YES Fall 2026 - Program Book

EMPLOYMENT | 1

2

| MAKE YOUR MOVE

WHO WE ARE YES Employment + Entrepreneurship empowers individuals from all backgrounds with services in employment, entrepreneurship, and the arts. Offered in English and available online, in person, or in hybrid formats, our programs help people build sustainable careers, launch and grow businesses, and transform artistic talent into opportunities. Guided by our mission, we work toward a more inclusive and prosperous Québec where everyone can grow, belong, and thrive.

CONTACT US 514-878-9788 | info@yesmontreal.ca | yesmontreal.ca | Montreal Office 666 Sherbrooke West Suite 700 Montréal, QC H3A 1E7

Laval Office 3055 Saint-Martin Boulevard West 5th floor, Offices 5102, 5096, 5095, 5093 Laval, QC H7S 1M8

Business Hours Services are available in-person and online from Monday to Friday between 9:00am–5:00pm. The YES Centres are closed on all statutory holidays.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Employment

4

Entrepreneurship

10

ELLEvate Women Entrepreneurs

14

Arts

16

MAKE YOUR MOVE | 3

JOB SEEKERS: HELPING YOU FIND A JOB OR LAUNCH YOUR CAREER

We can help you find a job or launch your career!

Through employment counselling, workshops, and an online resource library, our Employment Program helps you build the interview skills, CV writing abilities, and industry insights needed to find and land the job that's right for you.

SPECIALIZED SERVICES 20-Minute Career Check-In Select Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays | 12:00–1:00pm FREE | Online or In-Person | By appointment only This is a fast, focused session with one of our employment experts. W hether you’re just starting out, pivoting careers, or feeling stuck, w e’re here to help you move forward.

Employment Counselling FREE | Online or In-Person | By appointment only We can help you develop a strategy, build on your strengths, and m ake informed choices about your goals — from preparing for your j ob search to successfully landing the job.

Career Mentorship Program: Supporting Your Next Career Move FREE | Online or In-Person | By appointment only Connect with an experienced mentor who can share insights, experiences, and lessons learned from their own career journey. Through one-on-one mentorship conversations and networking opportunities, you'll broaden your professional network, gain new perspectives, and build meaningful connections.

4

| EMPLOYMENT

JOB SEEKERS: HELPING YOU FIND A JOB OR LAUNCH YOUR CAREER

Step Up! Build a Successful Career, One Step at a Time August 31–January 15 FREE | Online and In-Person | Visit our website for details on how to apply Our dedicated team will help you strengthen your communication skills, build confidence, expand your professional network, connect with potential employers, and excel in job interviews.

French For the Workforce This program helps you develop practical, job-focused language skills through real-world workplace scenarios and guided practice. Build confidence in interviews, networking, meetings, workplace conversations, and professional written communication.

High Beginner Wednesdays & Fridays, September 16–October 9 | 9:30am–12:30pm $80 | Online Only

Intermediate Wednesdays & Fridays, November 4–December 4 | 9:30am–12:30pm $100 | Online Only

EMPLOYMENT | 5

JOB SEEKERS: HELPING YOU FIND A JOB OR LAUNCH YOUR CAREER

SPECIALIZED WORKSHOP SERIES All our specialized workshops are free of charge and offered online only.

NEW! A Women's Series — Navigate, Strategize, Advance This series is an invitation to pause, reflect, and invest in the tools and support needed to navigate career and life transitions with intention.

Speaker: Tania Chomyk, Life Transition Expert

Understanding Career Transition & Reconnecting to Self Thursday, September 17 | 12:00–1:30pm

Patterns, Values & Career Decision-Making Thursday, October 15 | 12:00–1:30pm

Moving Forward with Confidence & Intention Thursday, November 19 | 12:00–1:30pm

NEW! Self-Employment as a Career Option Thinking about working for yourself? This series will help you determine whether entrepreneurship is right for you and give you the tools to make informed decisions before investing significant time, money, or effort. Explore the fundamentals of building a viable business and learn the financial essentials needed to get started.

Is Self-Employment Right for You? Wednesday, September 16 | 12:00–1:30pm

Cash Flow Planning for Self-Employed Professionals Wednesday, October 28 | 12:00–1:30pm

6

| EMPLOYMENT

JOB SEEKERS: HELPING YOU FIND A JOB OR LAUNCH YOUR CAREER

NEW! Well-Being—Building & Maintaining Sustainability Throughout Your Working Years Build the habits and workplace skills that help you stay productive, navigate conflict with confidence, and thrive throughout your career. Topics include creating sustainable routines, strengthening workplace relationships, and collaborating effectively across generations.

Speaker: Megan K. Hunter, Psychological Health & Safety Expert

Do Your Best Work—Understand How You Work Best Wednesday, September 30 | 6:00–8:00pm

Design a Workday That Works for You Thursday, October 29 | 6:00–8:00pm

DAYTIME WORKSHOPS All our daytime workshops are free of charge and offered online only.

Career & Self-Assessment: Know Yourself to Develop Yourself Tuesdays, Sept 1, 29, Nov 3 & Dec 8 | 12:00–1:30pm

CV Essentials: Write It Right, Right Now! Thursdays, Sept 3, Oct 1, Nov 5 & Dec 3 | 12:00–1:30pm

Uncovering the Reality of the Hidden Job Market Tuesdays, Sept 8, Oct 6 & Nov 17 | 12:00–1:30pm

NEW! Leveraging AI in Your Job Search: Work Smarter, Not Harder Thursdays, Sept 10, Oct 8, Nov 26 & Dec 10 | 12:00–1:30pm

EMPLOYMENT | 7

JOB SEEKERS: HELPING YOU FIND A JOB OR LAUNCH YOUR CAREER

LinkedIn Essentials: Build Your Presence and Connections Tuesdays, Sept 15, Oct 13, Nov 24 & Dec 15 | 12:00–1:30pm

Know Your Rights: Understanding the Charter — Build Confidence, Navigate Work with Clarity Monday, September 21 | 10:30am–12:00pm

Interview Essentials: Clear. Confident. Prepared.

Tuesdays, Sept 22, Oct 20 & Dec 1 | 12:00–1:30pm

NEW! Know Your Rights: Working Conditions and Protections — Québec Labour Standards Monday, October 26 | 10:30am–12:00pm Speaker: Fei Huang, Legal Information Officer

8

| EMPLOYMENT

JOB SEEKERS: HELPING YOU FIND A JOB OR LAUNCH YOUR CAREER

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES For pricing and details for the below services, please call us at 514-878-9788.

CV and Cover Letter Translation Need your CV and/or cover letter professionally translated? Contact us to have your English-to-French translation ready in only a few days.

Job Board Sign up for our Job Board, upload your CV and apply for job postings directly on our site. You’ll be able to create a free profile, post your CV, and be seen by the industry’s top companies.

Personal Profile Analysis The Personal Profile Analysis is a self-administered behavioural assessment tool that assesses an individual’s behavioural style in the work environment.

E-Learning Courses Course 1: Transferrable Skill — Your Toolkit for Success Course 2: Time Smart Job Search — Sustainable Time Management for Job Seekers Are you looking to build your skills, but need the flexibility to learn on your own time?

Our e-Courses platform offers a growing library of free, self-directed learning designed to support you — wherever you are in your career journey.

EMPLOYMENT | 9

ENTREPRENEURS: HELPING YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS SUCCEED

Ready to launch a new business? Looking to grow an existing one? Want to be your own boss?

At YES, we’re dedicated to helping you and your business succeed! Our Entrepreneurship Services are open to individuals of any age, whether you’re in the startup or growth phase of your business. If you need sales and marketing advice or have questions about financing options and resources, our coaching, workshops, and seminars are designed to give you the information you need to take your business idea to the next level.

SERVICES AND CLINICS 15-Minute One-On-One Business Coaching Consult FREE | Online or In-Person | By appointment only This is a fast, focused session with one of our entrepreneurship experts. W hatever challenges you’re facing with your business, you don’t have to face them alone!

Business Coaching Sessions FREE | Online or In-Person | By appointment only Work one-on-one with a business coach to develop a customized plan that’s focused on your needs and your business.

Accounting Clinic for Entrepreneurs FREE | Online Only | A YES Business Coach referral is required Join our monthly clinic where professional accountants are ready to offer personalized guidance and supply answers to your burning accounting questions.

Legal Information Clinic for Entrepreneurs FREE | Online or In-Person | A YES Business Coach referral is required Our Legal Information Officer is ready to provide information and answer questions related to business issues such as business structures, contract law, taxation, and intellectual property.

10 | ENTREPRENEURSHIP

ENTREPRENEURS: HELPING YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS SUCCEED

SPECIALIZED SERVICES Business Bootcamp: Kickstart Your Entrepreneurial Journey FREE | Online Only | See website for upcoming series dates and to register Launch your business with expert guidance and practical tools. Led by experienced business coaches, this bootcamp will guide you through refining your business idea and making it into a reality.

Startup Generator: Plan to Action — 5 Part Series Thursdays, Oct 22, 29, Nov 5, 12 & 19 | 9:30am–12:00pm FREE | Online Only | A YES Business Coach referral is required Once you’ve developed your business model, consider enrolling in the Startup Generator.

This program is designed to equip early-stage startups with the essential tools to tackle critical business challenges.

DAYTIME WORKSHOPS All our daytime workshops are free of charge and offered both online and in person.

See our website for more information.

Financing Options for Your Business Wednesdays, Sept 2, 30, Oct 28 & Nov 25 | 2:00–3:30pm

9 Action Steps to Building a Successful Business Wednesdays, Sept 9, Oct 7, Nov 4 & Dec 2 | 2:00–3:30pm

Learn@Lunch: Financial Security & Business Resilience for Entrepreneurs Thursday, September 10 | 12:00–1:00pm Speakers: Terrence Dawes, Financial Security Advisor, Sun Life and Alexandre Kechayan, Business Development Partner, Sun Life ENTREPRENEURSHIP | 11

ENTREPRENEURS: HELPING YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS SUCCEED

Idea Generator: Kickstart Your Business Journey Wednesdays, Sept 16, Oct 14, Nov 11 & Dec 9 | 2:00–3:30pm

Maximize Your Revenue Potential Wednesdays, Sept 23, Oct 21, Nov 18 & Dec 16 | 2:00–3:30pm

Learn@Lunch: Wherever You Go, There You Are: Practical Tools for Neurodiverse Entrepreneurs Thursday, September 24 | 12:00–1:00pm Speaker: Lynne Jank, Founder, Neuro Momentum Coaching

Registering Your Business See website for upcoming dates | 10:30am–12:00pm

Learn@Lunch: How Small Businesses Can Scale Profitably on Amazon & Beyond Thursday, October 1 | 12:00–1:00pm Speaker: Neisky Montiel, E-Commerce Entrepreneur & Marketplace Growth Strategist

Learn@Lunch: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Financing Wednesday, October 21 | 12:00–1:00pm Speakers: Mila Peretrukhina, Business Development Manager, Futurpreneur and Kathy Metri, Account Manager, Financing, BDC

Learn@Lunch: Validate Your Idea Before Overinvesting or Quitting Too Soon Thursday, December 3 | 12:00–1:00pm Speaker: Loann Phoenix, Career & Business Coach, Founder, Gifted Impact™

12 | ENTREPRENEURSHIP

ENTREPRENEURS: HELPING YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS SUCCEED

EVENING WORKSHOPS All our evening workshops cost $20 and are offered online only.

NEW! Understanding Financial Statements: What Your Numbers Are Really Telling You Tuesday, September 15 | 6:30–8:30pm Speaker: Artiom Rudenco, CPA, Co-Founder, A to Z Consulting

Build Your Simple Content Engine with AI Tuesday, October 6 | 6:30–8:30pm Speaker: Sivakumar Swaminathan, Founder & CTO, Kalkia Evolution IA & Synexum Labs

Tax Tips for Individuals in Business and the Benefits of Incorporation Tuesday, October 27 | 6:30–8:30pm Speaker: Ronika Khanna, CPA, CFA, Founder of Montreal Financial

Bill 96, Decoded: Exactly What Your Business Must Do Tuesday, November 24 | 6:30–8:30pm Speaker: Me Oumaima Mouncef, Lawyer, Avens Avocats S.A.

Build Your Website and Business App in One Day — No Coding Tuesday, December 8 | 6:30–8:30pm Speaker: El Wong, AI Educator and Trainer, Superpowers With AI

ENTREPRENEURSHIP | 13

ENTREPRENEURS: HELPING YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS SUCCEED

There has never been a more exciting time to be a woman in business!

Join us to learn from the achievements, pivots, and lessons of remarkable women entrepreneurs within Québec’s dynamic startup ecosystem. In our ELLEvate Women Entrepreneurship Series, you’ll have the opportunity to listen to established women entrepreneurs and professionals as they candidly discuss their approaches to identifying opportunities, surmounting challenges, and leaving a lasting impact.

SPECIALIZED WORKSHOP SERIES All our specialized workshops are free of charge and offered online only.

NEW! Women Who Built It: 9 Business Lessons from 9 Women In this series, you'll hear the real stories of 9 women entrepreneurs who have built businesses in very different industries and circumstances. Through their stories, find out more about the essential business-building blocks and the less tangible — but equally important — building blocks of entrepreneurship Speaker: Azadeh Monfared, ELLEvate Business Coach, YES

Build on Purpose: 5 Business Lessons from Women Entrepreneurs Wednesday, October 7 | 12:00–1:30pm

Own Your Power: 4 Lessons from Women Who Built, Adapted and Grew Wednesday, October 14 | 12:00–1:30pm

14 | ELLEVATE WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS

ENTREPRENEURS: HELPING YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS SUCCEED

EVENING WORKSHOPS All our evening workshops are free of charge and offered online only.

Know Your Numbers: Financial Essentials to Start and Grow Your Business Tuesday, September 29 | 6:30–8:30pm Speaker: Mano Malu, CFA, TD Business

Beyond the Hustle: Sustainable Strategies for Entrepreneurial Success Tuesday, November 3 | 6:30–8:30pm Speaker: Dina Mehrbi, Peak-Performance Coach

ELLEVATE WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS | 15

ARTISTS: BUSINESS SKILLS FOR CREATIVE SOULS

Turn your artistic talent into a profitable career!

Our one-on-one coaching sessions and workshop series for artists are designed to teach you the business skills you need to succeed in the creative world. Learn how to market your work, network with industry peers, and get self-employment essentials like tax tips and financial advice.

SERVICES 15-Minute One-On-One Artist Coaching Consult FREE | Online or In-Person | By appointment only This is a fast, focused session with one of our Artists Coaches. N ew clients can have an opportunity to discover YES services and existing clients have an opportunity to address one or two small issues related to your creative practice or business.

Artist Coaching Sessions FREE | Online or In-Person | By appointment only Work one-on-one with an artist coach to help define and attain goals based on short and long-term action plans.

DAYTIME WORKSHOPS All our daytime workshops are free of charge and offered online and in person.

See our website for more information.

Jump Start Your Art and Financing Options Mondays, Sept 14, Oct 5, 26, Nov 16 & Dec 7 | 1:30–3:30pm

Demystifying Business Registration for Artists See website for upcoming dates | 10:30am–12:00pm

16 | ARTS

ARTISTS: BUSINESS SKILLS FOR CREATIVE SOULS

EVENING WORKSHOPS All our evening workshops are $20 with the exception of our two-part series which are $35. They are offered online and in person. See our website for more information.

Level Up Your Artist Bio, Statement and CV Wednesday, September 23 | 6:30–8:30pm Speaker: Caroline Gauthier, Artist Business Coach, YES

Lights, Camera, Action: How to Grow Your Career as an Emerging Filmmaker Wednesday, October 21 | 6:30–8:30pm Speaker: Gavin Seal, Award‑winning filmmaker, Director, Producer & Writer

Online Discoverability: Search Visibility in the Age of AI Wednesday, October 28 | 6:30–8:30pm Speaker: Jordanne Erichsen, Founder, CEO EXPRESS Voice Studio "ARTISTS WHO TEACH", Head of SEO, Outsmart Labs

How To Curate Your Own Exhibition Wednesday, November 18 | 6:30–8:30pm Speaker: Cassandre Brillant, Director of espace loüable, Designer of La fille de Priam

Grant Writing Essentials: Two-Part Workshop Series This workshop offers a practical approach to grant writing from project planning to submission, using Calq and Canada Council applications as a base.

Speaker: Caroline Gauthier, Artist Business Coach, YES

Project Description & Evaluation Criteria Wednesday, December 2 | 6:30–8:30pm

Budgets & Timelines Wednesday, December 9 | 6:30–8:30pm ARTS | 17

THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDERS AND SPONSORS Our programs are made possible with their generous support

Anonymous Foundations (2) | The Averbach Family Foundation The Doggone Foundation | The Eric T. Webster Foundation | The Hay Foundation The Holt Family Foundation | The John Dobson Foundation | The Peacock Family Foundation The Rossy Family Foundation | The Tauben Family Foundation | The Zeller Family Foundation

To continue offering high-quality workshops and services at no or low cost, we rely on the generosity of people like you. Government funding covers only part of what we do, and your support can help bridge this gap, ensuring that we can maintain affordable, accessible services for everyone.

18 | MAKE YOUR MOVE

MAKE YOUR MOVE | 19

20 | EMPLOYMENT