Scarborough’s Women to Benefit from $755,000 Investment in Entrepreneurship Training

SCARBOROUGH – The Ontario government has announced a substantial investment of up to $755,000 over the next three years in the Heritage Skills Development Centre’s Jumpstart to Success Project in Scarborough. This initiative, supported through the Women’s Economic Security Program, aims to equip women across the Greater Toronto Area with the essential knowledge and experience needed to become entrepreneurs and expand their businesses.

This funding is a part of the broader provincial commitment of up to $26.7 million over three years, spread across 25 local programs throughout Ontario. These programs are designed to provide career training opportunities for women, aiding them in acquiring the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to secure employment, start businesses, and achieve financial independence.

Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, emphasized the program’s role in fostering economic empowerment for women. “The Women’s Economic Security Program empowers women to achieve financial independence by breaking down barriers to career training opportunities. 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,” she said.

Today, I’m thrilled to announce a transformative investment of up to $26 million in Ontario’s Women’s Economic Security Program. This funding will provide essential training to empower low-income women and support their journey to financial independence. pic.twitter.com/YnWba9YIbt

— Charmaine Williams (@Charmomof5) August 14, 2024

The training programs within the Women’s Economic Security Program are categorized into four streams: skilled trades, entrepreneurship, information technology, and general employment. To enhance accessibility, the programs also provide additional supports such as meals during training, transportation, and assistance with childcare.

Special provisions are also in place for women who have experienced or are at risk of intimate partner violence, including referrals to mental health and well-being services, counseling, housing, and legal support.

Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, highlighted the holistic approach of the Ontario government in tackling gender-based violence and promoting women’s economic empowerment. “Ontario is taking a government-wide approach to address and prevent gender-based violence and support women’s economic empowerment. 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,” Parsa noted.

This investment is a key component of Ontario’s four-year action plan to prevent and address gender-based violence. Alongside the province’s $15 million allocation to the Women’s Economic Security Program, Ontario is also investing up to an additional $11.7 million through a bilateral agreement with the federal government on the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence.

Women interested in participating in the program can find more information and resources at Ontario.ca/women.