Getting the Feds to Pay For Your Training Program

Here's something interesting for any of you that are looking to improve your fleet fuel efficiency (is there anyone that DOESN'T apply too?). 

Transport Canada, through their ecoFREIGHT initiative, runs a program called the Freight Technology Demonstration Fund. If you're implementing new technology or processes that are designed to reduce fuel consumption, air pollution, or greenhouse gas emissions, this fund can subsidize up to 50% of the cost (up to a total of $500k over 2 years).

When I first discovered this fund, I assumed that they would only fund big hardware projects, but after speaking to them about it, I discovered that they'll fund large and small initiatives, including hardware, software, and even some process-related things.

Here's why this is really cool - if you run a training program on fuel efficiency or defensive driving (which, of course, saves fuel and lowers emissions), those can get funded as well. So, if you're planning to implement a training program that includes defensive driving as a component, it may end up costing you a whole lot less than you're expecting.

Of course, you have to fill out some forms and apply for the funding (and they approve it in rounds, several times a year). I'm sure there's a cap on the number of people who can get approved, and the amount of money in the fund, but the representative I spoke with said they haven't hit any of those limits yet. So far, they've been able to approve or reject applications solely on their merit, without running out of cash.

You can find out more about this fund here.