Pathways to Possibility

The Pathways to Possibility program is designed to foster inclusion in the automotive and mobility sector by reducing barriers to entry for equity-deserving groups and engaging communities that are underrepresented in the sector by providing career education, mentorship, networking, and job search support. Accordingly, we invite Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations that serve underrepresented communities to work in partnership with industry to apply for:

• Up to $50,000
  • Applicants can seek up to $50,000 to develop and implement career education, mentorship, and job search support programs for at least 100 community members over the age of 18, including at least 50 participants from groups underrepresented in Ontario’s automotive and mobility workforce.
• Up to $100,000
  • Applicants may be awarded up to $100,000 if they propose developing at least four inter-connected programs that collectively serve at least 400 community members, including at least 200 participants from underrepresented groups in Ontario’s automotive and mobility workforce.

Applicants will identify the underrepresented community or communities they wish to engage and whether they wish to engage underrepresented adults (over the age of 18) or parents of underrepresented youth. Applicants will work with at least one industry partner to coordinate a program for participants to learn about and connect with in-demand career opportunities in the automotive and mobility sector. 

Each program must include at least one of the following components:

• Speed Networking with Industry Partners: A dynamic opportunity for participants to engage with industry professionals in timed, one-on-one sessions to build connections and discuss career opportunities.
• Mentorship Opportunities: Structured programs pairing participants with experienced professionals for personalized career guidance and professional growth.
• Fireside Chats or Panel Discussions with Industry Leaders: Informal discussions or panels featuring insights, experiences, and advice from seasoned professionals to inspire and inform participants about career progression and industry trends.
• Interactive Workshops with Industry Experts: Hands-on sessions led by industry leaders to teach practical skills and problem-solving relevant to the automotive and mobility workforce.
• Virtual Reality (VR) or Simulation-Based Experiences: Immersive VR or simulation tools that allow participants to explore careers, practice skills, and engage in realistic industry scenarios.
• Professional Development Bootcamps: Intensive, multi-day workshops focused on key skills such as leadership, technical expertise, project management, or entrepreneurship tailored to the automotive and mobility sectors.
• Industry-Specific Career Summit: Providing direct access to talent teams and hiring managers, where participants can engage in one-on-one interviews, resume workshops, and other activities to enhance their job search and employment outcomes.

The goals of OVIN’s Pathways to Possibility program are:

• To engage communities that are currently underrepresented in the sector in learning about the myriad career opportunities available within it;
• To engage underrepresented adults and reduce the barriers to career opportunities in the sector by connecting participants to career education, mentorship, networking, and job search support opportunities; 
• To engage parents of underrepresented youth and demonstrate the range of career opportunities in the sector that their children could pursue; and
• To build sustainable connections and access to ongoing support between community members and Ontario’s automotive and mobility sector.

• One full-time employee’s salary for the duration of the program
• Matching contributions from the applicant’s private sector partner(s) worth at least 50% of OVIN’s requested contribution

Eligible Applicants:

• Non-profit organizations based in Ontario that serve underrepresented communities
• Indigenous communities based in Ontario

Eligible Partners:

• All applicants and their industry partners must be based in Ontario
• Industry partners must be Ontario-based automotive and mobility companies or organizations, including but not limited to:
  • Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs);
  • Tier 1 suppliers and/or
  • Relevant start-ups or SMEs operating in the automotive and mobility space.

The Pathways to Possibility program employs a one-stage application process. The full application package must include your application proposal and any other supporting documents.   

Please complete and submit your proposal by Monday, February 3rd, 2025 at 12 PM EST. 

For more details about this program, please see the Program Guidelines (PDF) and the other important documents linked therein. 

Links to Important Documents: 

• Funding Agreement Template
• Eligible Expenses Guidelines
• Application/Proposal Questions
  

• Once ready to apply for the Pathways to Possibility program, the applicant should connect with their Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) Business Development and Commercialization Manager (BDCM) to initiate an application.
• If new to OCI, the applicant should complete the Program Enquiry Form to connect with an OCI BDCM to discuss their eligibility and the application process for OVIN funding.
  • Once the Program Enquiry Form has been completed, an OCI BDCM will contact you to discuss the opportunity and, if required, assist in initiating the application.
  • If you have any questions about this program or its application process, please contact Rodayna Abuelwafa – Project Lead, Talent Strategy and Workforce Planning at rabuelwafa@oc-innovation.ca.