Thunder Bay- Atikokan MPP Kevin Holland, Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, PARO Founder and CEO Rosalind Lockyer at a funding announcement in the new PARO headquarters - (CJ Goater/Acadia Broadcasting)
An organization in the region that supports women who want to start and grow their businesses is receiving some provincial funding.
The PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise’s PAROBiz Program will receive $1.24 million over three years through the Women’s Economic Security Program.
The program is offered in Thunder Bay, as well as other communities across the province.
“This investment in the PAROBiz program will equip women in Thunder Bay and across Ontario with the skills and resources needed to start and grow their businesses,” explained Thunder Bay, Atikokan MPP, Kevin Holland. “By supporting initiatives that provide vital entrepreneurship training and ongoing support, we are empowering women to achieve financial independence. This will help strengthen local economies and create lasting opportunities for women to thrive, benefiting both individuals and communities across the region.”
This funding is part of the government’s investment of up to $26.7 million over three years in 25 local programs across the province that provide career training opportunities for women.
These programs help women gain the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to find a job, start a business, and achieve financial independence.
“The Women’s Economic Security Program empowers women to achieve financial independence by breaking down barriers to career training opportunities,” said Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, Charmaine Williams. “I’m proud of our government’s continued support for local, community-based training programs that help women across the province reach their full potential and achieve the career success they deserve.”
The program offers four different training options including skilled trades, entrepreneurship, information technology, and general employment.
The goal of the program is to help remove barriers for women.
Through the training program, women who have experienced or are at risk of intimate partner violence can also access wraparound support, including referrals to mental health and well-being support, counselling, housing, and legal support.
PARO was founded in 1995 by Rosalind Lockyer in Thunder Bay.
As of 2025, there are over 150+ PARO groups across the province.
The organization also has over 125 community partners including organizations in Atikokan, Kenora, Dryden, Rainy River and more.
