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TEF regularly runs the ESE Idea Accelerator program, which supports individuals and organizations in developing early-stage employment social enterprise ideas. The Accelerator supports participants to strengthen both business and social aspects of their ESE idea through a number of workshops which leverage experiential and peer learning, one on one coaching, worksheets, and self reflection. The ESE Idea Accelerator program supports individual entrepreneurs and organizations to develop new, high-potential, employment social enterprises ideas.

Employment social enterprises are businesses that create training and employment opportunities for people facing systemic barriers to entry into the mainstream labour market. ESEs are a sub-category of social enterprises. The Toronto Enterprise Fund exclusively supports employment social enterprises (ESEs).

The program offers participants the chance to strengthen their ESE ideas through interactive workshops and peer support. Participants may also have the opportunity to pitch for a 'Catalyzing Grant'.

Click here to learn more about the Accelerator program. 

Testimonial from Howard, a graduate of TEF's first Accelerator cohort: 

Interested in learning about the entrepreneurs and organizations who have participated in our previous cohorts, and the ESE ideas that have been selected to receive Catalyzing Grants? Find more information here.