Trades Training

It’s simply that many don’t have the tools they need to fulfill their potential. Despite Calgary’s prosperity, there are still people in our city living below the low income cut off (LICO), also known as the poverty line.

At Momentum, everything we do is grounded in a community economic development approach. This means we work with individuals, businesses, communities and systems to increase each individuals’ income and assets and create a thriving local economy for all.

It takes a lot to get out of poverty—courage, ingenuity and perseverance. At Momentum, we believe in people. To us, it’s more than just creating jobs and starting businesses—it’s about inspiring vibrant communities where everyone plays a role.

Our History:

Under Walter Hossli, Founder and Director Emeritus, Momentum began operations in 1991 as an employment program of the Mennonite Central Committee of Alberta. Then known as MCC Employment Development, the initial focus was on providing trades training to new Canadians.

In 2002, the organization became independent from MCC Alberta. And then in 2006, Momentum adopted its current name to better represent the full scope of its work as a community-based, charitable organization.

Today, Momentum still provides trades training to new Canadians, and our program portfolio has expanded to include small business training, micro business loans, personal money management courses and financial coaching.