Searching for Self-employment / Entrepreneurship

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.

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

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

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 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 Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area is home to over 470 businesses offering a vibrant lifestyle that includes critically acclaimed dining, exceptional and unique shopping experiences and cultural amenities that must be seen and in many cases, attended! UpTown Waterloo has many institutions and organizations including the world renown Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Canadian Clay and Glass Museum, Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and The Balsillie School of International Affairs. Learn more about UpTown Waterloo at www.uptownwaterloobia.com.

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.

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

Youth Employment Programs
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

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 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 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

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.

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

The Downtown Elmira B.I.A. can provide information on retail promotion, membership activities and services.

• 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

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

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.

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

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.

Employment Services (ES)
Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG)
Youth Job Connection (YJC/YJCS)
Better Jobs Ontario Comprehensive employment and job search services

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

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

Services include:

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

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

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.