Searching for Self-employment / Entrepreneurship

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 as well as information and referral to other employment and community services

• 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

• 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

• 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 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

A hub of resources and support for local small to medium-sized businesses that are looking to scale up, export and go global

• find content regarding a range of services offered, that will help you navigate the world of exporting

Consultation services:

• One-on-one
• Expert on Demand

Referrals:

• to a network of government ministries, agencies, and service providers providing export-related information

Resources

• Programs
• Funding Opportunities
• Exporting Information
• Events, Webinars & Online Learning
• Tools & Market Research
• Toolbox

As part of a province-wide youth entrepreneurship strategy, the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade offers Summer Company delivered by Halton Region Small Business Centre

• provides hands-on business training and mentoring if your application is accepted with awards of up to $3,000 (up to $1,500 for start-up costs, and up to $1,500 after successful completion of the program)
• helps enterprising students start and run their own summer business and develop entrepreneurial skills and experience
• must be between the ages of 15 and 29, returning to school in the fall of 2023 (application deadline: May 19, 2023)
• business plans for program via online applications only
• competitive program with limited spaces that fill up quickly

Due to COVID-19, the Halton Small Business Centre's resource area at 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville is closed. All services and programs are being offered virtually.

Services include:

Free consultations with business consultants

• business plans
• marketing and financial planning
• export and import planning

Business start-up information including

• business name registration sole or partnerships
• start-up checklists

Access to current resource materials including

• book lending library
• directories
• market research
• trade indexes
• information on patents, copyrights and trademarks
• ongoing business workshops and seminars, networking and professional development
• entrepreneurship training and grant programs
• free self-serve Internet access for entrepreneurs to register their business, update their business information or conduct business research

Consultant On Site

• a service for local business owners and entrepreneurs
• a free one hour consultation with a business consultant to get help with research, marketing plans and government regulations
• offered at four locations in Halton, including Georgetown and Milton
• call the Business Centre to book

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 as well as information and referral to other employment and community services

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

• summer job opportunities and part-time job placements during the year

• addiction and mental health program offers 16 weeks of counselling, skill development and job placement opportunities to help you obtain & maintain a job
• complete an online referral at Employment Programs and Supports

Volunteer members are business and professional people who act as advisors in a number of business areas including:

• new ventures
• operations
• management
• services
• finance
• export
• manufacturing
• product management
• engineering
• marketing and sales
• advising established and start-up small businesses
• reviewing and evaluating business plans

Consultations are available at Oakville Chamber of Commerce office, The Halton Industry Education Council office in Burlington, and Hamilton Business Economic Development Centre

• online advisory meetings can be arranged

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

• 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

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

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

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

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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