Career Skills and Entrepreneurship
Hope for Community Development’s Career Skills and Entrepreneurship develop and provide a mentoring and business leadership program for marginalized youths, professionals (entry-level and mid-career) and entrepreneurs to develop the necessary skills to enter or continue on a career path and to provide a support network, community and positive role models for marginalized youth entering or currently in the workforce.
Advanced Entrepreneurship
Program
The Advanced Entrepreneurship Program partners with youth leaders to research, brand, and launch social enterprises that create jobs and promote resilience. It equips young people with skills for business success through workshops, mentorship, and networking, allowing participants to gain valuable insights from experienced entrepreneurs.
The program helps identify markets, develop strategies, and tackle financial challenges, fostering innovation and sustainable enterprises that benefit the community and economy.
Next Gen Photography
Social Enterprise
Next Gen Photography provides photography services to the Waterloo Region. It is a social enterprise developed through the Advanced Entrepreneurship Program, aims to empower BIPOC youth by providing meaningful work and leadership experience in photography.
The program offers practical skills, mentorship, and hands-on experience to support career development in photography and related creative fields, connecting participants with industry professionals for guidance and networking. It teaches marketing, project management, and navigating the creative industry. The goal is to equip young people with the tools to succeed and contribute to diversifying the creative industry. By investing in the next generation of photographers and creatives, the program hopes to inspire lasting change and innovation.
Seniors Empowerment
Program
The Senior Empowerment Program is designed to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens by providing resources, support, and opportunities that promote independence, well-being, and active engagement in their communities. This program focuses on empowering seniors to relieve conditions attributable to being aged by providing educational, recreational, financial guidance, health support and social activities aimed at reducing loneliness and isolation for seniors.
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Key Components of the program include education and workshop sessions on technology, digital literacy, health management, and financial literacy to keep seniors informed and independent. Health and Wellness, regular check-ups, fitness classes, nutrition advice, and mental health support help seniors maintain their well-being. Social Engagement, organized events and clubs to encourage interaction and support networks among seniors. Financial Support and Counseling, counseling and workshops on budgeting, retirement planning, and financial aid ensure financial stability for seniors.
YEES Program
The Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Support Program empowers 85 Liberian youths with disabilities and economically disadvantaged individuals aged 16-35. It provides mentorship, education, digital literacy, financial literacy, entrepreneurship skills, psychosocial counselling, information literacy, and micro grants for self-employment. This prevents youth from engaging in unlawful employment activities and supports the business incubation and skills development platforms of the Liberia Living and Learning Center for Persons with Disabilities.
Through digital literacy training, participants learn to navigate technological tools, while financial literacy education promotes economic stability. Entrepreneurship skills foster innovation, and psychosocial counselling supports emotional well-being.
Micro-grants enable participants to start businesses, reducing unemployment and promoting self-sufficiency. The YEES Program strengthens the community by fostering a culture of learning, development, and entrepreneurial success.
