A free community entrepreneurship program for women and gender diverse people facing low income challenges.
Entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for change that can help you take control of your futures and make contributions to your community. Opening Opportunities is a free program from 10C Shared Space and the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition that supports entrepreneurship, employment and skill building for women facing low income challenges.
Learn more and register for a free community workshop Foundations for Financial Wellness here.
Who is Opening Opportunities for?
Opening Opportunities is for women and gender diverse people over 16 years of age who are facing low income challenges. Opening Opportunities will support you to learn more about self-employment and entrepreneurship. The program is not about competition – we will come together to share, learn, and grow.
How is the program delivered?
Opening Opportunities is a self-paced program. The program is delivered through online and in-person sessions at 10C and in neighbourhoods across Guelph. Program team members will guide you to find the learning opportunities and resources that meet your needs.
How do I know if I am eligible?
Opening Opportunities is designed to specifically support women and gender diverse people who face low income challenges. Our Program Interest Form includes a few questions to check if you’re eligible, like asking about your income and household details. Once you’ve filled it out, we’ll be in touch to confirm your eligibility.
In order to prioritize people facing low income, the program uses income criteria based on household size. Program team members will use discretion when determining eligibility.
How to I apply?
To apply complete the program interest form by clicking the button below! We will review these forms as they are received and let you know if you are eligible and inform you of upcoming program start dates. We will work to respond to all program interest inquiries within 2 weeks. If you have any question, please contact us [email protected].
What does the program offer?
The program is customizable and self-paced. You choose what you learn!
Online Courses and In-Person Workshops
We offer a range or online courses and in-person workshops on topics like:
- Thriving in Entrepreneurship: Understanding and overcoming the fear and overwhelm around entrepreneurship, while building confidence to take on new challenges.
- Business Ideation: Generating business ideas and turning your ideas into a viable business.
- Business Model Design: Developing a viable business model by considering important things like clients, resources, products, services, communication channels and partnerships.
- Starting and Registering your Business: Planning to launch your business by understanding different types of business and the licenses and permits you need to operate.
- Business Finances: Understanding the language and tools for managing your businesses finances.
- Financing your Business: Learning about different business financing and investment options and how to prepare yourself and your business to access financing of funding.
- Marketing: Learning about different marketing channels and how to create a marketing strategy for your business.
- And more! We are always developing new courses and workshops based on the needs of participants
Access to Resources and Learning Opportunities
We also offer participants other learning opportunities and support to realize their entrepreneurship dreams – we are here to help you succeed!
- We curate and share additional learning resources and opportunities that are valuable to our participants. These opportunities are shared through our Online Program Community and Bi-weekly Program Newsletters.
- We connect you with practical opportunities that help to build your skills and business confidence like:
- vending at the Guelph Farmers’ Market and other events at 10C,
- product and recipe testing in the Nourish Kitchen
- hosting events at 10C
- We connect participants local experts to help participants make practical progress – whether its developing a logo, getting professional headshots or creating promotional content for their business.
- We offer free access to monthly learning sessions at 10C as part of the Breakfast Blend Series
- We have a Book Library and a Tech Library (includes product photography equipment, laptops, headphones etc.) accessible to all participants
Mentorship
We have a growing roster of experienced mentors who can help you take your business idea to the next level! Participants are eligible for mentorship once they have completed 4 learning activities through Opening Opportunities.
A Community of Support
Whether you are just starting your entrepreneurship journey – or well on your way. Opening Opportunities offers you a chance to connect with other aspiring entrepreneurs building a community of support to lean on as you grow.
- We organize gatherings and social events to help you connect with others.
- We host a collaborative workspace at 10C open to all Opening Opportunities participants.
- We provide one-on-one program guidance to help you plan your journey.
- We offer supports so all participants can access the program like: food at in-person gatherings, taxi and bus tokens, travel cost reimbursement, childcare, access to technology and other supports as needed
Is Entrepreneurship for You?
Entrepreneurship is the act of starting, developing and growing a business. This can involve improving an existing service or product, envisioning a new audience for an existing product or introducing a unique product or service to the market. If you’re someone who is drawn to innovation, creativity, problem-solving and taking risks – entrepreneurship can be an exciting, challenging, and rewarding journey. Opening Opportunities centres on 10 core entrepreneurial skills.
Partners & Funders
10C Shared Space
Opening Opportunities is led by 10C. At 10C Shared Space, we are driven by the desire to create a more inclusive and equitable future. Our mission is to build the social infrastructure that allows individuals and communities to thrive. Opening Opportunities is a direct reflection of this commitment—designed to foster entrepreneurship and economic security for those who need it most. 10C will develop and curate content across a range of themes and serve as the main learning hub, supporting virtual and in-person learning.
Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition (GNSC)
As a main program partner, Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition will support and drive outreach and engagement activities for Opening Opportunities. Their various community embedded program sites will act as a “welcoming front doors” in neighbourhoods across Guelph. GNSC will also lead the delivery of location-based services like resume-writing workshops and basic budgeting, aimed at reducing barriers and increasing awareness of the broader program. GNSC is a community liaison, connecting interested people to the program fostering safe, supportive relationships that prioritize participants’ needs.
Government of Ontario
Opening Opportunities is funded in part by the Government of Ontario. To learn more about the Ontario’s Women’s Economic Security Program click here.
