In 2025, The Region of Waterloo invested $68,400 in eight local organizations through its Entrepreneurial Initiatives Grant. The grant support programs that help residents enter or stay in the workforce, including career coaching for youth, entrepreneurship training, reskilling for growing industries, and employment support for newcomers and equity-deserving groups.  

The 2025 grant funding criteria focused on strengthening the local talent ecosystem, and the grants directly support those priorities. 

The following eight organizations were selected to receive funding: 

Business & Education Partnership of Waterloo Region - $10,000 for career exploration events, student microgrants, career coaching and pathway programs for youth. 

Canadian Arab Women’s Association - $10,000 for the “I’m Here” program supporting 10–20 Arab women with employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in the food economy.

Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region LiftOff Black Entrepreneurship Program - $10,900 for fostering growth and integration of Black talent into local innovation economy.

The Community Company - $8,000 to support four community-rooted organizations advancing workforce development and entrepreneurship.

The ForUsGirls Foundation Inc. - $8,000 for entrepreneurship and professional development training programs for young women, girls, and non-binary youth.              

Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis - $7,000 for six-month employment stabilization pilot for displaced Ukrainians, including work permit renewal and employer matching.         

Junior Achievement of South Western Ontario Inc. - $12,000 for expansion of the JA Company Program and continuation of the JA Career Hunts program for youth.    

Waterloo 4-H Association - $2,500 for youth leadership and skills development programs across Waterloo Region. 

These grants are part of the Region’s ongoing work to ensure residents across all seven area municipalities have access to high-quality training and employment supports that meet the evolving needs of the local economy.