Searching for Self-employment / Entrepreneurship

For the City of Mississauga's response to the COVID 19 pandemic including proof of vaccination, face mask requirement and capacity limits CLICK HERE

COVID 19 -- Contact office by phone or email to inquire about services which may be offered virtually

Small business resource centre

• information and resources on starting, building and growing a small business
• one-on-one business consultations and business plan reviews -- by appointment only
• low cost online training programs, business seminars and workshops
• programs for young entrepreneurs

COVID-19 Update -- For information on the YMCA's response to COVID-19, including programming and service alerts CLICK HERE


To book an appointment with YMCA Employment Services, please call 905-276-9322 or online at gotothey.ymcagta.org

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including Persons on Social Assistance and Youth

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

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including Francophones, Persons on Social Assistance and Youth

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

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including Persons on Social Assistance and Youth



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

Income Supports:

Health benefits -- prescription drugs, dental care, vision care

• medical supplies, including diabetic and surgical supplies
• transportation to medical treatment if cost exceeds $15 per month
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Nutritional Allowance
• Extended Health Benefit may be available to clients who are no longer eligible for ODSP income support

Disability-related benefits -- assistive devices including mobility devices, vision and hearing aids, prosthetics

• batteries for mobility devices and hearing aids
• guide dogs
• Special Diet Allowance may be available

Employment incentives and benefits -- Employment and Training Start-Up Benefit
child care costs

• Work-related benefit
• Transitional health benefit
• Employment Transition Benefit

Transition Child Benefit -- for those not receiving the Ontario Child Benefit or the Canada Child Benefit

Employment Supports -- job preparation, job search, starting a business

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) 1-800-808-2268, Mon-Sun 24 hrs -- automated information and payment details, file status, service not available to TTY users

Welfare Fraud Hotline 1-800-394-7867, welfare.fraud.css@ontario.ca-- to report suspected cases of social assistance fraud

Services to assist newcomers to Canada to adjust to life in Canada

• personalized counselling and support workshops, information sessions and guidance on skills development, training and employment
• translations and interpretation for settlement related issues
• Commissioner of Oaths services
• information and referrals to external services such as income tax clinics and legal aid or to other relevant community and government resources
• online citizenship test preparation classes

English Language Training

• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry
• bus fare for eligible attendees, and childminding for children 19 months-6 years while parents attend
• part-time classes, mornings or afternoons

Employment Services

• job search training; skills assessment
• resume and cover letter help, interview coaching
• labour market information
• access to computers, internet, fax, photocopier, telephone
• multi-sector job fairs, networking events

Entrepreneurship Program for Newcomers

• learn sewing and clothing alterations, with skills, knowledge and language to manage a small business; work experience
• goal to become financially independent and self-employed

Community Connections Program

• for those in Canada less than 3 years
• community support through volunteer befriending
• orientation to the community and services such as banking, transit, education

Services for International Students

• settlement counselling and orientation; employment information
• information on housing, health care, financial supports, assistance filling documents and forms, referrals to community resources

COVID19 -- services and classes being offered online and in-person; for information or to register and for all other settlement service inquiries, call 905-306-0577 ext 227 or email at info@ncpeel.ca; Crisis Services Direct Lines 416-455-8252 or 416-450-8734


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Enhanced Language Training

• for internationally trained professionals
• individual counselling and action plan development, job placement, mentoring, networking, resume and interview preparation
• business writing, pronunciation
• childminding may be available for students attending classes

Global Business Centre

• business advisors provide counsel and training on all aspects of establishing a business

Rural Employment Initiative

• connects internationally trained professionals with employment opportunities in rural areas of Ontario
• information and services to learn about the opportunities and the communities

COVID19 -- services and classes being offered online and in-person; for information or to register and for all other settlement service inquiries, call 905-306-0577 ext 227 or email at info@ncpeel.ca; Crisis Services Direct Lines 416-455-8252 or 416-450-8734

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LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry

• English classes
• LINC classes running online and in-person
• childminding may be available; part-time or full-time classes

Labour Market Access for Newcomers

• employment and business start-up assistance
• resume writing and job search skills
• networking and interview skills
• in-person and online classes

Settlement Services

• information and referral
• translation, interpretation and certification of documents
• citizenship preparation classes
• assistance with forms and applications, including access to Ontario Electricity Support Program
• workshops

Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS)

• services delivered in elementary and secondary schools in Mississauga during the school year
• information about the school system
• parent and youth-specific workshops with information on topics such as housing, health care and job search

Community Connections Mentorship Program

• group activities for newly arrived immigrant and refugee youth, adults and seniors
• trained volunteer mentors
• homework help for youth
• computer classes and low impact exercise for seniors

Bridging Generations -- Stronger Parents, Stronger Community

• tools to de-escalate conflicts and advocate for children
• helps parents define acceptable behavior, respond to their children's needs and reinforce their family's values

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

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including Persons on Social Assistance and Youth

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

Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program

• 6-week virtual equine training course
• learn from industry experts
• discover different careers working with horses
• work experience opportunity after completion of equine training course
• a Skills Development Fund project, delivered in partnership with Ontario Harness Horse Association and Equine Guelph

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

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Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including Persons on Social Assistance and Youth

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 offered online for free unless otherwise specified.

• Women's Health and Wellbeing and Hub Program: weekly Zumba and aerobics class followed by a healthy recipe cooking demonstration; registration required: email Farida Salahuddin: farida@miag.ca
• Parenting for Success - weekly parenting skills enhancement training sessions for parents and caregivers offered in English, Arabic, Spanish and Mandarin. Children's After School Program offered concurrently; registration required for Parenting for Success and Children's After School Progam: email: Yasmine Behiry yasmine@miag.ca or call 416-669-7348
• MIAG Children's After School Program - weekly sessions led by a children's program specialist offering fun and educational activities to children/youth 6-12 years
• HEAL Network Workshops - information sessions offered in Arabic, Spanish, Tamil and English that address domestic violence, abuse against women

Mental Health and Counselling

For information, contact Solinas El-Gamal; solinas@miag.ca or (437) 220-6659

• Counselling Services - individual counselling including assessment, evaluation, brief intervention, ongoing support, family support, and court-mandated services
• Ethno-Cultural Communities Well-Being Project - 4-week mental health training courses; certificates awarded upon course completion

Employment

• Self-Employment Program for Immigrant Women - self-employment training for immigrant and refugee women providing information on accessing financing, group and individual coaching sessions and social support with network-building opportunities. For information, contact Kerri Lambie: kerri@miag.ca or (416) 271-1271
• The Bridge to Employment for Women - holistic approach to career development including; employment skills enhancement and capacity building training; three-month co-op work placement, wraparound services, including mental well-being support, family, and healthy lifestyle programs. For information, contact farah@miag.ca

Training Programs

• MIAG Training Unit - workshops designed to meet community needs on topics such as personal safety, visitor visas and immigration, skills training in Adobe, HTML, storytelling. Each workshop series offered for approximately $40-$80, see website for details. Registration required. For information, contact Farida Salahuddin: farida@miag.ca or 647-638-3332
• Handy Women 101 - boosts independence in participants through teaching basic home improvement skills and DIY (Do It Yourself) Projects. For information, contact mary@miag.ca

COVID19 -- call or visit website for COVID-related changes


Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including persons receiving social assistance and youth

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

COVID19 Update -- services currently offered online and by phone * For Employment Services information, please call 1-888-315-5521 and select '3' when prompted, or email employmentservices@centreforskills.ca

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Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including Persons on Social Assistance and Youth

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 services have resumed; masks required while on the premises


Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including Persons on Social Assistance and Youth

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 as well as in person for appointments; visit website or email for information
------------------------------

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including Persons on Social Assistance and Youth


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 Update -- agency continues to provide employment advising and planning support online and by phone to clients, employers and the community; email jobs@humber.ca or call 1-877-944-5744 for more 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 Update -- For information on the YMCA's response to COVID-19, including programming and service alerts CLICK HERE


To book an appointment with YMCA Employment Services, please call 905-276-9322 or online at gotothey.ymcagta.org

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including Persons on Social Assistance and Youth


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

COVID19 -- contact organization for COVID service updates


Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including persons on social Assistance and youth

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 -- centres closed but programs including workshops and job counselling, Skills Training in Food Manufacturing Sector, Literacy and Essential Skills and GED provided remotely

---------------------------------------------

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

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including Persons on Social Assistance and Youth


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

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 -- agency continues to provide employment advising and planning support online and by phone to clients, employers and the community; email jobs@humber.ca or call 1-877-944-5744 for more assistance

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including Persons on Social Assistance and Youth



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

In-person services have resumed however, all support and workshops are also being offered virtually

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

Ontario Equine Education and Employment Program

• 6-week virtual equine training course
• learn from industry experts
• discover different careers working with horses
• work experience opportunity after completion of equine training course
• a Skills Development Fund project, delivered in partnership with Ontario Harness Horse Association and Equine Guelph

Head office located at 2600 Skymark Ave, Mississauga, 905-624-3353

• 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

Employment resources and coaching to find sustainable employment in Ontario:

• assessment of skills, interests and abilities
• job search strategies and support, including resume development and interview preparation
• information about careers and occupations, local labour market, employment opportunities
• help in maintaining employment
• information and referral to other employment and community services

All services at this site can be tailored to meet the needs of individual client groups including Persons on Social Assistance and Youth


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