How to apply
Once you have read the instructions on how to answer the application questions and gathered all your supporting documents, as mentioned on the Prepare to Apply page, you are ready to apply.
You can apply from October 15, 2026, to December 17, 2026, by 3:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST).
On this page
Apply now
While we recommend submitting your application through Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS), you can also apply by email or mail.
Through GCOS
Use the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) to apply.
- Answer all the questions directly in the application
- The questions in the online form aren't numbered, but they are in the same order as the How to answer the application questions section
- Download and fill the Budget Detail Template form
- Upload your Budget Detail Template and other supporting documents, listed in the section Prepare your documents, in the GCOS application
If you don't have a GCOS account, create one as soon as possible.
- You can submit your application as soon as you complete your GCOS user and organization profile
- Once your GCOS user and organization profile are completed, you can immediately submit your application
- Once your application is submitted, you must finalize your GCOS account as soon as possible to ensure you are fully registered and benefit from all the advantages
What are the Grants and Contributions Online Service (GCOS)?
The GCOS is an online platform where users can create an account for their organization. This allows users to submit funding applications online to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Once you create your account it allows you to:
- track the status of your application
- sign an agreement if your application is approved for funding
- manage active projects
- submit documents
- review past projects submitted through your GCOS account
Find out more about the GCOS account registration process.
Confirmation of receipt
If you submit your application through GCOS, you will receive an acknowledgment immediately and a tracking number.
By email or mail
To apply by email or mail, download and complete the application form and budget detail template.
How to submit your application
By email
Email your complete application package to the email address below:
EDSC.PFIMS.INNOVATION-INNOVATION.UTIP.ESDC@esdc-edsc.gc.ca
Confirmation of receipt
If you apply by email, you'll receive an automatic confirmation of receipt by email.
By mail
Your application must be postmarked on or before 3:00 pm EST by December 17, 2026. Your application should be mailed to the following address:
Union Training and Innovation Program – Innovation
Coordination Unit, Mailstop 402
National Grants & Contributions Delivery Centre (ESDC)
140 Promenade du Portage, Phase IV, 4th Floor
Gatineau QC K1A 0J9
If you submit your application by mail, you'll receive an acknowledgment by email within 14 days of its receipt. The acknowledgment will be sent to the email address provided in your application.
About PDFs
Our application form uses PDF form technology. You must have a PDF reader installed to use the form correctly. There are several readers available on the Internet for free that support our form:
- Adobe Reader (you must use a version of Adobe Reader 8 or higher, for example Adobe Acrobat DC Reader)
- Foxit Reader
If you don't use the recommended readers (Adobe Acrobat 8 or higher or Foxit Reader), ESDC may receive a blank application from you.
Downloading the application form
- Make sure that you have Adobe Acrobat Reader 8 or higher or Foxit Reader installed on your system
- Select the Application form
- When prompted to open or save the form, select the down arrow on the "Save" button, and select "Save as"
- Select your folder location and save (file type must be PDF)
- Reopen the form from your computer:
- select the "Open with" option
- choose option to open with either Adobe Acrobat Reader or Foxit
- Make sure that the form opens in one of the Reader Softwares (Adobe or Foxit), by looking at the top of your screen. For example, you should see:
- ESDC-EMP XXXX.pdf (SECURED) - Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
- ESDC-EMP XXXX.pdf (SECURED) - Foxit PhantomPDF
- Enter your information and save your work regularly
- Before submitting your application make sure that the Application form is completed, and all information has saved properly
Moving within a form
To move from one field to the next on the form, hit "Tab". This ensures that you don't accidentally skip over any fields.
Forms that perform calculations
Some sections of the form perform calculations based on the amounts you enter and will automatically calculate totals in the appropriate fields. You are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of any information submitted. Please double-check all data you enter.
Submit only one copy of your application package
Submitting multiple copies of the same application or submitting the same application by using various methods will cause longer processing times for your application.
When you'll get a funding decision
We expect to make funding decisions in spring 2027.
You should not start your project activities until you hear from us. Any purchases made or costs incurred prior to an agreement being signed by both parties won't be eligible for funding.
If you apply through GCOS, you'll be able to track the status of your application throughout the process.
Not all submitted applications will be selected for funding. Applications will be screened and assessed based on the project quality, alignment with program objectives, and available funding. Please note that decisions are final and there is no appeal process.
Learn more about what to expect after you apply for a contribution.