Economic empowerment

Overview

Racialized communities in Ontario continue to face barriers that limit access to education, training and good jobs. As a result, these challenges can make it harder to find stable employment or build long‑term financial security.

Ontario is taking action to remove these barriers and create more opportunities by continuing to deliver and implement economic empowerment initiatives that focus on:

• improving access to education, skills training and employment
• supporting inclusive work places and career pathways
• helping entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses

These efforts support our government’s plan to protect Ontario’s future by strengthening the workforce, growing the economy and creating opportunities for more people to participate and succeed.

Connecting newcomers and Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities to education, skills development and employment opportunities 

Enhancements to apprenticeship programs to focus on under-represented groups

Ontario is incentivizing communities to access education, skills training and employment opportunities. These efforts focus on reducing barriers, creating clear pathways into the workforce and supporting long-term career success.

Pre-apprenticeship Training Program

The Pre-apprenticeship training program helps individuals explore and prepare for careers in the skilled trades by providing safety training, academic upgrading and paid work placements. The program focuses on supporting those who may face barriers to entering the trades, including individuals from Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities.

Projects are selected through an annual Call for Proposals process, with priority given to initiatives that target underrepresented groups. These programs provide participants with hands-on experience and skills needed to transition into apprenticeship opportunities.

In the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year, out of the 106 projects that were approved to deliver training across Ontario, 87 have indicated that they would be targeting one or more underrepresented groups. These 87 projects are intended to serve over 2,300 participants. The program continues to support new entrants into the trades by building skills, increasing workforce participation and helping address labour market needs.

Achievement Incentive Program

The Achievement Incentive Program supports employers by providing financial incentives when apprentices reach key training and certification milestones. Enhanced payments are available for employers who sponsor youth apprentices under the age of 25 and individuals from underrepresented or equity-deserving groups.

In the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year, nearly 1,500 employers received 5,102 payments supporting 4,296 apprentices who self-identified as being from an underrepresented group. These incentives help offset training costs and encourage employers to hire and retain apprentices.

By providing financial support to employers, the program helps increase participation in apprenticeship training and supports entry into the skilled trades, including for individuals from underrepresented groups.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program^{footnote 1[1]}

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a school-to-work initiative that enables secondary students to explore careers in the skilled trades through cooperative education. Students can begin apprenticeship training while completing their Ontario Secondary School Diploma, supporting early entry into the trades. Since 2018, dedicated funding to District School Boards has supported activities that increase participation from Indigenous students and improves representation in the skilled trades. For example, local skilled trades events created with Indigenous organizations that include components of Indigenous culture, language, worldview, ways of learning/knowing, or customs and offer opportunities for students to engage with Indigenous apprentices, journeypersons and Elders. As of September 2026, there will be 9 First Nations secondary schools delivering OYAP.

The program operates on an annual cycle aligned with the academic year. In the 2024 to 2025 school year, 7.9% (28,004) of secondary school students participated in OYAP, an increase of more than 2,400 participants compared to the 2023 to 2024 school year.

By supporting early exposure and hands-on learning, OYAP continues to strengthen pathways into the skilled trades and increase participation among underrepresented groups

Skills Development Fund — Training Stream 

The Skills Development Fund Training Stream (SDF-TS) supports innovative workforce development projects that help employers and organizations address challenges related to hiring, training, upskilling and retaining workers. The program focuses on strengthening access to the labour market and supporting key sectors facing labour shortages, including construction, manufacturing and health care.

Across Rounds 1–5, the SDF-TS has supported hundreds of projects and helped more than 100,000 participants secure employment within 60 days of completing training. The program also promotes partnerships and targeted responses to economic challenges. The training stream projects support Ontario’s economy by helping groups who face barriers to employment. Across Rounds 1-4, the SDF-TS recorded over 260,000 participants from underrepresented groups — including women, youth, persons with disabilities, racialized groups and Indigenous peoples.

In Round 4 of the SDF-TS, nearly 15,000 participants from these underrepresented groups reported gaining employment after training.

Get SET (Skills, Education and Training)

Formerly named Literacy and Basic Skills, Get SET (Skills, Education and Training) is an Employment Ontario program that supports adults in developing essential skills needed to achieve their education, employment and independence goals. The program focuses on building communication, numeracy, interpersonal and digital skills.

Get SET serves a diverse group of learners, including those facing barriers to learning, and provides culturally and linguistically responsive programming for Deaf, Anglophone, Francophone and Indigenous participants.

In the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year, the program supported over 45,000 learners. Of those learners, 30,982 belong to an underrepresented group. In fiscal year 2026 to 2027, Get SET is expected to support approximately 50,000 individuals, continuing to strengthen foundational skills and improve pathways to employment and lifelong learning.

Investing in Women’s Futures program

The Investing in Women’s Futures (IWF) program supports women and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals to build economic independence and improve their well-being. Delivered through 34 organizations, the program provides safe, supportive spaces and wraparound services, including:

• employment readiness
• life skills
• gender-based violence supports
• entrepreneurship training

Many programs are delivered by women, for women, and focus on supporting those facing social and economic barriers.

In the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year, the program continued to help participants achieve meaningful outcomes, including accessing training, securing employment and improving personal safety and stability. Over 9,000 women benefitted from the program.

Investing in Women’s Futures supports Ontario’s efforts to protect the economy by helping individuals build skills and prepare for the workforce. In the coming year, the program will continue providing flexible, community-based supports that help participants improve well-being and access employment opportunities.

Indigenous Transportation Initiatives Fund

The Indigenous Transportation Initiatives Fund (ITIF) provides funding to Indigenous communities and organizations for locally driven transportation projects that support community needs and address service gaps. These projects help improve access to services, strengthen infrastructure and support economic activities within communities.

From fiscal years 2025 to 2027, a total of 16 projects were funded. Examples include support for the Wenjack Education Institute to deliver DZ truck driving training for Indigenous students and funding for Muskrat Dam First Nation to purchase a vehicle to support housing, water and road maintenance work.

Indigenous Transportation Initiatives Fund continues to support practical, community-led solutions that improve mobility and access. In the coming year, the program will continue to invest in transportation projects that meet local priorities and support the well-being of Indigenous communities.

Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation’s People and Talent Program

The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation’s (NOHFC) People and Talent Program — Indigenous Workforce Development Stream — supports the growth of the Indigenous workforce in Northern Ontario by funding internship opportunities through partnerships with municipalities, Indigenous communities, not-for-profit organizations and businesses, helping Indigenous individuals build skills and gain work experience.

Funding supports a portion of intern salaries and mandatory employment costs. In the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year, over $3.36 million was invested to support 81 Indigenous internships. For the 2026 to 2027 fiscal year, nearly $1 million has been approved to support 23 internships.

The program continues to create pathways for Indigenous talent, with ongoing tracking of internship placements to support program improvements and long-term workforce development.

Supporting Indigenous, Black and other racialized businesses and entrepreneurs

Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs grant program

The Racialized and Indigenous Supports for Entrepreneurs (RAISE) Grant Program has addressed barriers faced by aspiring Indigenous, Black and other racialized entrepreneurs by providing culturally responsive business supports and funding.

Since 2023, our government has invested $15 million, supporting over 1,400 entrepreneurs and delivering over 7,000 hours of customized business development and coaching. These supports have helped participants build the skills, networks and confidence needed to strengthen operations and grow their businesses.

In the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year, RAISE participants report that they have experienced meaningful business growth, with average annual revenue increasing by 49.3% and the average number of customers served increasing by 22.3% after participation in the program. Participants also reported overwhelmingly positive outcomes, with 93.8% indicating that RAISE had a positive impact on their business and 90.8% reporting that it helped them achieve their business goals.

Supporting Indigenous economic development

Our government is strengthening economic opportunities for Indigenous communities and businesses by connecting people to skills development and workforce participation.

Capacity funding and training supports for Indigenous Economic Development Officers through Ontario First Nations Economic Developers Association

Ontario is providing $8.4 million over 3 years to the Ontario First Nation Economic Developers Association (OFNEDA) to deliver training, mentorship and professional networks for First Nation economic development officers (EDOs) and entrepreneurs. This includes enhanced support for business development and Indigenous procurement opportunities.

Through our ongoing partnership with OFNEDA, our government is creating opportunities that build capacity and knowledge sharing, while strengthening economic partnerships with First Nations communities. This three-year investment provides OFNEDA with sustainable funding to further advance economic development, boost entrepreneurship and deliver lasting benefits for First Nations communities.

The initiative has advanced key capacity-building efforts by establishing core delivery roles and expanding training and support programs. Progress includes the launch of professional development opportunities such as Technician Aboriginal Economic Developer (TAED) and Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) training, workshops and train-the-trainer sessions for EDOs.

By strengthening local expertise and professional networks, OFNEDA is helping build long-term economic capacity and supporting sustainable community development across First Nation communities and the broader economy.

Loans and grants to Indigenous businesses through Indigenous financial institutions

This initiative provides loans and grants to Indigenous entrepreneurs to support business growth, expansion and long-term sustainability. Delivered through Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs), the program increases access to capital by offering low-interest loans and grants tailored to the needs of Indigenous businesses.

The initiative has helped businesses strengthen operations, increase revenue and expand into new markets. Ontario is increasing funding by $4 million per year for IFIs to support greater access to financial resources, while enabling more entrepreneurs to develop and grow their businesses. Funding now includes support for e-commerce initiatives, allowing for more streamlined delivery and improved access to digital tools and supports. These efforts continue to strengthen Indigenous business capacity and economic participation across the province.

E-Commerce grants to support digitization of Indigenous businesses

To support digital business development, this initiative provides one-time grants to Indigenous entrepreneurs to enhance their online presence through website development, online payment system integration and expanded digital marketing activities.

Building on the $2.5 million investment from fiscal years 2022 to 2025 and $1 million allocated for the 2025 to 2026 fiscal year, funding continues to be delivered through Indigenous Financial Institutions and combined with Business and Community Funding. This increases the overall pool of support available and enables more entrepreneurs to access grants.

Through this initiative, Indigenous businesses have expanded their market reach, improved visibility and strengthened revenue opportunities.

Improving understanding of the Indigenous supply chain

To support greater economic participation, this initiative improves the visibility and accessibility of First Nations businesses within Ontario’s supply chains and procurement systems.

The Chiefs of Ontario have carried out extensive engagement on supply chain and directory development with First Nations communities. Progress has focused on expanding a centralized First Nations business directory and advancing supply chain mapping and procurement analysis. These efforts have identified key challenges and provided actionable insights to increase the presence of First Nations businesses in government and public sector procurement.

The development of a public-facing business directory will support Indigenous procurement efforts by making it easier for buyers to connect with First Nations businesses.

Creating public and private sector partnerships to support communities and grow Ontario’s economy

Small Business Enterprise Centres

Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs), delivered by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade (MEDJCT) and supported in Northern Ontario by the Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth (MNEDG), provide services to help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses across more than 50 locations. MNEDG oversees 7 centres in Northern Ontario, offering targeted supports that respond to local economic needs. Starting in fiscal year 2026 to 2027, our government is providing an additional investment of $3 million over 3 years to help Ontario’s Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs) network meet growing program demand, expand advisory services and support new initiatives.

SBEC programs and services, including advisory supports, Summer Company and Starter Company Plus, are available to all entrepreneurs, including Indigenous, Black and other racialized individuals. These programs provide training, mentorship, networking opportunities and access to funding, helping businesses launch and expand. Beginning in fiscal year 2026 to 2027, our government is providing $18 million over 3 years to fund grants for the Summer Company and Starter Company Plus programs delivered through the SBECs network.

In addition, $750,000 will be dedicated, starting in fiscal year 2026 to 2027, to renew support for the Fédération des gens d’affaires francophones de l’Ontario (FGA), to ensure Francophone entrepreneurs across the province have continued access to dedicated business service supports in French.

Temporary help agency reform

In 2021, amendments to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 introduced a licensing system for temporary help agencies and recruiters to improve oversight and protect vulnerable workers. As of July 1, 2024, agencies and recruiters must hold a valid licence to operate, and businesses are prohibited from knowingly using unlicensed providers.

The licensing system supports a level playing field by reducing unfair competition and ensuring that only vetted and compliant agencies operate in Ontario. It also improves transparency for clients and enhances protections for workers.

As of June 2026, a total of 6,577 first-time licence applications have been received, with 4,894 approved. Ongoing implementation continues to support compliance across the sector, while promoting fair and consistent labour market practices.

Expanding access to economic opportunities and workforce participation

The following initiatives are not included as part of the official strategy but align with Ontario’s Anti-Racism Strategy as they expand economic opportunities and support workforce participation for racialized and under-represented communities.

These initiatives improve access to essential supports, including transportation infrastructure in remote communities, language and employment services for newcomers, as well as training and wraparound supports for women and other underrepresented groups.

By strengthening access to these services, individuals can build their skillset, connect to employment opportunities and participate more fully in Ontario’s economy.

Winter Roads Program

The Winter Roads Program supports a network of seasonal roads that connect 32 remote Indigenous communities and the Town of Moosonee to the provincial highway system. These roads provide essential access for goods, services and economic activity, helping reduce isolation and support community well-being.

MNEDG The Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth provides $6 million in annual base funding to support the network, along with an additional $5 million per year, since 2023, to replace hazardous ice crossings with bridges and culverts. These improvements support safer transportation and improved access for remote communities, helping strengthen social and economic outcomes across Northern Ontario.

Newcomer Settlement and Integration Programs

Newcomer Settlement and Integration Programs help immigrants and refugees across Ontario overcome settlement and integration barriers. According to the 2021 Census, 86% of recent immigrants to Ontario identify as racialized. Funded services, including culturally and linguistically responsive settlement supports, language training and bridging programs, help internationally trained newcomers find employment that aligns with their education, skills and experience.

Year-end program results data from fiscal year 2025 to 2026 demonstrate the impact of these services. More than 93,000 newcomers, including over 18,000 newcomer youth, received settlement services, with more than 100,000 referrals made to community and employment supports. More than 63,000 newcomers participated in language and workplace communication skills training. Over 2,900 internationally trained skilled newcomers completed occupation-specific bridging programs in priority sectors, with over 1,500 gaining employment and/or licensure in regulated occupations.

Women’s Economic Security Program (WESP)

Established in 2018, the Women’s Economic Security Program (WESP), serves diverse groups and supports low-income women and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals who identify as women. The program delivers training across sectors such as skilled trades, information technology, entrepreneurship and general employment, along with wraparound supports to help participants gain skills, connect to employment and improve long-term economic security.

WESP strengthens partnerships between community organizations, educational institutions and employers, while supporting Ontario’s efforts to strengthen the workforce.

Ontario Drug Benefit Program Outreach

The Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Program Outreach initiative supports communities that may face barriers in accessing drug benefit programs. Outreach activities focus on increasing awareness and improving understanding of available supports to help individuals access prescription drug coverage.

In fiscal year 2025 to 2026, eight outreach presentations designed to improve accessibility were delivered to community groups, with additional sessions planned for fiscal year 2026 to 2027.

Through targeted outreach and engagement, the initiative continues to improve awareness of the ODB Program and support equitable access to benefits for diverse communities.