What Community Builders does

Community Builders is a not-for-profit construction-based social enterprise founded in 2016 and headquartered in Minesing (Simcoe County), Ontario, that operates an integrated dual-mission model combining paid skilled trades training with construction services delivery. The organization runs the Trades & Diversity Training Program (TDTP), a 3-month, 40-hour-per-week paid pre-employment program for individuals facing barriers to employment (including youth, people with disabilities, visible minorities, newcomers, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and justice-involved individuals), which combines classroom instruction with hands-on construction experience and produces safety certifications (WHMIS, MOL 4 Steps, Working at Heights). The CB Certified Program functions as a placement channel funneling TDTP graduates to construction employers. To date, 430+ trainees have completed the program with an 89% employment rate within 3-6 months of graduation.

Construction services span general contracting, home renovations, second suites (turnkey accessory dwelling units averaging $80,000), custom homes (2-3 per year), off-site modular home construction in climate-controlled factory settings (claimed 20-50% faster delivery, up to 22% cost savings, 50% waste reduction, 40-45% lower GHG emissions), affordable housing construction and maintenance for municipal and non-profit housing providers, and sub-trades workforce provision to general contractors. Cumulative output totals $31 million in completed projects (75% affordable and social housing), 532+ renovated units, and 160+ new units across 20+ Ontario communities.

The revenue model is a hybrid of earned construction services revenue (quote-based, project-by-project, with proceeds reinvested into training) and grant funding from multiple sources including the Ontario Skills Development Fund ($1,953,690), City of Barrie ($250,000), Sault Ste. Marie City Council ($300,000), RBC Foundation ($100,000), Home Depot Canada Foundation/Orange Door Project ($300,000), Meridian Credit Union Reframe program, Behr Paint in-kind donations, and individual donations. The organization operates four regional offices (Minesing/Barrie, Greater Sudbury, Bracebridge/Muskoka launched November 2025, and Sault Ste. Marie launched January 2026), each led by a regional Managing Director with embedded construction and training teams, and distributes services through direct enterprise sales to municipalities, non-profit housing providers, and general contractors, supplemented by self-serve website contact forms for private homeowner leads and a 30+ agency referral network for trainee recruitment.

Name

Community Builders

Legal name

Community Builders

Website

https://communitybuilders.co

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Community Builders is a not-for-profit construction-based social enterprise that delivers paid skilled trades training to individuals facing employment barriers while providing general contracting, modular construction, and affordable housing services across four Ontario locations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Social Enterprise Construction & Workforce Development

NAICS

New Housing For-Sale Builders (236117), New Single-Family Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders) (236115), New Multifamily Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders) (236116), Residential Building Construction (23611), Land Subdivision (23721)

SIC

General Bldg Contractors - Residential Bldgs (1520), Operative Builders (1531), Construction - Special Trade Contractors (1700)

akta.pro primary industry

Residential Affordable Housing Development & Construction (IMAFABAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Residential General Contracting (New Build) (IMAFAAAB), Multi-Family Residential Construction (Apartments, Condos, Townhomes) (IMAFABAB), Residential Design-Build & Renovation-Integrated Builders (IMAFABAE), Housing Development, Construction & Rehabilitation Programs (BPAIANAB)

Keywords

• Social enterprise construction
• Skilled trades training
• Affordable housing construction
• Workforce development programs
• General contracting services

Headquarters

HQ city

Simcoe

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Construction Services Revenue: Community Builders generates revenue through general contracting services including renovations, second suites, custom homes, modular homes, apartment turnovers, and maintenance. Proceeds from construction projects are reinvested to fund the skilled trades training programs. Clients include municipalities, non-profit housing providers, property management companies, general contractors, and private homeowners.
2. Government Grants and Funding: The organization receives funding from government sources including the Ontario Skills Development Fund ($1,953,690), City of Barrie ($250,000), Sault Ste. Marie City Council ($300,000), and provincial programs. These funds support training program operations.
3. Corporate and Foundation Grants: Funding from corporate partners including RBC Foundation ($100,000), Home Depot Canada Foundation (TradeWorx/Orange Door Project $300,000), Meridian Credit Union (Reframe program), and in-kind donations from Behr Paint Company and other suppliers.
4. Donations: Individual donations accepted for trainee support including bus passes ($25), food baskets ($50), work boots ($150), and therapy funding ($500). Physical donations of tools, construction materials, and work clothing also accepted.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Community Builders is a not-for-profit construction-based social enterprise that delivers residential and affordable housing construction services—including general contracting, second suites, off-site modular homes, custom homes, and renovations—while operating the Trades & Diversity Training Program (TDTP) to train individuals facing employment barriers in skilled trades, with graduates connected to employment through the CB Certified program.

Product overview

Community Builders is a not-for-profit construction-based social enterprise operating as a single unified organization rather than a platform architecture. The company combines construction services with workforce development through two interconnected programs: the Trades & Diversity Training Program (TDTP), a 3-month paid training initiative, and the CB Certified Program, which connects graduates with employers. Construction services span general contracting, second suites (turnkey homeowner solutions), off-site modular home construction, affordable housing maintenance and construction, sub-trades workforce provision, custom homes, and renovations. The construction operations fund and support the training programs, creating an integrated social enterprise model.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CB Certified: A certification program that connects construction employers with skilled, employment-ready individuals from the Trades & Diversity Training Program who have completed 12 weeks of paid, hands-on residential construction experience.

Products and services

• Trades & Diversity Training Program (TDTP) A free, earn-while-you-learn skilled trades training program for individuals facing employment barriers, including at-risk youth, women, newcomers, and people with disabilities, with approximately $20,000 invested per trainee and an 89% graduate employment rate. Delivered across Ontario regional offices.
• CB Certified Program A credentialing and safety training program that certifies Community Builders program graduates, providing them with safety credentials and hands-on experience to facilitate placement with general contractors and other employers across the construction industry.
• Second Suites Construction Construction of secondary residential suites (e.g., basement apartments, laneway suites) offered to Ontario homeowners, with average project pricing around $80,000, designed to add rental income and housing supply.
• General Contracting Services Full-service general contracting for residential, affordable housing, and community construction projects, available to homeowners, municipalities, non-profits, and developers across Ontario.
• Off-Site Modular Home Construction Off-site modular construction of homes reported to be 20–50% faster and 22% cheaper than traditional on-site construction methods, available for affordable housing providers, municipalities, and private clients.
• Affordable Housing Construction Services Construction of affordable housing developments for municipalities and non-profit housing providers, often delivered through forgivable loan partnerships and supported by funding partners such as Raising the Roof and CNCC.
• Sub-Trades Workforce Supply Provision of trained, safety-certified sub-trades workers from the TDTP and CB Certified pipeline to general contractors and other construction firms needing reliable labor on residential and affordable housing projects.
• Custom Homes Bespoke custom home construction services for private residential clients in Ontario.
• Renovations Renovation services for residential and commercial properties, delivered to homeowners and property owners across Ontario.

Quantifiable outcome

• 89% of graduates secure stable employment within 3-6 months
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Central North Correctional Centre (CNCC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 July 2026CNCC partnered with Community Builders to support rehabilitation and create employment opportunities for individuals preparing to return to the community. The initiative provides 12-week paid pre-employment training combining classroom instruction with hands-on construction experience, with support for housing, food security, and other social needs.
• Raising the RoofcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Builders named project partner by Raising the Roof on an 80-unit, five-storey purpose-built rental building in Sault Ste. Marie with 50:50 affordable and market-rate housing. Previously partnered on Reside Program converting 5 homes into 10 affordable units.
• Behr Paint CompanyminorOthersBehr Paint Company provides paint donations for Community Builders' training centre and construction projects. As Canada's Most Trusted paint brand (BrandSpark award), their quality products support trainee skill development. Paint is exclusively sold at Home Depot Canada.
• Sault Ste. Marie Construction AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal industry association providing letters of support for Community Builders' expansion to Sault Ste. Marie, recognizing the value of training local workers.
• District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in social services coordination supporting Community Builders' expansion and alignment of initiatives for mutual community success.
• Sault Community Career CentreminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocal employment services partner providing referral support for trainees and alignment with community workforce development goals.
• Buy Social CanadaminorOthersCommunity Builders is a certified member of Buy Social Canada, recognizing its social enterprise model and community impact.
• Fair Chances CoalitionminorOthersCommunity Builders is a proud member of the Fair Chances Coalition, a group committed to advancing equity and opportunity for Canadians with criminal records through fair chance hiring practices.
• Better Way AllianceminorOthersCommunity Builders is recognized as a member of the Better Way Alliance, sharing the mission of doing good through business.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Habitat for Humanity (Canada): Canada's largest affordable housing non-profit combining volunteer-driven home construction with homeowner pathway programs. Most directly comparable given shared affordable housing construction mission and use of community labour models.
• Building Up: Toronto-based social enterprise providing construction skills training to individuals facing employment barriers, with graduates placed in the trades. Closest peer in dual-mission construction + workforce development model.
• YouthBuild Toronto: Non-profit offering construction skills training and education to at-risk youth in the GTA. Comparable in serving marginalized populations through construction-based employment pathways.
• Eva's Initiatives: Canadian non-profit providing employment training, housing, and support services to at-risk and homeless youth. Comparable in social enterprise model that combines training programs with wraparound services.

Regional players

• Tamarack Homes: Ontario-based homebuilder and modular construction operator serving the Ontario residential market. Comparable in modular residential construction capability and Ontario geographic footprint.

Emerging players

• NPower Canada: Non-profit providing free tech and digital skills training to underserved Canadian youth and adults. Comparable as a workforce development organization targeting populations facing employment barriers.

Others

• United Way Greater Toronto (Workforce Development Programs): Major Canadian funder and convenor of employment and housing programs serving vulnerable populations. Comparable as a coalition builder and grant-maker supporting the same trainee demographic and affordable housing ecosystem.
• ReStore (Habitat for Humanity): Habitat for Humanity's retail outlets selling donated building materials to fund affordable housing. Comparable as a social enterprise revenue channel supporting affordable housing construction.
• Cornerstone Housing for Women: Ottawa-based non-profit providing affordable housing and support services for women. Comparable as a non-profit housing provider that may partner with construction social enterprises like Community Builders.
• Meridian Credit Union (Reframe Program): Existing funding partner providing financial confidence coaching and grants to skilled trades training programs. Comparable as a mission-aligned funder supporting employment pathways into the trades.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@communitybuildersconstruction
• Facebookfacebook.com/communitybuilders.co
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/community-builders-barrie
• Instagraminstagram.com/communitybuilders.co

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Community Builders