Ontario Government Supports Entrepreneurship Program for Women in Mississauga
MISSISSAUGA – The Ontario government is investing up to $1,045,000 over three years through the Women’s Economic Security Program to support Connecture Canada’s entrepreneurship program in Mississauga. This initiative is designed to empower women from Francophone, Black, immigrant, and racialized communities with the necessary knowledge and experience to start their own hair-braiding businesses.
This funding is part of a larger government initiative, with up to $26.7 million being invested over three years in 25 local programs across the province. These programs provide career training opportunities to help women gain the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to find jobs, start businesses, and achieve financial independence.
“The Women’s Economic Security Program empowers women to achieve financial independence by breaking down barriers to career training opportunities,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. “I’m proud of our government’s continued support for local, community-based training programs that help women across the province reach their full potential and achieve the career success they deserve.”
I’m thrilled to announce today in Mississauga at Connecture Canada that our government is supporting entrepreneurship training through the Women’s Economic Security Program.
This initiative helps women start hair-braiding businesses, contributing to their economic development. pic.twitter.com/uVw60YYbOr
— Charmaine Williams (@Charmomof5) August 13, 2024
The program offers training in four streams: skilled trades, entrepreneurship, information technology, and general employment. To reduce barriers to participation, the training includes additional supports such as meals during the training day, transportation to and from training, and assistance with childcare.
Women, including those who have experienced or are at risk of intimate partner violence, can access wraparound supports through the program, including referrals to mental health and well-being supports, counseling, housing, and legal support.
Women interested in the program can visit Ontario.ca/women for more information.
“Ontario is taking a government-wide approach to address and prevent gender-based violence and support women’s economic empowerment,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “Through the Women’s Economic Security Program, we are helping women access in-demand careers, achieve financial independence, and succeed in sectors that are vital to the economy.”
This investment is part of Ontario’s four-year action plan to prevent and address gender-based violence. In addition to the province’s $15 million investment this year in the Women’s Economic Security Program, Ontario is providing up to another $11.7 million through the bilateral agreement with the federal government on the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence.
