Pathways to Self-Employment

Pathways to Self-Employment is a supportive program that helps people explore self-employment as an option and develop entrepreneurial skills. It is focused on helping people achieve their personal goals and is designed to be safe, flexible, and supportive.

The program offers:

  • Self-paced training session: Learn the skills to start and run a business through short, manageable sessions.
  • One-on-one coaching: Personalized support to work through business challenges and plan for growth.
  • Peer support: Connect with others to share ideas, build networks, and support. This can lead to partnerships, referrals, and practical learning.
  • Financial supports: we might be able to help offset some start-up costs and will provides information about available grants and loans.

Although the program focuses on self-employment, we know people’s goals may change. The skills participants learn, such as entrepreneurial mindset, time and project management, financial literacy, communications and marketing, and research and analytical skills are useful in other paths. In partnership with employment services, we will help participants to reach their goals, whether that means starting a business, finding employment or pursuing further education/ training.

 

Training

The training is broken into different sessions that you can choose from based on your learning needs. Check out the calendar to find out session details and to register.

One to One Coaching

One to One Coaching Please contact selfemploymentpathways@regionofwaterloo.ca or call 226-753-5451 to book some time with an employment consultant.

Peer Support

Networking and peer support are very important when starting and growing your own business. We offer peer networking events so you can connect with other people in the process of exploring, starting or growing a small business.

Check out our calendar or reach out to us by email to find out when the next event is happening.

Pathways to Self-Employment is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program.
Pathways to Self-Employment est financé par le gouvernement du Canada dans le cadre du programme Compétences futures.

Contact Us

Region of Waterloo
150 Frederick St.
Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3
Telephone: 519-575-4400
Fax: 519-575-4481

For general inquiries:
Regionalinquiries@regionofwaterloo.ca