Toronto Enterprise Fund
The Toronto Enterprise Fund is a unique partnership between government, foundations and United Way Toronto that supports the development of social purpose enterprises working with the homeless and low-income people. The enterprises provide people with employment opportunities, work experience, additional income, improved life skills, and better connections to the community and the labour force. As a result, the enterprises are successful in helping to reduce poverty, preventing and reducing homelessness, and building a more inclusive community.
The Toronto Enterprise Fund has supported 24 business ventures, with almost 1,750 participants. Almost half of those found permanent jobs, started a business or returned to school.
The program is a unique funding partnership between United Way Toronto and the three levels of government; the City of Toronto, the Ministry of Community and Social Services: Ontario Disability Support Program and the Homelessness Partnerships Initiative, a program funded by Human Resources & Social Development Canada, and administered by the City of Toronto.
For more information, visit torontoenterprisefund.ca or email info@torontoenterprisefund.ca.
Friends Catering: Work and life lessons in the kitchen
Supported by United Way’s Toronto Enterprise Fund, Friends is helping individuals who are living under the poverty line and facing challenges entering the job market access new work opportunities.