Administered by Government of Canada · Last verified: July 2026
Veterans Affairs Canada funds education, training, and short courses that help released Canadian Armed Forces members move into a new career, including business bootcamps, certifications, and professional development relevant to starting a company. Formal post-secondary funding is available up to a maximum that is indexed each year, with a smaller portion reserved for short courses. The amount you can access depends on your years of service: six to twelve years qualifies for half, twelve or more years qualifies for the full amount. This is non-repayable and tied to your honourable release.
Review times vary by program, from a few weeks to a few months, so check the official page for its timeline. Grant money is usually paid after you sign a funding agreement, and cost-shared programs often reimburse you once you send proof of what you spent.
Take the 3-minute quiz to find out, and see every other Canadian program you qualify for at the same time.
Check my eligibilityVAC Education and Training Benefit is generally open to incorporated, self-employed, partnership businesses, in any province or territory. Confirm the full criteria on the official program page before applying.
The estimated value is Up to roughly $99,000 lifetime, with up to about $6,300 reserved for short courses. The actual amount depends on your eligible costs, the program's budget, and approval.
1. Confirm you released on or after April 1, 2006 and served at least six years total 2. Sign in to My VAC Account and start an Education and Training Benefit application 3. Choose a program or short course that fits your business or career goal 4. Apply within ten years of release if you released on or after April 1, 2018