Job and Career Fair

Creating Pathways to Employment and Entrepreneurship

The Job and Career Fair supports employment and economic inclusion, connects job seekers, newcomers, and entrepreneurs in the Jane-Finch community with local employers and business mentors

Our project focuses on improving employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for equity-deserving groups in the Jane-Finch community. It supports youth, newcomers, Indigenous peoples, Black and racialised individuals, and people with disabilities.

Two events will be held in February and May 2025, each running for two days. The first day will host a workshop for job seekers, and the second will focus on aspiring entrepreneurs. Both events will take place in accessible venues to encourage full community participation.

Connecting Job Seekers and Local Employers

The Job and Career Fair aims to create direct pathways to meaningful employment by connecting participants with local businesses and employers, including TTC and Metrolinx. Each event will include at least 10 employers, with a target of 60 job seeker registrations and 20 on-site interviews.

At the fair, attendees can meet employers, explore job openings, and learn about different company cultures through interactive booths and networking. There will also be resume reviews and workshops to assist with resume writing and interview skills. The project will also connect participants to City-supported training and education programmes and seek commitments from local employers to build sustained employment pathways.

Supporting New Entrepreneurs
The second day of each event will focus on entrepreneurship. Sessions will cover business planning, marketing strategies, and financial literacy to help participants establish viable ventures. Guest speakers from the local business community will share personal insights and guidance. Networking sessions will connect new entrepreneurs with mentors and established business owners, while resource booths will provide information about grants, funding opportunities, and business support services. Participants will also be introduced to the City of Toronto’s Entrepreneurship Services and the annual Small Business Forum.

Programme Objectives
The project correlates with the New Horizons for Seniors Programme in three ways. The first objective is to encourage and promote seniors’ volunteerism and cross-generational volunteerism. Second, the project will assist social participation and inclusion that lessens harm and isolation of seniors. And lastly, expanding awareness of elder and financial abuse. We also aim to develop educational material to prevent fraudulent financial practices and scams targeting seniors.

Community Participation and Volunteer Engagement
The residents will play an active part in the project as volunteers, workshop facilitators, and peer mentors. Their lived experiences will provide relatable support for others seeking employment or starting new businesses.

Advancing Equity and Economic Inclusion
This project empowers marginalised groups, low-income residents, racialised populations, newcomers, and individuals with disabilities by addressing systemic barriers to employment. It promotes the core principles of Confronting Anti-Black Racism and Truth and Reconciliation, ensuring that everyone in the community can access equitable opportunities and contribute to local economic resilience. Groups from Jane-Finch will also be invited to collaborate, contributing local insight and strengthening the community’s shared networks. This inclusive model gathers leadership, collaboration, and empowerment across all participants.

Alignment with Employment and Economic Development Goals

The initiative aligns with the City of Toronto’s Employment and Economic Development priorities by addressing employment inequities and promoting inclusive growth. It directly supports the Jane-Finch Community Development Plan, the principles of Inclusive Employment Opportunities and Inclusive Entrepreneurship Opportunities. By combining hiring events with business workshops, the project improves access to sustainable livelihoods for underrepresented communities. It also strengthens community networks by building partnerships between local employers, organisations, and institutions.

Employment and Entrepreneurship

Job and Career Fair

Creating Pathways to Employment and Entrepreneurship

Community Participation and Volunteer EngagementThe residents will play an active part in the project as volunteers, workshop facilitators, and peer mentors. Their lived experiences will provide relatable support for others seeking employment or starting new businesses.

Alignment with Employment and Economic Development Goals

Community Participation and Volunteer Engagement
The residents will play an active part in the project as volunteers, workshop facilitators, and peer mentors. Their lived experiences will provide relatable support for others seeking employment or starting new businesses.