Searching for Self-employment / Entrepreneurship

Employment services offering:

• 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

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

For general information on Employment Ontario services call the toll-free Employment Ontario contact centre at 1-800-387-5656 (TTY 1-866-533-6339) or visit Employment Ontario | Ontario.ca

COVID-19 - Virtual Office

Provides services and resources for entrepreneurs and businesses in the South Simcoe area. Specializes in assistance for new and existing businesses.

Services and resources include:

• office support services
• government information and forms
• reference and informational books
• access to high-speed internet services to register businesses online

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

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 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

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 -- 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

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.

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

Provides financing, insurance, software, learning programs and other business services for producers, agribusinesses and agri-food operations

A Crown corporation reporting to Parliament through the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

COVID-19 - Virtual Office

Provides services and resources for entrepreneurs and businesses in the South Simcoe area. Specializes in assistance for new and existing businesses.

Services and resources include:

• office support services
• government information and forms
• reference and informational books
• access to high-speed internet services to register businesses online

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 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

Services for Job Seekers

• Skills assessment
• Career guidance
• Job search help including resume and cover letter preparation
• On-the-job training
• Help maintaining employment
• Information and referrals to other community services

Better Jobs Ontario

• Skills training and financial support for those who qualify
• Contact FOCUS for an assessment

Services for employers

• Job posting service
• Job matching
• Wage incentives to help cover the costs of training

Canada-Ontario Job Grant
Financial support for 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.

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

Health and Wellness, participants may be eligible for transportation to programs, transit fare

• seniors wellness
• recreation programs
• family health
• school readiness program
• Parenting Sessions
• youth engagement
• leadership development
• civic engagement
• skills and career enhancement
• community gardens

Newcomers and Refugees Settlement Services

• newcomer community events
• newcomer youth sports
• newcomer youth civic engagement events
• newcomer senior wellness programs
• support towards the social inclusion of the Arab/Afghan/other Refugees/newcomers
• support with basic needs, clothing, computers/tablets

Multi-Community Building Project (MCBP)

• newcomers parenting and education workshops
• youth projects
• community events
• adult and older adult wellness programs

Healthy Outcomes of Preventive Engagements (HOPE)

• health and wellness for older adults
• yoga or fitness classes, followed by information sessions, workshops, socialization, recreation

HOPE Adult Day Program

• structured and supervised activities in group setting for frail older adults with cognitive, physical, and communication impairments

Technology, Access and Support for Seniors (TASS)

• TASS technology was developed to keep seniors engaged, informed, active socially, and physically and emotionally healthy
• offers senior-friendly, fully integrated, with data/internet access and a multilingual technical support to seniors and seniors serving organizations across the province

EPIC Entrepreneurship

• employment and self employment opportunities
• for skilled individuals
• resources including technology, promotions, marketing support and networking

EPIC Training and Placement program

• job training and placement program including job search skills, resume writing, interview preparation
• skills training including small office IT management, effective presentations, social enterprising, computer training such as QuickBooks and accounting, graphic design, website design, Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• placement for high school, college and university students

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

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

Financial Relief Navigator (FRN)

• online tool that provides information and help to access emergency benefits, related to COVID-19, including Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB), and Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), as well as other benefits and financial relief from governments, financial institutions, utilities, telecoms and internet providers
• Click HERE for more information

Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Plan provides programs in the following three areas:

• Support for Individuals
• Support for Businesses
• Support for Sectors

Support for Individuals
CRB ended Oct 23, 2021, in its place is the Canadian Worker Lockdown Benefit:

• Canadian Worker Lockdown Benefit:
  • will provide $300 per week to workers who are subject to a lockdown, including those who are ineligible for traditional Employment Insurance
• Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
  • available to those who need to self-isolate due to COVID-19 will continue until Nov 20, 2021 and is proposed by government to extend until May 7, 2022
  • to apply see CRSB Application
  • for other questions about CRSB see, CRSB Questions
• Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
  • available to those who must stop work to care for a child under 12 or a family member who needs supervised care, will continue until Nov 20, 2021 and is proposed by government to extend until May 7, 2022
  • to apply see CRCB Application
  • for other question about CRCB see, CRCB Questions

Canada Student Loans

• see Canada Student Loans - COVID-19 for details
• see Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) for Ontario Students

Support for Seniors

• Government of Canada has introduced legislation to support low-income seniors who received pandemic benefits. For information about a One-Time Grant for Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) Recipients click here.

Provincial Programs
Social Assistance

• Visit Ontario Works and ODSP for up-to-date information and to apply online

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Ontario (WSIB)

• If you believe you contracted COVID-19 while at work, you may file a claim to determine if you are eligible for WSIB coverage, call 1-800-387-0750 or visit WSIB Benefits for more information

Service Ontario

• Service Ontario is reinstating renewal requirements for driver's licences, licence plate stickers, other driver and vehicle products, Ontario Photo Cards and Ontario health cards that were temporarily extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, see Renewal Requirements

OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan)

• Ontario has waived the three-month waiting period for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage, see Applying for an Ontario Health Card for more details

Utilities Relief
Ontario Energy Board

• See Help for Low-Income Consumers

Telecommunications Relief

• Telus COVID-19 Updates
• Rogers COVID-19 Updates
• If your telecommunications company is not listed here, check their website or contact them directly to learn of any assistance they may be offering

Business hub

• a space for all businesses and people who want to start a business
• connects people and their ideas to business resources
• work with entrepreneurs and innovators at any stage of business

Boardrooms available for meetings and events

• rooms vary in size from small (4-6 people), medium (7-20 people), large (21-32 people) or extra large (33-52 people)
• groups larger that 52 people can be accommodated by special request
• see website for details of amenities included for each size of room and hourly rates

COVID-19 Response

• Operating remotely
• In-person service being delivered via telephone or video conference
• Contact by phone at 705-720- 2445 or email at smallbusiness@barrie.ca
• Meetings or consultations arranged for this period will be conducted via phone or video conference
• For additional online support see Business Information and Support During COVID-19 resource page

Regular Service
Encourages and supports entrepreneurship in the City of Barrie, the City of Orillia, and all of Simcoe County by being a one-stop source for all small business needs. Provides entrepreneurs of all stages, from idea to growth, with business information, resources and access to referrals for their business needs.
Services include:

• Business feasibility and guidance
• Reliable information including one-on-one business plan consultation
• Advice on permits, licenses and regulatory requirements
• Coaching for a range of business challenges, managing cash flow and accounting, hiring and managing staff, marketing, social media, and more
• Training and networking opportunities
• Referrals to other business support services, including business incubators, government programs and shared work spaces
• For existing businesses, helps identify ways to take your business to the next level
• Site visits and one-on-one consultations are available at no charge, and workshops are often offered on topics such as E-Commerce, HR, tax changes and more
• Available tools include access to funding sources, business plan reviews, and referrals to professionals
• Helps young entrepreneurs launch start-up businesses through Futurpreneur Canada
• Offers Summer Company Program for Youth and Young Adults, ages 15-29 who are returning to school

Supported by the Province of Ontario, and the City of Barrie. Part of the Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs and one of the 57 small business enterprise centres across Ontario.

Provides support and services to businesses, entrepreneurs, and the arts and culture community. The aim is to make it easy for businesses of all sizes to connect to support; industry, cultural and community leaders who are never more than a phone call or email away.

Part of the City of Barrie Business Developement department.

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

Second Career Program

• skills training and financial support for laid-off workers

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 employee

Government website with job postings of employment opportunities across Canada

• also includes a variety of economic, labour market and demographic reports along with local labour market information and career planning tools
• labour market Information helps individuals and businesses make informed decisions about careers, education, employment, and business plans
• career tools help individuals determine which occupations suit their aptitudes and interests
• for those who prefer paper products, they are available by contacting the local Service Canada office

Service

• for online service go to Canada.ca/service-canada-home
• for assistance accessing services, complete an online request at Service Request
• for people who do not have internet access call 1-877-355-2657 Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4 pm
• for assistance in person, make a request for an appointment by filling out the service request form at Service Request
• clients should not book an in-person visit if they:
  • Have symptoms of fever, cough or difficulty breathing
  • Have had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days
  • Have been instructed by local public health authorities to self-isolate due to travel or contact history

COVID-19 Update Service Canada Centres are open to the public

• for online service go to Canada.ca/service-canada-home
• for assistance accessing services, complete an online request at Service Request
• for people who do not have internet access call 1-877-355-2657 Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4 pm
• for assistance in person, make a request for an appointment by filling out the service request form at Service Request
• clients should not book an in-person visit if they:
  • Have symptoms of fever, cough or difficulty breathing
  • Have had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days
  • Have been instructed by local public health authorities to self-isolate due to travel or contact history

Regular Service
One-stop service delivery for wide range of federal programs and services including:

• internet access
• assistance locating and applying for government programs including Employment Insurance, Social Insurance Numbers, Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, International Pension benefits, passports (see information below for program details), Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, Canada Education Savings Grant, Canada Learning Bond, Canada Child Benefit (CCB), Wage Earner Protection Program, Registered Disability Savings Plan, Registered Education Savings Program
• assistance with printing Canada Revenue Agency forms and Immigration forms from the internet

Passports
A Passport Receiving Agent Service

• accepts adult, child and simplified renewal passport applications and fees
• includes free review for accuracy and completion and will send to Passport Canada
• have paper Passport applications forms (Simplified Passport Renewal forms also available for those who are eligible for program)