Magnet at Toronto Metropolitan University

Shaping the future of work with practical solutions for small businesses

Small businesses across Canada face a multitude of challenges. Finding and hiring the right talent can be costly and time-consuming, especially when job postings don’t reach the right audience. The continuous introduction and evolution of new technology can be difficult to understand and absorb, leaving smaller organizations at risk of being left behind. 

Magnet, based at Toronto Metropolitan University, is a centre of innovation dedicated to helping employers, workers, and communities adapt to a rapidly changing economy. Through partnerships with industry, governments, post-secondary institutions, and workforce organizations, Magnet develops practical solutions that help businesses adopt emerging technologies, strengthen workforce capability, and improve productivity. Its work focuses on building the adaptive capacity that organizations need to compete and grow in an increasingly AI-enabled economy. Through these partnerships, Magnet is uniquely positioned to engage SMEs, mobilize knowledge across sectors, and support the adoption of promising employment practices at scale.

With an emphasis on collaboration and digital technology, Magnet offers small businesses a wealth of opportunities to strengthen their resilience and readiness.

Student Work Placement Program

Access up to $5000 to help cover the costs of student work placements

Magnet has been a delivery partner of the Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) since 2019. Funded by the Government of Canada, SWPP offers Canadian employers a wage subsidy of up to $5000 for each eligible post-secondary student they hire. Students benefit from early work experience in their field of interest, and employers get to bring new skills and fresh ideas to their team. 

Magnet offers a streamlined application process where employers can target one job posting to 120+ post-secondary job boards across Canada rather than having to post across multiple job boards. 

Thousands of employers across Canada have already used SWPP to test long-term hires and boost their capacity. Check full eligibility criteria and apply for SWPP funding today.

Practical AI and digital upskilling for SMEs

Through its connection to TMU and multi-sector partnerships, Magnet is able to facilitate learning, networking, and upskilling opportunities for businesses backed by expert research and experience. 

Current initiatives include:

• AI Stewardship Practice (AISP): AISP develops the practical leadership needed to help organizations realize the opportunities AI creates—today and as technology continues to evolve. This program is for leaders who are actively engaging with AI and who want to shape its evolution for the better. Through a six-week facilitated learning experience, participants will strengthen their organization’s ability to make informed decisions about AI adoption. Participants can join as an individual to be placed in a cohort of learners from other sectors, or join with a cohort of up to seven participants from their own organization. Learn more and apply for an upcoming cohort.

• MagnetAI: Your team can access free upskilling courses to boost your understanding of and confidence in AI adoption. SME-specific courses will help your organization build familiarity with practical applications of AI and provide guidance for developing AI strategies that align with your mission. Users will also have access to a catalogue of 60+ courses from Skills Bridge, developed by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Skills Bridge offers courses in AI, cybersecurity, team management, finance and accounting, and more. Start learning. 

Hear from the leaders and innovators shaping the future of work

Magnet amplifies the voices of the leaders across Canada who are driving change in the areas of technology adoption and workforce development. Keep up with these important conversations with:

• The Magnet Network Live (MNL) Show: The MNL Show explores the forces reshaping how Canada works, learns, and competes. Hosted by Mark Patterson and produced by Magnet, each episode brings forward the leaders and innovators reading the signals—and rewriting what’s possible for the future of work. Season 2, which focuses on adapting to uncertainty, is now live. Guests include Daniel Tisch (Ontario Chamber of Commerce), Paris Semansky (People for Education), JP Giroux (Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium), and Angela Splinter (Trucking HR Canada). Watch Season 2 now.

• Adaptive Leaders Podcast:  Hosted by Magnet’s Executive Director Mark Patterson and Dr. Lev Gonick, Chief Information Officer at Arizona State University, Magnet’s Adaptive Leaders asks decision-makers across Canada how they’re managing a sustained period of technological and workforce change. Listen here. 

• Mark Patterson Speaking Engagements: Mark Patterson is the Executive Director of Magnet. Mark brings a systems lens to the future of work—connecting what employers need, what learners experience, and what policymakers can enable. Whether addressing senior leadership, international forums, or cross-sector audiences, he delivers grounded, action-oriented perspectives that move conversations from ambition to implementation. Mark is available to speak on a variety of topics, including: AI and the labour market productivity, competitiveness, and innovation; talent pipelines; inclusive workforce development; cross-sector collaboration; and more. Book Mark for future engagements. 

More information about Magnet is available on its website. 

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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information intended only for informational purposes. CanadianSME Small Business Magazine does not endorse or guarantee any products or services mentioned. Readers are advised to conduct their research and due diligence before making business decisions.