Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc.

What Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. does

Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) is a non-profit corporation and registered charitable organization headquartered at 647 Ouellette Avenue in Windsor, Ontario, that delivers employment, training, and settlement services primarily to women, with a specific focus on visible minorities, newcomers, and other severely employment-disadvantaged populations in the Windsor-Essex region. Founded in 1984 and operational since February 1987, WEST runs roughly 25 distinct programs organized into four tracks: newcomer settlement and language services (e.g., Language and Skills Development, Care for Newcomer Children, Settlement Assistance, NHSP); youth and leadership development (EDGE, L.E.A.D.); women-in-skilled-trades pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship support (CNC Industrial Mechanic Millwright, Electrical, STARS HVAC/sheet metal, ICCTW, SMART); and employment services plus gender-equality advocacy (#WhyNotHer, Gender Equality Campaign, International Women's Day Gala).

Programs are delivered through a main office, a satellite hub at St. Michael's Adult Catholic High School in partnership with the Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board and YMCA of Western Ontario, and virtual channels (phone, email, WhatsApp, Zoom). The underlying 'technology' is service delivery infrastructure (case management, employer relationships, training facilities) rather than software: WEST partners with St. Clair College for trades classrooms and depends on direct service-delivery agreements with funders.

Revenue is grant-driven rather than product-priced: primary funding flows from Employment Ontario (provincial) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada / Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy (federal), supplemented by corporate donations (TD Bank, RBC, Libro, TGC), community foundation grants (Windsor Essex Community Foundation, Equality Fund, Community Foundations of Canada), and event revenue (annual International Women's Day Gala, 50/50 raffle). All participant-facing services are free. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and led by Executive Director Rose Anguiano Hurst; ownership is independent, with no parent company or private equity sponsor.

Name

Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc.

Legal name

Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc.

Website

https://westofwindsor.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1987

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) is a Windsor, Ontario non-profit delivering free employment, skills-training, trades pre-apprenticeship, and settlement programs for women, visible minorities, newcomers, and youth in the Windsor-Essex region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Employment and Training Services

NAICS

Educational Services (61), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Employment & Job Readiness Support Services (BPAGAEAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Apprenticeships, Pre-Apprenticeships & Work-Based Learning (EDAAAOAC), Workforce & Job-Seeker Services (Community-Based) (EDAAAFAM), Workplace & Career Integration for Immigrants (Credentialing, Job Readiness) (EDAAADAE), Youth & Young Adult Workforce Programs (Out-of-School Youth) (EDAAAOAD)

Keywords

• Women employment services
• Newcomer settlement programs
• Skilled trades training
• Pre-apprenticeship programs
• Community workforce development

Headquarters

HQ city

Windsor

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Others, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: Primary revenue from federal and provincial government programs including Employment Ontario, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and the Government of Canada's Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy. Programs are funded based on service delivery agreements with government agencies.
2. Corporate and Institutional Grants: Funding from financial institutions and corporations including TD Bank Group ($20,000 donation for Financial Security through Networking, Mentoring and Training Project), Libro Credit Union, RBC, and other corporate sponsors.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Individual and corporate donations, including tax-receipted donations. The organization hosts an annual 50/50 Cash Raffle and accepts donations via check or online forms. Proceeds support programs and services for women in Windsor-Essex County.
4. Event Revenue: Revenue from annual events including the International Women's Day Gala, which also features Journey Towards Success Awards. Ticket sales and sponsorship of these events contribute to operational funding.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

WEST delivers free, government- and donor-funded skills training, employment services, settlement assistance, and women-in-trades pre-apprenticeship programs to individual women, newcomers, youth, and seniors in the Windsor-Essex region. Core offerings include newcomer language and settlement programs, youth leadership development, integrated employment services, and skilled trades pre-apprenticeship pathways (millwright, electrical, HVAC/sheet metal, construction) delivered in partnership with St. Clair College and local employers.

Product overview

Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) is a non-profit organization founded in 1987 that operates as a service organization offering multiple distinct programs. The portfolio includes newcomer settlement and language programs (Care for Newcomer Children, Language and Skills Development, Settlement Assistance), youth development programs (EDGE, L.E.A.D.), women-in-skilled-trades pre-apprenticeship programs (CNC Industrial Mechanic Millwright, Electrical, STARS, ICCTW, SMART), employment services (Integrated Employment Services, Apprenticeship, Better Jobs Ontario, Computer Training, Job Preparation), wellness programs (Stay Well Work Well Women's Circle, Transportation), and gender equality initiatives (#WhyNotHer Project, Gender Equality Campaign, International Women's Day Gala). These programs collectively aim to improve employability, support newcomers, and advance gender equality in the Windsor-Essex community.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Care for Newcomer Children (CNC) Childcare services for newcomer children provided while their parents participate in WEST employment and training programs. Designed for newcomer mothers engaged in WEST settlement, language, and employment services in Windsor-Essex.
• Empowering Women for Employment (EWE) Employment-focused program helping women gain skills and job readiness. Targeted at women facing barriers to workforce entry in the Windsor-Essex region.
• Language and Skills Development Program Language training and skills enhancement for newcomers aimed at improving employment prospects. Delivered to newcomer women in Windsor-Essex as part of settlement and employment preparation.
• New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) Program supporting seniors through training and community engagement, focused on social inclusion and active aging. Designed for senior women in Windsor-Essex.
• Settlement Assistance Services helping newcomers settle into the Windsor-Essex community, addressing settlement, integration, and community connection needs.
• EDGE Youth program providing employment and leadership development for young people. Targeted at youth participants in Windsor-Essex.
• Young Women in Leadership, Employment and Development (L.E.A.D.) Leadership and employment program specifically designed for young women. Targeted at young women pursuing leadership and career development in Windsor-Essex.
• Computer Training Technology and computer skills training to improve employment readiness for women and newcomers in Windsor-Essex.
• Integrated Employment Services Comprehensive employment services including job search assistance and career counseling for women and newcomers in Windsor-Essex.
• Apprenticeship Programs Pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship support across various skilled trades, helping women enter and complete apprenticeships.
• Better Jobs Ontario Government-funded employment program helping individuals gain skills and find employment through Employment Ontario.
• CNC Industrial Mechanic Millwright Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Women Pre-apprenticeship training in industrial mechanic millwright trades for women, offered in partnership with St. Clair College starting August 3, 2026. Designed for women pursuing skilled trades careers.
• Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Women Pre-apprenticeship training in electrical trades specifically for women seeking entry into the electrical trade.
• Skills Training in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Sheet Metal for Women (STARS) Pre-apprenticeship training in HVAC and sheet metal trades specifically designed for women.
• Supporting Micro-Credential Apprenticeship Retention Training (SMART) Micro-credential training to support apprenticeship retention and completion, funded by the Government of Canada's Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy.
• Introduction to Construction and Craft Trades for Women (ICCTW) Beginner-friendly introduction to construction and craft trades for women with no prior experience required.
• Wage Subsidy Programs Financial support programs subsidizing wages for employers who hire program participants, facilitating employment placements.
• Training and Grant Programs Various training and grant programs supporting employment and skills development for participants and partner employers.
• Stay Well, Work Well Women's Circle Wellness program supporting women's health and workplace well-being as a wraparound support for program participants.
• Transportation Services Transportation support helping participants access training and employment locations across Windsor-Essex.
• Young Women In Motion – Breaking Barriers with Bikes Program combining cycling skills with youth development for young women, supporting mobility and personal development.
• International Women's Day Gala Annual flagship celebration event honoring women and their achievements in the community, featuring the Journey Towards Success Awards, keynote speakers, and ticketed attendance/sponsorship.
• #WhyNotHer Project Gender equality awareness initiative challenging stereotypes and promoting women's empowerment through storytelling and community engagement.
• Gender Equality Campaign Digital photography and storytelling campaign capturing economic shifts for women in newcomer and racialized communities, supported by the Windsor Essex Community Foundation, Equality Fund, and Community Foundations of Canada.
• Workshops and Training Various skills training and professional development workshops offered to participants as part of WEST's programming portfolio.

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, supporting and minor.

• Employment OntariocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary funder through the Government of Ontario providing employment services funding. WEST is part of the Windsor Regional Employment Network delivering Employment Ontario services including job search assistance, training, and career planning.
• Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal government funder supporting settlement and integration programs for newcomer women including summer activities, language training, and community connection initiatives.
• Government of Canada - Canadian Apprenticeship StrategycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFunding the Supporting Micro-Credential Apprenticeship Retention Training (SMART) program and other apprenticeship-related initiatives for women in skilled trades.
• St. Clair CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner providing classroom and training facilities for the CNC Industrial Mechanic Millwright Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Women starting August 3, 2026.
• City of WindsorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal government partner providing funding support and community collaboration for employment and training services.
• Windsor Essex Catholic District School BoardsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation partner hosting satellite office at St. Michael's Adult Catholic High School community hub for women-focused services.
• YMCA of Western OntariosupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner collaborating on services at the St. Michael's Adult Catholic High School hub.
• Canadian Women's FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational nonprofit amplifying WEST's gender equality message across Canada through the Gender Equality Network.
• BanA WindsorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal business whose keynote speaker Luciana Rosu- Sieza spoke at LEAD program graduation.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• COSTI Immigrant Services: Ontario-wide non-profit providing settlement, language training, and employment services to newcomers, comparable in mission, funding sources (IRCC, provincial), and integrated employment-services delivery model.
• Skills for Change: Ontario non-profit providing language training, settlement, and employment services for immigrants and refugees, directly comparable to WEST's newcomer and visible-minority employment and training programming.
• JVS Toronto: Established Toronto employment services non-profit offering skills training, career counseling, and newcomer employment programs; comparable in operating model, government-funded employment-services contracts, and diverse client base.
• ACCES Employment: Toronto-based non-profit delivering employment services and mentorship for immigrants and newcomers, sharing WEST's Employment Ontario-style model, settlement-to-employment pipeline, and focus on visible minority clients.
• Workforce WindsorEssex: Local workforce planning and employment service network in Windsor-Essex, partnered within the Employment Ontario ecosystem alongside WEST, with directly overlapping employer-connection and job-placement functions.
• YWCA Windsor-Essex: A regional women's services organization providing employment support, housing, and newcomer settlement in the same Windsor-Essex geography, with overlapping funder base (government and corporate) and a similar non-profit employment-services model.

Broad incumbents

• YWCA Canada: National federation of YWCAs delivering women's employment, housing, and settlement services across Canada; a broader incumbent that shares WEST's mission and advocacy positioning but operates at much larger national scale.

Emerging players

• Build a Dream: Ontario organization promoting women in skilled trades and underrepresented careers, overlapping with WEST's women-in-trades pre-apprenticeship focus (CNC, Electrical, HVAC/STARS) and employer-engagement programming.
• Hammer Heads: Toronto-based non-profit training youth in construction trades with pre-apprenticeship pathways, comparable to WEST's skilled-trades pre-apprenticeship offerings for disadvantaged populations.
• TRIEC (Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council): Regional council connecting skilled immigrants with employers in Ontario, comparable to WEST in serving newcomer employment outcomes and working alongside Employment Ontario-style funder relationships.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/WESTofWindsor
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCfR6RUag8jwRBmb4NcfTaIw
• Facebookfacebook.com/Womens-Enterprise-Skills-Training-of-Windsor-Inc-142053419259025
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/west-inc-of-windsor
• Instagraminstagram.com/westofwindsor

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 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 Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc.