Ontario
Economic Development Grants

Community MicroSkills Development Centre, Toronto
2003-2008: $270,200
The Business Counselling Services for Women Entrepreneurs program is for women who have started businesses that are still viable after six months to one year, but who are not yet economically self-sufficient. They must want to grow their businesses by identifying and implementing strategies to achieve business growth.

PARO, Thunder Bay
2003-2008: $260,200
PARO’s innovative Incubator/Accelerator program supports women during the launch and early growth of their small business ventures. They provide expert advice and help with developing strategies, financing support, information technology planning, alliance building and marketing.

YWCA of Greater Toronto
2003-2008: $182,281
The YWCA’s LinksToJobs is establishing a community-based employment agency as part of the YWCA Skills Development Centre. The initiative offers a range of services to women and employers, including employment matching, paid work placements, computer and typing testing, on-the-job coaching, small business services and out-placement services. For the women participating, this bridging program will not only offer links and matches to jobs but also provide critically needed “on-the-job” support.

Women’s Centre of York Region, Aurora
2003-2008: $189,883 (2003-2008
The Enterprising Women program focuses on self-employment development and training for low income women. Program topics include market research, business plan development, cash flow projections and budgeting. Follow up one-on-one business counselling is also included.