Eight organizations receive funding to boost employment and entrepreneurship

NEWS RELEASE

REGION OF WATERLOO

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The Region of Waterloo is investing $68,400 in eight local organizations through its 2025 Entrepreneurial Initiatives Grants, helping residents across all seven area municipalities access new career opportunities, develop skills, and connect with local employers. These grants will 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.  

This year, some grant criteria were updated to reflect priorities heard from over 1,800 residents and businesses during the Waterloo Region Economic Development Strategy (WREDS) engagement process. Residents and employers highlighted the importance of attracting, retaining, reskilling and integrating talent to grow a strong, inclusive economy. This year’s funding criteria focused more intentionally on strengthening the local talent ecosystem, and the grants directly support those priorities. 

“The Entrepreneurial Initiatives Grant is an investment in people,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “This kind of support is especially important right now as we navigate a shifting economic landscape. Regional council is committed to leading with responsive, forward-looking support that evolves alongside the changing needs and priorities of our community and economy.” 

Following a review process, 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. 

For more information about business and workforce development in Waterloo Region, visit 

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