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self employment

According to the Self Employment Development Iniative (SEDI) "Self employment constitutes the fastest growing sector of the new economy in Canada and now accounts for 16% of all Canadian workers.

This growth has been and continues to be driven, by the demand for flexibly delivered services, reduced demand for skilled labour from the manufacturing and resource extraction sectors, increased global competitiveness and corporate downsizing and streamlining. All trends that are expected to continue for the foreseeable future. By the mid 1980's entrepreneurship, self employment and small business were quickly becoming accepted antidotes to unemployment and declining community economies."

If you are considering self employment there are many resources available to assist you in this challenging yet potentially rewarding path. Resources available in the Greater Toronto area include:

the self employment assistance (SEA) program

The Self Employment Assistance (SEA) Program is coordinated in the City of Toronto by SEDI (www.sedi.org) and funded by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC). The SEA program provides income support and services for up to one year, to eligible unemployed people who want to start their own business. Eligible participants receive two months of self employment skills development to assist in the creation of a comprehensive business plan. Ongoing business counselling is then provided for the remaining 10 months during the start up and development of their business.

To be eligible for the SEA program applicants must be on EI or have been on EI within the last three years or on Maternity Benefits with the last 5 years. To find out your eligibility or to apply for the program, please contact your local Human Resource Centre or call (416) 969-0011.
For more information check out the SEDI website at www.sedi.org.

consulting as a career option

Consulting as a Career Option is a 5 week employment assistance service based on practical seminars and individual/group coaching sessions. This daytime program is funded by Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC) and targeted towards experienced workers (age 40 and over) who are not currently working. Priority is given to individuals in receipt of Employment Insurance or who have had an Employment Insurance claim within the past three years. The 100+ hour service combines both individual coaching and facilitated workshops. Consulting as a Career Option is ideally suited for experienced workers, professionals and semi-professionals who are motivated and self-reliant. The program is currently available in Toronto, Brampton and Oakville. For more information check out the Essential Communications website.

Phone to schedule an orientation session:
ph: 416.461.8754
fx: 416.461.3189
e-mail: caaco [ at] essentialcommunications.ca

additional programs and resources

Canadian Business Resource Centre

Business Incubation Program at the Learning Enrichment Foundation

Toronto Business Development Centre
offers low cost seminars and small business resources

more

skills development centre
employment focus
YWCA SOAR (Seek, Obtain, Advance, Retain)
LEAP
Scarborough Village employment resource centre
(formerly morningside employment resource centre or MERC)
career assessment & planning
YWCA REACH
resources for your job search

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Life Skills & training
e-learning
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