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Province invests $14M to support Black youth, entrepreneurs

Black Youth Action Plan will help youth access employment opportunities and career-building resources, officials say; Information sessions planned
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The Ontario government is investing an additional $14 million in the Black Youth Action Plan to help youth access employment opportunities and career-building resources.

The funding will be used to create a new economic empowerment program that will help community organizations and Black-led businesses create local projects that provide the skills youth need to find jobs in high-growth sectors.

“The Black Youth Action Plan is an example of the type of commitment from the Ontario government that allows for the dismantling of systems that prevent Black youth and professionals from succeeding,” said Patrick Harriot-Stewart, owner of Romaan Events and project manager of SEMBA Awards.

“Non-profit organizations like SEMBA (Simcoe Excellence Multicultural Business Award) have taken an innovative approach in making sure that these efforts are recognized and appreciated while encouraging Black youth to contribute to the economic growth of their communities," said Harriot-Stewart.

“It is fantastic that the Ontario government has created a resource for young Black entrepreneurs, but it is imperative that they make these resources attainable to them,” said Shanicka Edwards, founder of Shak’s World Community Centre in Barrie.

“Our government is making sure all Ontarians have access to the tools they need to build successful careers, including skills development and professional mentorship,” said Parm Gill, minister of citizenship and multiculturalism. “It is imperative we build an inclusive, future-forward workforce where everyone has equitable access to jobs and opportunities which will help support our province in our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The economic empowerment program includes three new initiatives that will enable community organizations and Black-led employer and business leaders to design programs that help Black youth and young professionals achieve social and economic success by building pathways to jobs:

  • The Career Launch initiative will support locally developed programs that help Black children and youth access professional networks and skills development in high opportunity fields
  • The Career Advance initiative will connect Black youth and young professionals with training and work placement opportunities in high opportunity industries
  • The Sector-Innovation Networks support Black business leaders in high-growth sectors of the economy.

Community organizations and businesses can apply for funding under the Career Launch initiative beginning Feb. 23. Information is available online. Applications for the Career Advance initiative and Sector Innovation Networks will open on March 9 and March 23, respectively.

The Black Youth Action Plan works toward eliminating systemic, race-based disparities by increasing social and economic opportunities for Black children, youth and families across the province. By building a more inclusive workforce, the province continues to work for workers on the road to economic recovery.

The Ontario government is investing $32 million in net new funding, totalling our investment into the now enhanced black youth action plan to $60 million.

This new funding includes $28 million over two years for new economic empowerment initiatives, to strengthen black communities and support black youth in achieving their full potential.

The three new initiatives will enable community organizations and Black-led employer and business leaders to design programs that help Black youth and young professionals. It is imperative we build an inclusive, future-forward workforce where everyone has equitable access to jobs and opportunities which will help support our province in our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

To register for a virtual community information session for each of the funding initiatives, contact [email protected].

Information sessions will be held on the following dates:

  • Career Launch - Week of Feb. 28, 2022
  • Career Advance - Week of March 14, 2022
  • Sector Innovation Networks - Week of March 28, 2022

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