Funding directly supports the development and expansion of our Career Training Program along with providing more employment experience to young adults eager to have an opportunity. The funding will be used in three critical areas:
- Youth-Focused Online Certified Training Program: We will develop an accessible training curriculum tailored specifically to youth aged 18-25. The program will cover essential job skills, customer service training, and confidence-building exercises.
- Capital for Expanding Career Experience Opportunities: The donation will allow us to provide more hands-on career experiences for young people entering the workforce.
- Expansion of Our Calgary Location: In partnership with the National AccessArts Centre, we plan to open a new café within a future arts and performance museum in Calgary. This expansion will directly create more job opportunities for youth with disabilities, and awareness.
Community Visibility and Engagement: One of the most beautiful aspects of Lil E's training program is how it engages the public on a cup-by-cup basis. Every interaction between our staff and customers is an opportunity to break down stereotypes, build acceptance, and create a more inclusive community.
The café is more than just a business; it's a living example of how small acts of inclusion can change perceptions and lives. This funding is a critical piece in our long-term strategy, which focuses on securing multi-year commitments from Big E partners and expanding our footprint across Canada.
By fostering corporate partnerships and building a scalable model, Lil E will continue to grow and empower more young people to reach their full potential.
Additional funding would empower Lil E Coffee Café to expand its reach, helping more youth with disabilities overcome barriers to employment and build successful, fulfilling careers. Companies like RSM are key and play a pivotal role in transforming the futures of these young people, creating a ripple effect of inclusion and opportunity across Alberta and Canada for current workforce and inspirating future generation, and impacting the local communities.
