This is a self-paced approach to skills development. These lessons average an hour to two hours of self-directed work. Click on Getting Started to get a preview on how the modules work.

• Module 1: Planning Your Program
• Module 2: Marketing Your Program
• Module 3: Assessing Your Clients' Needs
• Module 4: Designing & Delivering Your Program
• Module 5: Supporting Sustainable Businesses

10 Great Ideas - How to Support Business Start-ups [WORD, 30 KB]

10 Great Ideas - How to Promote Your Program [WORD, 30 KB]

25 Great Ideas - How to Create Fun Learning Activities [WORD,

46 KB]

Business Coaching toolkit [WORD, 168 KB]

Exploring Self Employment: A Self-Assessment Tool for Women Entrepreneurs [WORD, 21 KB]

Great Ideas - How to Write Effective Proposals [WORD, 38 KB]

Mentor Handbook [WORD, 20 KB]

Organization Capacity Assessment [WORD, 39 KB]

Sample Client Survey [WORD, 38 KB]

Sample Curriculum [WORD, 46 KB]

Sample Flyers [PDF, 70 KB]

Sample Information Session [WORD, 30 KB]

Sample Interview Questions [WORD, 34 KB]

Sample Program Model [WORD, 42 KB]

Yours Skills & Knowledge: A Self-Assessment Tool for Business Trainers and Coaches [WORD, 45 KB]

	Resources
		Toronto CED Learning Network - Pricing Strategies Powerful Math of Sales [PDF, 14 KB] The above is an excerpt from workshops that were presented for Toronto CED Learning Network members by SEDI over the period of October 2002 - December 2002.   Toronto CED Learning Network - Excerpts from Workshop on Developing Corporate Partnerships The Magical Mystery Tour [PDF, 862 KB] The above is an excerpt from workshops that were presented for Toronto CED Learning Network members by SEDI over the period of October 2002 - December 2002.   Toronto CED Learning Network - Market Research Tips for Conducting Market Research on a Shoestring [PDF 118 KB] The above is an excerpt from workshops that were presented for Toronto CED Learning Network members by SEDI over the period of October 2002 - December 2002.   Business Development Made Easy This is a small business development tool that can be used by small business trainers and their clients to conduct effective market research and to assist in business plan development. The CD also provides quick links to rules and regulations for business start-up and directs users to appropriate sources fro further help. For more details and copies, please contact info@sedi.org   Online Communities Paper Online Communities - A Brief Overview [PDF, 120 KB] This paper will review the impact of the Web, its implications to the non-profit sector, the kinds of online communities which exist, offer some suggestions on setting up and facilitating an online community, including handling conflict and very briefly touch on what to expect in the future.   Designing A Successful Funding Proposal Foundation Proposal Guide [PDF, 170 KB] This manual developed by The Social Worker Action Team offers you a step-by-step guide to maximize your ability to create an effective funding proposal.   Foundation Lists GTA List of Foundations [PDF, 463 KB] The Social Worker Action Team has put together this complete listing of all foundations that offer funding opportunities.  It includes the foundation's interests, application procedures, and financial data like the amount of annual grants.   Free Information & Tools Relevant to CEDs CED Resources Directory [PDF, 222 KB] Toronto CED Resource Directory 6 provides hyperlinks to free resources in the following areas:  public access sites to the internet, places where you can get advice and assistance, CED-related issues, workshops, general reference, information about and tools for the internet, business information and tools, electronic publications, information about and from the library, government information at the municipal, provincial and federal levels, job-posting sites and job/career-related tools, information on financing and community development.  The information is updated on a quarterly basis based on information provided in a weekly newsletter published by The Toronto CED Learning Network.   Exploring Self-Employment www.exploreselfemploy.ca An online self-assessment tool for individuals who are thinking about becoming self employed. You can determine your strengths and challenges, explore the viability of your business ideas and develop an action plan.
	Program Ideas and Lessons Learned
		Introduction to Assets-Based Model Program Evaluation Introduction to Sustainable Livelihoods [PDF, 15 KB] Sustainable Livelihoods is a holistic, asset-based approach to understanding clients' lives.  It offers funders and policy makers a new asset-based framework to assist in the important work of supporting client to achieve self sufficiency through enterprise development.
	Tools for Training
		Financial Planning Tool Financial Worksheet [EXCEL, 58KB] This file can be used to facilitate the business planning process in self-employment training programs.  Having the linked file helps overcome the mathematics and computer phobia often experienced when attempting the financial requirements of a business plan.   Business Planning Workshop Business Planning Workshop [PDF, 224 KB] This primer on CED businesses provides a number of tools that will help practitioners in a wide range of areas.  It includes the following tools plus a great deal more:  skills inventory checklist, business selection checklist, timing analysis, competitive analysis, customer/prospect profile worksheet, benefits/buying motives, the five Cs of pricing, 19 pricing strategies and the 4 W's of financial statements.  Fill in the blanks and get started!   Know Yourself & Your Business Idea Video This video is based on a television show called "Success Inc." airing on Women's Television Network about Canadian women entrepreneurs.  It is designed to help women determine their interest in and suitability to self employment.  For more details and copies, please contact May Wong at mwong@sedi.org   Exploring Self-Employment Workbook A self assessment tool for women entrepreneurs.  This workbook can be used by individuals or organizations providing training or business consulting services to women entrepreneurs. For more details or copies, please contact May Wong at mwong@sedi.org
	General Policy and Advocacy Strategies
		Undermining *Arms Length* Relationship of Your Program With The Government Relationship with the Government [PDF, 9 KB] Does your organization receive government support for self employment programming?  Has this blurred your distinction from government in your participant's eyes?  This paper identifies the challenges and offers solutions on how to maintain an organization's individuality.  In addition, it offers tips on how to promote good working relationships with participants and government funders.   Economic Development & Social Assistance In Ontario Policy Issues [PDF, 8 KB] In Ontraio there are a number of policy issues that make it extremely difficult to support business development with women on social assistance........   Self-Employment for Welfare Recipients: Program Redesign Rationale Ontario Works Paper [WORD, 39 KB] This paper is aimed to be a primer/information piece to facilitate learning about self employment programming by municipal and provincial staff and to act as a lead into securing municipal support for a redesign of the option.