Powering Digital Growth for Indo-Canadian Entrepreneurs and Job Seekers
Powering Digital Growth for Indo-Canadian Entrepreneurs and Job Seekers
Lead Agency: Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce
Participants: 200+ entrepreneurs, small business owners, and job seekers
Funding Approved: $1.59M across two funding cycles
Funder: Ontario Skills Development Fund
Project Period: April 2022 – March 2024
Overview
This multi-year workforce and entrepreneurship development initiative was designed to strengthen digital marketing capabilities among Indo-Canadian small business owners, entrepreneurs, and job seekers across the Greater Toronto Area, supporting business sustainability, employment outcomes, and economic resilience in the post-COVID recovery period. The project responded to the growing need for practical, industry-relevant digital skills within small businesses and early-stage ventures.
Skills training was delivered by the Asian Business and Management Program at York University, combining structured digital marketing instruction with applied micro-credentials, mentorship, and community-based learning. Program delivery included asynchronous and instructor-led training, cohort-based learning, mentorship and networking opportunities, and access to a centralized online learning and community platform, enabling participants to design, implement, and sustain effective digital marketing strategies.
Program Scope
- Multiple training cohorts delivered over two funding cycles
- Six-week blended learning model per cohort (asynchronous + live instruction)
- Digital marketing strategy development, implementation, and evaluation
- Mentorship and coaching support for entrepreneurs and job seekers
- Community-based networking, knowledge forums, and graduation events
- Centralized LMS with curated micro-courses and discussion forums
Impact
- Over 215 participants supported through structured skills training
- Increased digital readiness among small business owners and entrepreneurs
- Improved employability and job outcomes for participating job seekers
- Strong engagement from underrepresented groups, including women and youth
- High program completion and skills-application rates across cohorts
- Strengthened community networks through sustained online engagement
Our Contribution
- Led SDF proposal development for two successful funding applications
- Secured York University–ABMP as academic training and credential partner
- Designed and implemented a cohort-based LMS and online learning community
- Procured an asynchronous micro-course library to support flexible learning
- Integrated a mentorship component into the program design
- Helped facilitate delivery of the online training components