Ontario Government announces $1.24M Investment for Women-led Enterprises

• Ontario government to invest $1.24 million
• The investment will be made over the next 3 years
• PAROBiz program to support women with low-income

Recently, it has been announced that Ontario government is all set to invest $1.24 million over the next 3 years with an intent towards assisting the PARO Centre for PAROBiz program of Women’s Enterprise.

This particular program will be helping women with low-income to start and grow their own businesses in Thunder Bay as well as other communities within Northern, Eastern and Central Ontario. In addition, the PAROBiz program offers training to women with efforts to skilled trades, entrepreneurship, information technology and general employment readiness.

Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity Associate Minister Charmaine Williams stated, “PAROBiz is part of our cross-government approach to increasing economic opportunities for women and I couldn't be more thrilled to see this here. Because I know you're going to help so many more women become economically, financially stable and being able to take care of their family, their children, the next generation of leaders with confidence.”

Charmaine also mentions that there’s a witnessing shortages and higher retirement rates of people in the realm of trade, so it has been a top priority for them to encourage women to get in the trades.

She added, “At the end of the day we need women to help build Ontario. And the more women that we have skilled, and become leaders in the craft, we're going to see more women get into the craft as well.” She said that they have noticed an increase of 35% in women apprenticeships in last couple of years.

Moreover, the training programme of PARO involves additional assistance while wrap around supports for females who are at risk/experienced intimate partner violence.

Charmaine mentioned, “Sometimes starting a business is the way you become financially independent. Sometimes having something in your home because of kids it makes it much more effective for you to be able to have that financial stability when you have a business from home.”