Self-Employment Programs - YMCA The New Ventures Network

Contact

Robert Lee YMCA
955 Burrard Street
Vancouver BC
V6Z 1Y2

Tel: 604.685.8066
Fax: 604.684.3255

Email: newventures@vanymca.org
Website: www.vanymca.org

About The Program

In 1986 the YMCA of Greater Vancouver along with other YMCA's across the country made history by offering the first ever Self Employment Program in all of Canada. As Canada's most experienced deliverer of the Self Employment Program we offer the best in training, mentoring and support to help our future business leaders develop the skills, knowledge and vision to start, operate and grow a thriving business.

For over 20 years, the YMCA has had the pleasure of playing a part in the development of Business Start Ups. Partnering with the Ministry of Housing and Social Development, the New Ventures Network (in downtown Vancouver) provides an opportunity and the venue for great business ideas to become successful Canadian companies.

Our business advisors are entrepreneurs, who bring their passion, skills and experience to the program everyday. They are dedicated to providing top training, business advice and support to the people we serve. We have expanded our program from 45 participants to 80 participants per year.

How Does The Program Work?

The program offers 48 weeks of income support for men and women 19 or older who are receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, or whose benefits have been exhausted within the past three years (five years for maternal/parental EI benefits) and have a great idea for their own business.

The Training Program

Phase One: Business Plan Development - During the ten week training period, participants will learn from industry experts how to successfully start and manage their business, prepare a comprehensive business plan and receive individual consultation and feedback on their business plans.

Phase Two: Business Launch - As businesses are launched, the New Ventures Team provides advice and support in all areas of business development.

Who May Apply?

This program is opened to men and women who are 19 or older who are receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, or whose benefits have been exhausted within the past three years (five years for maternal/parental EI benefits).

Application and Selection Process

Join us at one of our weekly information sessions held every Tuesday afternoon from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm. Members of the New Ventures Team will walk you through the application process and answer all of your questions.

Selection Criteria

All applications are reviewed and those who qualify for the program are interviewed. The applications are also reviewed by a Business Advisory Panel and from there, those who have demonstrated market viability, possess critical resources, relevant experience, a desire to succeed and urgency are accepted into the SE Program.

When are the Programs Offered?

Join us at one of our weekly information sessions held every Tuesday afternoon from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm. Members of the New Ventures Team will walk you through the program and answer all of your questions.

Application Cut Off Date	Intake Start Date
August 12/11	Sept 26/11
October 14/11	Nov 21/11

Please note: The January 17th intake has been moved to February 21.

To register for an upcoming information session

Call: 604.685.8066
or
Email: newventures@vanymca.org