Searching for Self-employment / Entrepreneurship

Services include:

• services include start-up information
• access to professional consultants
• business plan development
• seminars, coaching sessions, mentoring
• networking events

Comprehensive employment and job search services which include:

• 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

Canada-Ontario Job Grant (for employers): 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

Mentorship for Internationally Trained Professionals: the Mentorship Program of Lutherwood brings together internationally trained professionals (ITPs) and trades people in Guelph-Wellington with local volunteer mentors in their field. Mentees will have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the regional job market and professional practice in Canada, and establish valuable networking connections.

Job Search Workshop for Immigrants (JSW): this program is a newcomer's first step to employment in Canada. Staff experts understand the needs of immigrants and can help participants learn what Canadian employers want newcomers to know about getting a job in Canada.

Comprehensive employment and job search services:

• assessment of skills, interests and experience
• job search strategies
• resume preparation
• information on careers and occupations, local labour market, employment and training opportunities paid pre-employment training and job placements
• on-the-job training / work experience
• help to maintain employment
• education and work transition supports
• information and referral to other employment and community services
• mentorship for youth
• help finding summer employment
• self employment supports
• Second Career assessments

Employment Resource Centre: offers access to photocopiers, fax machines, computers, telephones, internet, message service. Specialized services for youth, experienced workers, and persons with disabilities

Services also available for employers:

• free recruitment support
• training incentives for new employees
• government supported skills training
• apprenticeship
• employee leadership development
• downsizing and closure services

Job Search Workshops for Newcomers (JSW): (funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) for immigrants legally entitled to work in Canada:

• five-day job search techniques workshops, covering labour market information, access to trades and professions, resume preparation, networking

Mentorship Program: matches internationally trained professionals (ITPs) and trades people with local volunteer mentors in their field to gain a better understanding of the regional job market, establish valuable networking contacts, and learn more about sector-specific language and professional practice in Canada

Offers Employment Ontario programs. See separate listing for details.

COVID-19 Update: CMHA Waterloo Wellington has altered service delivery to protect public health and safety. For more information about service changes, visit COVID-19: Update on Services. If in crisis, or not yet connected to a CMHA service, call 1-844-HERE247. For urgent document requests, call Reception at 1-844-CMHA-WW3 (264-2993).

Provides a full care system for those with addictions, mental health or developmental needs. Promotes the mental health of all people through research and information services, sponsored research projects, education, workshops, seminars, pamphlets, newsletters and resource services. Encourages public action and commitment to strengthening community mental health services, legislation and policies affecting services.

Information and Education: brochures and information sheets, workshops and educational events, leisure information, internet access, advocacy and skill development

Referral Services: provided by HERE 24 SEVEN 1-844-437-3247, for many services in the community from a centralized location ; one-to-one meeting where staff can suggest options related to mental health support services (including those provided by the Centres for Mental Health), mental health treatment services and other services available in the community

Support Services: coordinate support services for individuals (youth, adults, seniors and families) who struggle with a significant mental health issue so that they may live and fully participate in their community ; address and overcome barriers in housing, employment, education, leisure, relationships, financial stability and social pursuits; intensive support to short-term crisis support, to intermittent support, provided as needed

Bridging Employment Supports, Links To Work: helps persons with disabilities (ages 16-65) to obtain paid, competitive employment; call 1-866-387-6660 ext 4087 to make an appointment

Entrepreneurship Project: assists individuals who have been involved with the mental health system become self-employed or start their own business; referrals made through local CMHA Centres for Mental Health, other area agencies, or by self referral

Self Help Program: supportive environment for people with lived experience in mental health and addictions; mutual support, sharing of common issues and resources; one-on-one peer support and support group meetings designed to assist individuals in their own growth and development by sharing successes and developing strategies; self help resource centre; recovery planning groups (men's and women's groups); advocacy support, services of entrepreneurship facilitator

Self Help, Spark of Brilliance: community-based mental health initiative that promotes healing, recovery and discovery through the expressive arts; workshops open to people living with mental health issues and / or addictions and their supportive allies, including family members, friends and mental health workers

Contact centre for agriculture, food and rural affairs. Provides technical and specialized program information to the agri-food and rural sectors on a range of topics including agricultural production, farm business management, food safety, environmental management, rural economic development, and related government programs and services.

Helps to build a strong agri-food sector by investing in development and transfer of innovative technologies, retaining and attracting investment, developing markets, and providing regulatory oversight and effective risk management tools.

• information, advice, broad range of training courses
• divisions include Economic Development; Food Safety and Environment; Policy; Research and Corporate Services

Agricultural Information Contact Centre: Information resource agents provide technical and specialized program information to the agri-food and rural sectors on a range of topics including agricultural production, farm business management, food safety, environmental management, rural economic development, and related government programs and services.

Delivers programs that help producers manage risk and remain financially secure. These programs protect Ontario producers against many of the business and agricultural risks they face.

For a list of programs, see Agricorp Programs

Reviews compensation claims made against funds set up under Grain Financial Protection Program

• protects producers from default on payment by licensed dealers / default on storage at licensed elevators
• administers funds under the Farm Products Payments Act and the Grains Act
• operates under the mandate of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Phone line providing technical and specialized program information to the agri-business, primary producers, food processing, municipal and rural client sectors on a range of topics including:

• agricultural production
• farm business management
• food safety
• environmental management
• rural economic development
• related government programs and services.

Customized financial and business services for Canadian producers, agribusiness and agri-food operators

• financing, insurance, software, learning programs
• partnerships with other organizations to offer full range of financing options
• National sponsor of 4-H Canada that provides local funding for 4-H clubs
• partner to reduce hunger and enrich rural Canada through annual FCC Drive Away Hunger campaign

Programs for children, youth and adults include:

• Recreation After School programs, PA Day Camps, March Break and Summer Camps
• youth drop-in, Red Cross babysitting course, Leadership Development, Leader In Training
• Co-operative Youth Farm, high school experience
• Get Active (Grades 6, 7, 8) Sports Night, Adult Zumba
• backpack and school supplies
• Salvation Army Christmas Hamper West End Host site
• community garden
• neighbourhood summer market, emergency food pantry (call ahead)
• seasonal clothing drives and Goodwill clothing vouchers
• year round tax filing assistance
• advocacy with community agencies and programs

Organize various community building annual events such as the Village Fall Fair (Sep), Winterfest (Feb), and smaller events such as family games nights, pumpkin carving and youth car wash.

Work groups and committees established as needed. Volunteers always welcome to assist with planning and implementing youth and children's programs, events and other neighbourhood development initiatives.

Innovation Guelph (IG) is one of 17 Regional Innovation Centres in Ontario. Regional priority sectors IG focuses on include Agri-innovation,life sciences, cleantech, advanced manufacturing and supporting digital technologies.Services include start-up information, business mentoring, access to expert consultants and industry specialists, scale-up and growth coaching, business plan assessment, educational sessions, collision events, and networking events.

The riverside village of Hespeler is located at the Northern tip of Cambridge Ontario.

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 service

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 support

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

The B.I.A. has organized a closely knit group of merchants providing a wide range of goods and services in office-related industry, business service industries and licensed restaurants.

Services may be accessed in the following ways:

• call or drop in to book an in-person appointment
• call Customer Care Centre 1-800-361-4642
• contact the local Agilec office by phone or e-mail
• access Online Resource Centre

• call or drop in to book an in-person appointment
• call Customer Care Centre 1-800-361-4642
• contact the local Agilec office by phone or e-mail
• access the Online Resource Centre

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.

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.

Visiting offices located in Arthur, Drayton and Erin.

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 service

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 employee

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: 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 support

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

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 Apatisiwin Program - funding for individuals that identify as Indigenous. (Employment, Training, Education, Self Employment, Summer Jobs, Pre-Career Development, Tech - Mentorship Program)

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

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

Provide the public with easy access to small business information, workshops, networking, events, as well as grant programs for new entrepreneurs including a youth program for students 15-29.

The Downtown Cambridge B.I.A. can provide information on real estate availability, retail promotion, membership activities and services.

The Downtown Kitchener B.I.A. can provide information on real estate availability, retail promotion, membership activities and services.