RESOURCES: ENTREPRENEURSHIP



NEWCOMER ENTREPRENEURSHIP RESOURCES

Reading:

Immigrant Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship in the GTA: Literature, Data, and Program review

By Sarah V. Wayland

December 2011, Maytree Foundation and Metcalf Foundation



The Newcomer Entrepreneurship Experience in York Region

By Workforce Planning Board

A community research study of the day-to-day experiences encountered by newcomer small business entrepreneurs.



Information, Referral & Training:

Enterprise Toronto

Enterprise Toronto is an innovative public and private sector alliance created to provide one-stop sourcing of services and programs tailored to meet the needs of the Toronto's Entrepreneurs and small businesses. Enterprise Toronto can help you make good decisions during your business start-up and develop your management capabilities as your business venture grows. Enterprise Toronto is managed by the City of Toronto Economic Development & Culture Office, which offers services and programs in the areas of Small Business and Local Partnerships, Business Development and Retention, Investment Marketing, Economic Research and Business Information.



Enterprise Toronto - North York Location

North York Civic Centre, Main Floor, 5100 Yonge Street

North York, ON M2N 5V7

Tel: (416) 395-7434

E-mail: jdavid@toronto.ca

Program Administrator E-mail: jdavid@toronto.ca

Website:

The Small Business Program – Regent Park and neighboring communities

Rotman Executive Programs - School of Management

A month long intensive and dynamic program for new entrepreneurs who have a business idea, but lack the knowledge and resources to develop a structured business plan.

Learn the following:

• Formalize a business idea through the development of a business plan

• Understand the market and face challenges head-on

• Develop strategies and recognize opportunities

• Find financing and funding possibilities

• Communicate effectively and begin building a marketing strategy

Website:

Telephone: 416-946-5172

Toronto Employment & Social Services

If you are receiving Ontario Works and are interested in starting a business, the Self-Employment Development program available through Employment and Social Services may be right for you. The program is run by community agencies that can help you learn how to set up and operate your own business.

While the program is generally full-time (30 hours per week), it may be possible to participate on a part-time basis, in combination with other approved employment activities such as part-time work.

Website:

Contact caseworker or Toronto Employment and Social Services Employment Centre

Starting your own business

Toronto Business Development Centre - Ontario Self-Employment Benefit (OSEB)

Successful applicants experience intensive business skills development training while completing a comprehensive business plan that fully supports their business idea. Provided with ongoing business advisor counseling services and income support for up to 42 weeks while they develop and implement their business plan.

You may be eligible if you have a business idea and are:

• Currently collecting Employment Insurance (EI) benefits

• Unemployed and have received EI benefits within the last 36 months

• Unemployed and received maternity/paternity leave EI benefits that started within the last 60 months, withdrew from the workforce, and are seeking to re-enter the labour force

Website:

Telephone: 416.345.9437

Email: oseb@

Entrepreneurship Program

Mennonite New Life Centre

Entrepreneurship training program supports highly motivated innovators to mobilize their skills and experiences through self-employment. Using an interactive and hands-on methodology, these workshops provide participants with needed tools to put into practice an entrepreneurial idea, while at the same time providing information related to incorporation of a business or social enterprise. Major concepts include planning techniques, resource development and regulatory frameworks.

Website:

Contact Eduardo Garay: egaray@

Self-Employment Training for Women (Microskills)

MicroSkills Women's Enterprise and Resource Centre offers training and support services to women who want to establish and operate small businesses. For graduates of their self-employment programs the organization has a program that offers entrepreneurs mentorship, peer supports, and business coaching.



Fostering entrepreneurship in Ontario

Tie Toronto

Fostering and supporting entrepreneurship through mentoring, networking, and education. Dedicated to the virtuous cycle of wealth creation and giving back to the community, TiE’s focus is on generating and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Over 200 entrepreneurs participate in TiEQuest every year – The contestants include existing and emerging entrepreneurs, patent holders and university students. The contestants get opportunities to present to angel investors, venture capitalists and fund managers. TiEQuest offers prizes totaling over $150,000.

Website:

Youth Programs:

Global Youth Entrepreneurs

A one-year project to provide youth immigrant newcomers between the ages of 16 to 24 with the opportunity to learn and develop entrepreneurial skills. Youth participants will receive hands -on business training, and will develop business plans under the mentorship of BBOT employer-members.

36 Queen St. East, Ste. 101, Brampton, ON L6V 1A2

Tel: (905) - 451 - 1122

E-mail: yamil@

Website:

Canadian Youth Business Foundation (age 34 and under)

CYBF helps through the entire business life-cycle from pre-launch planning, to start-up, to implementation by providing:

• Pre-launch and Post-launch Coaching – learn how to build your business plan, overcome challenges and grow your venture through our network of community partners and our entrepreneurs-in-residence.

• Financing – find the best funding option for you whether you are an emerging entrepreneur, a new Canadian or an existing young business owner. CYBF provides access to up to $50,000 in start-up financing and access to up to $30,000 in expansion financing through our unique partnership with the Business Development Bank of Canada.

• Mentoring – benefit from the extensive experience of a business professional who will work with you for a minimum of two years to ensure the success of your new business.

• Online Business Resources – get references and information about each stage of business development; from initial concept and planning, to implementation, growth and measurement.



Youth Enterprise Network (YEN)

YEN believes that local youth and those falling in the 18 to 34 age bracket have the innovative ideas and entrepreneurial drive to succeed. YEN provide youth living in our neighbourhoods with the skills to open and sustain their own businesses.

Website:

Telephone: 416-243-5480 ext 24

Email: mmullings@doorsteps.ca

Summer Company Program – Creating own company any summer

Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation

Student 15-29 years old in Ontario can turn ideas into a real business this summer. The Summer Company program provides up to $3,000, hands-on coaching and mentoring to help you start and operate your business. If your application is accepted, you’ll be eligible to receive up to $1,500 and 12-hours of business training and mentoring to get you started. Upon successful completion of the program, you’ll receive up to $1,500 to return to school.

Website:

Telephone: 1-888-745-8888

The New Business Movement

YOUTH Employment Services

Workshops on entrepreneurism, Branding, Funding and start-ups

Website:

Telephone: 416-504-5303

Funding Opportunities:

Government financing sources at Canada Business:

Grants, contributions and financial assistance



Explore opportunities to receive public funds to help springboard your business venture. There are programs that apply to businesses in all provinces and territories, and others that apply only to businesses in your region.

Loans and cash advances



Examine various borrowing possibilities for your new or existing business.

Loan guarantees



Having trouble securing a loan for your business? A government-backed loan guarantee could help you attract creditors.

Tax refunds and credits



Looking for more return on your business expenditures? Browse potential tax benefits that can help reduce overhead.

Wage subsidies



Are high wage expectations making you reluctant to put up that Help Wanted sign? A wage subsidy program can put the perfect employee within your reach.

Equity investments



Searching for a long-term financial solution for your business? An equity investor may be willing to bank on your potential.

ACCESS Community Capital Fund

Helps promising entrepreneurs with viable business plans gain access to financing not available through other sources. ACCESS clients are typically entrepreneurs who have been running a business less than two years and or just starting a new business. The borrower may have no credit history, or may have a poor credit record due to unemployment, illness or unforeseen life events.

1775 Danforth Avenue, Toronto ON M4C 1J1

Tel: 416-462-0496

info@



Innov8Social – Exploring Social Innovation

List of fellowship programs for social innovators



Leadership Grants for Small Businesses & Entrepreneurs

leadershipgrants.ca

Rise Asset Development - Rotman/CAMH financial initiative

Rise provides financing (loans, leases and lines of credit) and mentorship to men and women living with mental illness and or addictions who are interested in pursuing self employment. Rise offers business financing up to $25,000 throughout Ontario, with average initial financing from $3000 to $5,000.

Website:

Telephone: 647-232-7473

Email:  info@riseassetdevelopment.ca

Small Business Drop-in – Microcredit Program

Black Creek Community Capacity Building

Helps small and emerging businesses in the Black Creek Community meet their need for credit by securing loans of up to $5000.

Website:

Telephone: 416-747-5616

Community Micro-Loan Program for Small Business Loans

Alterna Savings

Entitles qualified borrowers to loans ranging from $1,000 to $15,000.

To qualify

• be a legal resident of Canada 

• be at least 19 years old

• work and live in an Alterna Savings service area

• operate a legal, full- or part-time business, including seasonal 

• be a self-employed individual with minimal income

Website:

Telephone: 416-252-5625 ext. 7617

Business Incubation:

Toronto Business Development Centre

Toronto Business Development Centre provides help in all phases of business creation and growth through the following business incubation activities:

Business Incubation

Business Incubation Program supports the growth of new and emerging businesses by providing access to a range of key resources such as business advisory support and participation in community of successful entrepreneurs.

Tel: (416) 345-9437

E-mail : torbiz@



Business Seminars

Ontario Self-Employment Benefit (OSEB)

Ontario Works Self-Employment Development (OWSED)

BIZ Futures

Summer Company

Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF)

MaRS Discovery District

Working with MaRS: business advice and education

Entrepreneur's Toolkit: online tools for business

MaRS building: business incubator



The Research, Innovation, Commercialization (RIC) Centre

Not-for-profit organization supporting the development of innovation and entrepreneurship in Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. RIC Centre provides commercialization support to help new entrepreneurs and seasoned business people take technical innovations to market. Since 2008, RIC has worked with over 150 companies, and 46% of all successful clients at RIC have either received funding or been introduced to funding sources and investors.



Ontario Network of Excellence

A collaborative network of organizations across Ontario, designed to help commercialize ideas.

Among the services offered by the network are: educational programs, advisory services, industry-academic programs, customer development, financing and investing.



VentureLAB

The York Region partner in Ontario’s Network of Excellence [ONE]. The “Build” program helps to prepare entrepreneurs for the challenges of beginning, launching, and growing their technology companies, by providing: educational workshops, with milestone outcome events; advise from experienced entrepreneurs and executives.



Ontario Works Self-Employment Development

Sponsored by the Province of Ontario in partnership with the Ministry of Community Social Services (MCSS), the OWSED Program is designed to assist individuals currently receiving Social Assistance to start their own businesses.The training phase of this program is a combination of in-class instruction and independent study. The program is designed to help clients start up and operate their businesses by providing valuable background on business planning, marketing, sales, financials and business operations. Participants complete a well-prepared business plan during the training phase of the program. On-going business advisory support is available for a period of one year as clients build their business.

Tel: (416) 345 9437

E-mail: owsed@

Professional Networks:

TiE Ottawa Chapter

TiE is an organization of individuals who share mutual respect and meritocracy as their core values. This organization is chartered by entrepreneurs, corporate executives and senior professionals with roots or interest in the Indus region, with the explicit goal to benefit entrepreneurs.

Networking - Facilitating relationships for the members locally with other entrepreneurs and globally with other TiE chapters.

Mentorship - TiE charter members provide guidance to the budding entrepreneurs.

Global Connectivity - TiE helps its members build relationships with entrepreneurs in other markets through network of TiE chapters world wide to encourage and support entrepreneurship.

Education - TiE Ottawa provides hard and soft skills to entrepreneurs via TiE Institute.

900 Greenbank Road Suite #432, Ottawa K2J 4P6, Canada

Tel: (613) 316-2299



Impact

Canada-wide student-run organization promoting youth entrepreneurship. Offers a number of programs to support young entrepreneurs.

info@



Pro-Bono Legal Services:

Connect Legal matches eligible applicants with volunteer lawyers to meet a specific legal need. See below for more details on eligibility.

A full range of commercial law services is offered including:

• advice regarding structuring a new business

• drafting formation documents, partnership agreements, employment contracts

• drafting, reviewing and/or negotiating contracts such as leases, loan documents, franchise agreements and vendor agreements

• advice regarding the protection and licensing of intellectual property and assisting with related contracts or filings

• obtaining necessary business permits and licenses

• advice regarding land use and zoning

Legal services are delivered free of cost; however, eligible business owners must pay for any filing fees or administrative costs.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Be an immigrant who has been granted permission to remain in Canada;

2. Have been in Canada for ten years or less;

3. Be operating or launching a viable business;

4. Be unable to afford legal services; see below for Connect Legal's income and asset guidelines;

5. Complete an application and provide all required documentation. You can access the application form by clicking here.



Contact: Marion Annau, Tel: 416-964-3933

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download