Searching for Self-employment / Entrepreneurship

COVID-19 -- in-person service at all Job Skills locations by appointment only -- call ahead; support continues to be available online or by phone


Self-employment support program for newcomers

Program has 3 phases:

Phase 1: 2 day sessions

• support with business and personal profile, owning a business in Canada, industry information, skills assessment

Phase 2: 2 day sessions

• support with business concept, competition, finances, target market

Phase 3: 12 half day sessions

• group workshops on business development, individual business coaching and support and access to business tools

COVID-19 Update: in-person and walk-in service has resumed; virtual services are still available

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Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers

• help in identifying human resource skills requirements
• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

• financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees
• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Assists Ontario Works participants by providing:

• Assistance in job searches and researching job opportunities
• Computer use and assistance to update resumés and write cover letters
• Employment counselling in various areas including preparing for interviews
• Information about related programs

Offers access to the following job search tools:

• Access to Service Canada Job bank website
• Community Placement Program (for volunteer opportunities)
• Computer and Internet access
• Fax machine, phone and photocopier
• Free telephone and message services
• Information on the Employment Placement Program (for paid employment and training)

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience, help in maintaining employment as well as information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers

• help in identifying human resource skills requirements, matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

• financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees
• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

COVID19 -- all services and programs offered remotely via email, webinars and telephone support, visit website or email for information
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Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario Program -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

COVID-19 -- check website for information on how current public health situation may affect programs and services

Services and programs for Richmond Hill's entrepreneurs and small businesses

• free small business resources and information
• confidential one on one consultations with knowledgeable business consultants
• direct assistance with business plan preparation and market research
• seminars, workshops and networking events
• Young Entrepreneur programs

Starter Company Plus -- competitive training and mentorship program designed to help launch or expand a small business

• limited number of grants provided through program for individuals who have a viable and sustainable business concept and are committed to dedicating time to training and mentorship

Summer Company program -- start-up money to kick-off a new summer business, advice and mentorship from local business leaders to help get the business up and running

• sales, marketing, bookkeeping, customer relationship management and networking skills training and support

COVID-19 Update: in-person and walk-in service has resumed; virtual services are still available

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• Comprehensive employment and job search services
• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers

• help in identifying human resource skills requirements * matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience * support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

• financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees * available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

COVID-19 Update:

• in-person services have resumed; virtual workshops and support continue -- inquire
• contact agency by phone or email, or check website for information and assistance

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

COVID-19 -- service continues to be offered remotely, visit website for changes in service delivery options

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Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

• training progam must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

COVID19 -- Beginning April 25, 2022, in-person services resume BY APPOINTMENT ONLY; remote service by telephone, video-conferencing and email continue to be available during regular office hours

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

For employers: Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Second Career Program

• skills training and financial support for laid-off workers
• career guidance

Services for employers

• help in identifying human resource skills requirements
• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Youth Job Connection

• paid pre-employment training
• job matching
• paid job placements with placement supports for participants and hiring incentives for employers
• mentorship
• education and work transitions supports

Youth Job Connection Summer

• paid pre-employment training
• summer job opportunities and part-time job placements during the year

netWORKS Program

• help youth build connections and get real-world advice from mentors about how to find a job

Community Resource Services

• faxing/printing/photocopying/scanning
• public-access computers
• community bulletin board and job board display

COVID-19 -- in-person service at all Job Skills locations by appointment only -- call ahead; support continues to be available online or by phone


Youth business support program

• 24-week program for young entrepreneurs
• interactive and supportive workshops, field assignments, mentoring and coaching
• access to resources and skill, participants start own business within program
• qualified participants may receive financial assistance.

COVID-19 -- in-person service at all Job Skills locations by appointment only -- call ahead; support continues to be available online or by phone


Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Youth Job Connection -- paid pre-employment training

• job matching
• paid job placements with placement supports for participants and hiring incentives for employers
• mentorship
• education and work transitions supports

Youth Job Connection Summer -- summer job opportunities and part-time job placements during the year

COVID19 -- Registrations currently postponed, see website for updates


Youth leadership and community service

• plans and executes events to show the impact one can make in the community while encouraging the act of giving back
• service awards, leadership conference and retreat, community service hours, workshops and resume review services
• 2 scholarships

COVID19 -- all services and programs offered remotely via email, webinars and telephone support, visit website or email for information

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Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario Program -- skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial suppotrt based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

COVID19 -- no walk-in service; all services and programs offered remotely via telephone or videoconferencing until further notice

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers -- help in identifying human resource skills requirements

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

Comprehensive employment and job search services

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for Employers

• matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant -- financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees

• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

COVID-19 -- in-person service at all Job Skills locations by appointment only -- call ahead; support continues to be available online or by phone

programs and services being delivered by phone, email or online, where possible

wide range of online workshops to support employment needs available

Employment programs and services to assist job seekers, including youth, newcomers, older workers and persons with disabilities

• e-learning opportunities, online and in-person workshops, virtual and in-person coaching, motivational interviewing
• services to assist business start-ups and employers
• resources, supports and information and referral to meet employment and business needs
• customized services to help employers meet specific labour market needs, including recruitment, placement and retention, and financial supports for hiring

Information and best practices

• mentoring, support and networking for local small and start-up businesses
• volunteer and entrepreneur-led community of business owners
• hosts 1-2 events per month
• York Region Resources Overview guide available for free download on website

• Comprehensive employment and job search services
• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies, including resume preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities
• on-the-job training, work experience, help in maintaining employment as well as information and referral to other employment and community services

Better Jobs Ontario
Skills training and financial support for laid off workers

• training program must demonstrate good job prospects
• financial support based on need, may include tuition, instructional costs, books, transportation and/or a basic living allowance

Services for employers

• help in identifying human resource skills requirements, matching of workplace needs to workers' skills, capabilities, interests and experience
• support for developing on-the-job training plans and monitoring of placements to support retention

Canada-Ontario Job Grant

• financial support for individual employers to purchase training for their employees
• available to small, medium and large businesses planning to deliver short-term training for existing or new employees

One-stop service delivery for a wide range of federal programs and services

• internet access
• labour market information

Assistance locating and applying for

• Employment Insurance
• Social Insurance Numbers
• Canada Pension Plan
• Old Age Security
• passports
• Apprenticeship Incentive Grant
• Canada Education Savings Grant
• Pleasure Craft Licences
• others

COVID-19 -- programs and services conducted virtually until further notice

For COVID-19 resources for businesses CLICK HERE


Counselling, information and assistance to small and medium sized businesses and business start-ups

• individual and group consultations, business development plans, market research and other resources to help start and grow a small business
• conferences, business seminars and workshops
• referrals to local sources of financing

Summer Company program -- provides start-up funds to launch a new summer business

• advice and mentorship from local business leaders

Starter Company Plus Program -- provides up to $5,000 and professional mentoring to start and expand a business in Ontario

• includes one-on-one guidance from a Small Business Enterprise Centre advisor
• mentoring with a local successful entrepreneur
• access to business workshops on topics from writing a business plan and budgeting, to executing a marketing campaign
• experience running a business to better position for more traditional financing, such as a bank loan

Small Business Recovery Support Program -- program's current focus is to support businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19

• for more information on the Small Business Recovery Support Program CLICK HERE

Digital Main Street -- free tools and resources to help launch your enterprise's digital presence

• assessments and audits
• website set-up
• social media
• point of sale systems
• email marketing
• inventory management
• for more information CLICK HERE

COVID-19 -- in-person service may be impacted, check ahead

Walk-in small business centre

• business registration and name searches (until 4 pm)
• resource library
• Internet-based and print materials on business start ups, market research, regulatory requirements, financing sources, financial management, patents, copyrights and trademarks, and business planning
• business plan consultations
• mentoring program
• seminars and workshops including online training

COVID19 -- most staff working remotely, call or email for program intake and support

In-person court services, and visits to Vanier Centre suspended, Market Place closed due to COVID restrictions

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Transitional housing, counselling, community, court and outreach programs

Phyllis Haslam Residence -- transitional residence for women on parole

• staffed 24 hours
• individual and group counselling, practical assistance
• referral and support to plan for release
• capacity 14, also 2 satellite apartments for independent community living, 1 for woman with a child

General Counselling -- individual and group counselling supports and workshops for women in the community dealing with social, economic and justice issues

• provides information pertaining to legal rights, health and safety and alternatives to at-risk behaviours
• programs include parenting, immigrant family law, anger management, theft and fraud, healing from abuse and trauma, domestic/gender based violence, substance abuse and gambling support

Reintegration Counselling -- individual and group counselling for women on provincial probation and parole

• clients provided with skills to develop alternatives to theft, fraud, substance use behaviours and poor decision making

Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model (TREM) --individual and group counselling and psycho-educational support for women who have experienced gender-based trauma

Direct Accountability Program (DAP) -- provides alternatives to prosecution for individuals charged with minor criminal offences, operates at the College Park court

Partner Abuse Response program -- 12 week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict

• victims/partners of the offender provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress

BEST (Building Employment Strategies Together) -- individual and group support for women to develop a job search plan

• communication skills, resume writing, financial literacy, identifying career training programs and job placement

My Start-Up Entrepreneurship Program -- self-employment entrepreneurship training and support program for women who want to start their own business

• idea generator sessions, employment skills workshop, support developing business ideas and low interest loans
• in partnership with Rise Asset Development at University of Toronto

Record Suspension (Pardon) Information Services -- assistance with submitting a pardon application with the National Parole Board of Canada

Talk and Listen Phone Line, 1-855-924-3708 -- assists women calling from institutions to navigate the criminal justice system

• information and resources on legal information, housing, mental health services, reintegration, release planning
• does not make third part calls or call on anyone's behalf

College Park Court Program -- practical assistance and support, information to women and their families navigating the court system

• assistance with referrals, information and resources
• free snacks, clothing, personal hygiene items for women released on bail

Vanier Centre for Women -- social and recreation program, provides information and resources about Elizabeth Fry Toronto and other community supports

The Market Place -- for marginalized women particularly those recently released from incarceration

• in-house service provides free personalized shopping allowing women to pick up clothing, food, supplies and other needed items