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We are Employ to Empower

Empowering low income entrepreneurs to overcome barriers.

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Employ to Empower (ETE) is a Vancouver based charity that empowers low-income individuals to overcome barriers through entrepreneurship. The barriers faced by our entrepreneurs include mental health challenges, physical disabilities, and recovery from addiction. Since 2018, over 400 people have taken our program, with an average completion of 81%.

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Testimonials.

ETE means the world to me because it has been a life-long dream to be an author. I have seen many outstanding CHANGES personally, as in more confidence and willingness to learn. ETE has taught me to be more accountable, mindful, and open-minded and I am now able to laugh and share the joy with others. ETE is an important part of the community because there is so much talent here in the DTES

YvonneEntrepreneur at Employ to Empower

I want to spend a meaningful portion of my time on non-profit activities that have the possibility to benefit our community in a positive way, even if only in a small way. I really believe in the “ripple effect”. Individual stones we throw into the water may be small, but the ripples they produce travel great distances. It’s the possibility for social change by the cumulative effect of many small, positive and individual actions that I find most exciting. And I look forward to tossing a lot more stones into the water through my involvement with Employ to Empower!

Scott ShawDonor & Co-Founder of Sutton Realty

Something that I leave every ETE event with is a sense of genuine connectedness to the individuals that I had met, and to those ETE has supported. From the attendees, to the volunteers, to the organizers, there is no doubt in your mind that ETE cares - whole-heartedly, passionately, and limitlessly.

Charissa LandichoETE Attendee

Being a part of Employ to Empower has opened up a lot of doors for me and I'm really grateful for that. Employ to Empower supports me and since joining, new aspects of my art are being shown in a variety of different ways. People want—and are taking the time—to hear my story.

Deirdre PinnockPolitical Rughooker and Fibre Artist

Employ To Empower Programming

Stage 1 – Business Skills Training

Are you interested in entrepreneurship? We understand that a 9-5 job is not designed for everyone and self-employment allows you to earn income while doing things you’re passionate about.

Enroll in our 10-Week Business Skills Training Program, where you’ll gain essential tools and knowledge to create a basic business plan and bring your ideas to life. Whether you’re dreaming of starting a business or just exploring possibilities, we’re here to guide you every step of the way!

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Stage 2 – Mentorship Program

Upon completion of the 10-week Business Skills Training Program, you can apply into our mentorship program that may provide you with:
1. Free counselling sessions (up to 10) from an in-house registered counsellor
2. Entrepreneurship workshops
3. Networking and community engagement opportunities
4. Monthly EntrePEERneur Gathering dinners
5. Access to our Mentor in Residences for business support

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Stage 3 – Circular Economy Program

After working on your business and accessing mentorship services, entrepreneurs may access leadership opportunities to share their skills and insights on their business learnings through the following:

  • Guest Speaker, Mentor, or Facilitator
  • Hosting their own workshops

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Our Corporate

Supporters.

We take a well-rounded approach to help members of the Downtown Eastside move towards self-sufficiency and we ask our corporate partners to join us and do the same. Through the support of our partners, Employ To Empower is able not only to keep supporting our members, but also to raise awareness of the Downtown Eastside community. We allow our corporate supporters come in any vertical they feel comfortable supporting with. Interested in supporting us? Click below to learn about all our offerings.

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Have Questions?

Contact us for answers or to sign up for our services! We're always available to provide you with support.

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