Ontario is partnering with leading financial institutions to create a $4 million fund aimed at increasing employment opportunities for people facing employment barriers.

“This pilot is a win-win scenario. It will help disadvantaged job seekers find opportunities for meaningful employment and connect small businesses with attractive financing terms and motivated employees. Together, we can create a culture of inclusion in our workplaces and a next generation economy for our province”, said Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure.

The Community Loans Fund will be available in spring 2016 in specific branches in pilot locations including London, Ottawa and Hamilton.

• Eligible hires include persons with disabilities as well as others facing barriers to employment including long-term unemployed, older unemployed, newcomers to Canada and unemployed Indigenous persons. Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works clients would automatically be eligible. Hires who are not Ontario residents would not be eligible for the program.
• The Community Loans Fund is for businesses with fewer than 500 employees that are located within the cities where the program is available.