Scadding Court’s unique community-driven programs support newcomer entrepreneurs
The Alexandra Park-based community centre’s unique structure empowers it to run programs for the community, by the community.
Starting fresh in a new city — let alone a new country — can be overwhelming.
But in the downtown west-end Toronto neighbourhood of Alexandra Park, a local community centre is helping newcomers get settled by putting them on the path to entrepreneurial success.
At Scadding Court Community Centre, independent businesses run by local women and immigrant entrepreneurs are thriving.
Executive director Herman Ellis Jr. said Scadding’s success is due to its unique structure. It’s one of only 10 centres that are part of the City of Toronto’s Association of Community Centres (AOCCs).
AOCCs have full autonomy to develop programming by their community, for their community.
