HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-17-023 - Agreement with the Region of Waterloo for Ontario Works Self-Employment Placement Program
REPORT TO: Finance and Corporate Services
DATE OF MEETING: August 21, 2017
SUBMITTED BY: Chris Farrell, Manager Small Business Centre 519-741-2200 x 7294
PREPARED BY: Chris Farrell, Manager Small Business Centre 519-741-2200 x 7294
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: July 20, 2017
REPORT NO.: CAO-17-023
SUBJECT: City of Kitchener, Waterloo Region Small Business Centre,
Agreement with the Regional Municipality of Waterloo re:
Ontario Works Self-Employment Placement Program
___________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION: That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to sign a two year
fee for services agreement with the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for the City
advisory services for Ontario Works Self Employment Placement participants to
start a business. Said agreement to be to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.
BACKGROUND:The Waterloo Region Small Business Centre (WRSBC) under the
Economic Development Division of the City of Kitchener was established in 1999 is one
the Province.
The Centre provides information, training,mentoring, guidance and consultation on a
variety of issues to entrepreneurs in all industry sectors and at all stages of business
from start-up to expansion. The businesses are primarily traditional and main street
ventures having fewer than 5 employees.
The Regional Municipality of Waterloo Community Services has been contracting the
Ontario Works Self Employment Placement program to independent service agencies
for over 20 years. The OW Self-Employment Placement program can help individuals
to develop the knowledge and skills needed to start and run their own business.
Individuals receiving Ontario Works benefits have the opportunity to transition from
Ontario Works benefit support to establishing a profitable business. The Waterloo
Region Small Business Centre is well positioned to deliver the program by providing
training and guidance under a fee for services agreement with the Region of Waterloo.
2 - 1
REPORT:
The Small Business Centre will provide OW Self Employment Development participants
with:
entrepreneurial training,
one-on-one assistance to develop a business plan,
mentoring and
monthly meetings to set goals and provide on-going guidance.
A Region of Waterloo Community Services case worker:
approves/declines candidates for entrepreneurial training;
approves/declines the written business plan;
establishes business milestones to be met meet quarterly and
monitors the financial progress of each participant for up to 60 weeks.
The two year agreement with the Region of Waterloo Community Services will allow up
to 40 individuals to participate in the OW Self Employment Development program. The
Waterloo Region Small Business Centre receives a fee for services up to $1,700 per
participant, based on completion of training and milestones met quarterly over the 60
week program.
The activities and services are expected to result in the establishment of new
businesses and job creation for individuals facing barriers to employment.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
Strategic Priority: Strong & Resilient Economy
Strategy: #2.2 Support the attraction, retention and development of existing and
new industries within the regional economy working in collaboration with the economic
development corporation for Waterloo Region.
Strategic Action: # 26 Make It Start
# 27 Make It Grow
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: None
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Jeff Willmer CAO
2 - 2