Thirteen A Social Enterprise (13:ASE)

Thirteen A Social Enterprise (13:ASE) is an entrepreneurial program of the Parkdale Food Centre. 13:ASE engages youth facing barriers to employment in the operation of a social enterprise. By engaging participants in all aspects of business decisions and development, in a collaborative and supported space, this program helps participants gain strong emotional and social skills as well as confidence in themselves and their future. 13:ASE also serves as an entry point into the labour market. It provides a supportive first work experience and the opportunity to build a social and professional network. The skills that participants and peer mentors develop through 13:ASE are directly related to the barriers they face, including lack of experience, limited community connections and language barriers.