Brampton has become the hub for developing our future women entrepreneurs

BY PAUL JUNOR

It was great news when Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity Charmaine Williams (MPP Brampton Centre) revealed that Brampton is one of 10 locations selected to help women build skills and obtain high-paying jobs.

This is an additional investment of $6.9 million over three years in the Women’s Future Program. This program was initiated as a result of feedback from the Ontario Task Force on Women and the Economy, which was launched in June 2021. The purpose of it was to provide advice on addressing the unique and disproportionate economic barriers women face. Over 1,300 women have obtained employment through this program; many launched their own businesses and others increased their training and/or education.

Associate Minister Williams states in the press release, “The new investing in Women’s Futures Program location in Brampton will provide women in the community with the wraparound support and resources they need to: rebuild their lives, increase their participation in the workforce, and gain financial independence. Our government is empowering women to achieve the success they deserve.”

Prabmeet Sarkaria, President of the Treasury Board and MPP for Brampton South states, “As a father of two young girls, I am incredibly pleased that the government is expanding the investing in Women’s Futures Program to 10 additional locations, including Roots Community Services in Brampton. Today’s investment is ensuring that women and girls get the skills they need, and the jobs they deserve. The investing in Women’s Futures Program is helping us to build a stronger Ontario for the future, for all Ontarians.”

Graham McGregor, MPP for Brampton North states, “By expanding the investing in Women’s Futures Program, our government is providing women in Brampton with further resources to overcome social and economic barriers. We’re working hard to ensure women have the necessary skills and support to succeed in rebuilding their lives.”

Angela Carter, Executive Director of Roots Community Services, is very pleased that the Women’s Future Program will invest $318,590 over three years. She states in the press release, “We deeply appreciate this opportunity to provide pathways for women who are experiencing social and economic barriers to gain skills and knowledge that will help them develop a solid foundation for a brighter future Through our Social Engineering and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) program we plan to equip 75 women each year with tools to build on their individual strengths and collective support systems.”

The promotional flyer for SEED outlines that it offers entrepreneurial skills development and employment readiness, for racialized women. It offers women an opportunity to build confidence, find their voice and provides a forum to express themselves.

Benefits of SEED are:

• A supportive, empowering space to help you and your business grow
• A safe space for women healing from gender-based violence
• Mentoring in building a successful business through our 12-week workshop
• Training in administration, marketing, finance, merchandising and other key business skills
• Mentoring by experienced business professionals and support in preparing a business plan
• Support with child-minding and transportation costs as needed

At the press conference, Angela started off her opening remarks by acknowledging, “We are appreciative of the opportunity to provide pathways for: Black, African, Caribbean and other equity-deserving women to: explore, create and expand their horizons; to open up spaces where women can come together, discuss issues and topics of concern, learn from each other and acquire knowledge that can help them achieve success in whatever they endeavor to do.”

She mentioned that in 2022 more than 750 women over 18 years of age repeat clients were served.