Entrepreneurship Connections Programs
Welcome to the resource hub for newcomer entrepreneurs looking to start their business in Canada.
About the Programs
New to Canada and thinking about starting your own business? ACCES Employment offers two programs to help newcomer entrepreneurs successfully launch their businesses.
Entrepreneurship Connections®
Entrepreneurship Connections is a free, intensive training program offered in Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, Vancouver, and Moncton, with sessions in both English and Arabic. The program includes in-class training for up to 4 weeks, plus one year of mentorship and networking opportunities.
In this program, learn how to:
- build a business plan
- prepare for Canadian business culture and communication
- navigate the Canadian legal system and taxation regulations
- conduct market research
- devise a market strategy
You will also receive one-on-one support from certified business coaches.
Entrepreneurship Connections® Pre-Arrival
Entrepreneurship Connections® Pre-Arrival (ECP) is a free program that helps you explore how you could use your experience and education to start your own business in Canada so you can decide if starting a business is the right decision for you. This program will provide you with multiple ways to explore entrepreneurship in Canada, including making connections with business experts and other potential entrepreneurs.
This program prepares internationally-trained professionals for the Canadian business market through 8 weeks of pre-arrival support, including:
- self-employment readiness assessments
- learning modules and webinars
- online networking events
- one-on-one support
- targeted referrals to post-arrival resources
For general inquiries about the Entrepreneurship Connections® Pre-Arrival (ECP) program, please click here to email a member of the team to learn more about registering for these pre-arrival programs.
Calendar
Toronto Cohorts
If you are interested in joining one of our Toronto cohorts, please register for one of the information sessions to learn more about the program and speak with our Entrepreneurship Connections team.
May 3 - May 28, 2021
Toronto Information Sessions
The information sessions for the Entrepreneurship Connections® program will be conducted through webinars, please refer to Online Information Sessions for upcoming dates.
*Please note, all info sessions will be held virtually until further notice.Entrepreneurship Pre-Arrival Sessions
Thank you for your interest in Entrepreneurship Connections Pre-Arrival program. To learn more about how the program supports entrepreneurship and if the program is right for you, please attend one of the upcoming information sessions.
For more questions, please click here to connect with Ying Que.
Other ACCES Locations
The following information sessions for the Entrepreneurship Connections program will be held at various ACCES Employment locations across the GTA. Please note the location of the information session before registering.
Online Information Sessions
The following information sessions for the Entrepreneurship Connections program will be offered via webinar. Please note you will need a computer to access these information sessions.
Resources for Starting Your Own Business
Volunteer with this Program
Become a Mentor
Become a Panelist
Become a Guest Speaker
FAQ
How do I join this program?
Who is eligible for this program?
- Permanent Resident
- Protected Person
- Live-in caregivers with a temporary work permit
- Interest in starting your own business
Is there a program fee?
Do you provide small business loans or financing?
Is this a full-time program? Can it be completed on a part-time basis?
Do I need a specific business idea to join the program?
Which ACCES locations offer this program?
- Toronto

