hire
• Training for existing staff (a separate program covers incumbents)
• Capital equipment not directly required by the new hire's role

Intake Periods

Rolling intake year-round. No published intake windows or application deadlines. Apply well in advance of the intended hire date — minimum 2 weeks recommended, 4+ weeks for priority-sector positions with training components.

Deadline Notes

Rolling intake with no published deadline. Employers must apply and receive approval before making the hire — retroactive applications are not accepted. Contact Employment Nova Scotia at 1-877-223-0888 to initiate.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• Employers without a physical Nova Scotia location
• Employers hiring non-residents of Nova Scotia
• Federal government departments
• Employers seeking to backfill a position vacated by layoff at the same time without demonstrating genuine net new employment

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Medium Risk

If the subsidized employee's employment is terminated before the agreed minimum period, the employer may be required to repay a portion of the subsidy received. Employment Nova Scotia assesses repayment on a case-by-case basis.