Immigrants Financial Fitness
Turning immigrants’ dreams into financial realities!
Who We Are ?
At Immigrants Financial Fitness (IFF), we are dedicated to empowering immigrants across Canada to achieve financial independence and build sustainable wealth. As a social enterprise, we understand the unique financial challenges faced by immigrant communities and aim to bridge the gap by offering tailored financial education, resources, and support.
What We Do ?
We are dedicated to empowering immigrant communities across Canada by enhancing financial literacy, fostering economic integration, and promoting well-being. Through targeted programs and workshops, we provide accessible resources tailored to the unique challenges and aspirations of immigrants. From financial fitness and career acceleration to homeownership and future-focused empowerment, IFF equips individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive economically. Our approach emphasizes inclusivity, with a commitment to addressing gender and cultural nuances, ensuring every participant has the support and insights they need to achieve financial independence and security. At IFF, we believe that financial empowerment is a cornerstone for community success and individual fulfillment.
Financial Fitness
Immigrants Financial Fitness (IFF) prioritizes building strong financial foundations for immigrants through targeted financial education programs. The focus is on equipping immigrants with essential skills in budgeting, saving, debt management, and investing. Through workshops, webinars, and one-on-one coaching, IFF helps immigrants navigate the Canadian financial landscape, empowering them to take control of their personal finances.
Business and Career Booster
In its business and career development initiatives, IFF offers support designed to enhance entrepreneurial and career-building opportunities for immigrants. Through a series of specialized workshops, networking events, and mentorship programs, IFF helps immigrants identify opportunities for starting and growing their own businesses. Additionally, career development programs provide guidance on job market integration, resume building, and networking in Canada.
Home Ownership
One of the cornerstones of IFF’s mission is to make homeownership an achievable goal for immigrants in Canada. IFF provides comprehensive guidance on navigating the complexities of the Canadian real estate market, covering everything from understanding mortgage options to saving for a down payment through programs like the First Home Savings Account. Additionally, by partnering with industry leaders, IFF develops tailored programs to facilitate affordable and accessible pathways to homeownership, ensuring that immigrants are equipped with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions when purchasing their first homes.
NextGen Financial Empowerment
This program focuses on equipping teenagers and young adults with essential financial literacy skills to secure their future. Through interactive workshops, mentorship programs, and digital resources, this initiative fosters financial independence early on, helping young immigrants understand budgeting, saving, investing, and the responsible use of credit. By addressing the unique challenges faced by immigrant youth, IFF ensures that the next generation is equipped to make informed financial decisions and build a strong foundation for their personal and professional lives.
What We Did From 2021 to 2023
The 2021 to 2023 Report showcases Immigrants Financial Fitness’ dedication to empowering immigrant communities in Canada through financial education. During this period, the organization conducted 168 workshops, reaching 1,255 unique participants and achieving a total of 4,149 attendees. The report highlights a significant female representation, with 60.1% of participants being women, underlining IFF’s inclusive and diverse approach. Additionally, the report demonstrates the organization’s continuous efforts to address the financial literacy needs of immigrants across Canada.
Let's speak Numbers
Upcoming Events
Description
Prêt à libérer le leader qui sommeille en vous ? Cet atelier exceptionnel animé par Patrick Njapa, CEO d’Elevated Impact Inc., vous donnera les clés pour développer vos compétences en leadership et atteindre vos objectifs avec excellence. Découvrez des stratégies concrètes pour inspirer, motiver et exceller dans vos projets professionnels et personnels. Rejoignez-nous le 20 décembre 2024 pour un moment transformateur qui vous propulsera vers le succès en 2025 !
Link to attend
IFF video library
The IFF's Video on Demand Platform
The Immigrants Financial Fitness (IFF) Video on Demand platform is your ultimate destination for financial empowerment. Offering a vast library of over 200 video workshops, it provides essential financial education and practical strategies tailored to the unique needs of immigrant communities in Canada. Whether you're looking to boost your financial fitness, plan for homeownership, or elevate your business and career, this platform delivers expert insights at your fingertips. With affordable subscription options, you can access invaluable resources anytime, anywhere, helping you take control of your financial future and build lasting prosperity.
Our Partners
At Immigrants Financial Fitness (IFF), we are proud to collaborate with a diverse group of dedicated partners who share our mission to empower immigrant communities across Canada. Together, we work to provide innovative financial education, business support, and life-changing opportunities to help individuals thrive and build a prosperous future.
RBC Insurance
RBC Insurance
RBC Insurance is the brand name for the insurance operating entities of Royal Bank of Canada, Canada's biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization.
Radio Canada
Radio Canada
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, branded as CBC/Radio-Canada, is the Canadian public broadcaster for both radio and television. It is a federal Crown corporation that receives funding from the government.
André Félix Bakehe, co-founder and director of Immigrants Financial Fitness (IFF), explains that the weekly workshops are designed to improve financial literacy among immigrants in Canada. He highlights the unique challenges immigrant communities face, such as navigating the Canadian financial system, including the significance of credit history, a concept unfamiliar in many countries of origin. Bakehe emphasizes the importance of starting retirement planning early and diversifying investments beyond real estate. Since its launch in 2021, IFF has hosted 200 online workshops, attracting participants from nine provinces and territories across the country.
Testimonials
Tailored Workshops
Participate in personalized workshops designed to enhance your financial skills, equipping you with hands-on knowledge tailored to your needs as an immigrant.
Community Support
Join a vibrant community where you can connect with fellow immigrants, share experiences, and gain support on your journey towards financial empowerment.
Resource Accessibility
Access a wealth of resources, including financial tools and guides, that will help you navigate your financial landscape and secure a prosperous future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Immigrants Financial Fitness (IFF) and how can it help newcomers in Canada?
Immigrants Financial Fitness (IFF) is an organization dedicated to providing financial education and support to immigrant communities in Canada. Through workshops, webinars, and resources, IFF helps newcomers navigate the complexities of the Canadian financial system, including budgeting, saving, investing, and retirement planning. By empowering immigrants with practical financial knowledge, IFF enables them to build financial stability and long-term success.
What kind of workshops does Immigrants Financial Fitness offer?
IFF offers a wide range of workshops focusing on financial literacy, business growth, career development, and homeownership. These workshops include topics such as understanding credit scores, maximizing savings through the TFSA, navigating the housing market, and planning for retirement. IFF’s weekly online sessions are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by immigrants in Canada, providing essential tools for financial independence.
How can I sign up for Immigrants Financial Fitness workshops or access their resources?
You can sign up for IFF workshops directly through their website, where you’ll find a schedule of upcoming events and topics. Additionally, IFF has recently launched a Video On Demand platform, offering hundreds of recorded workshops that you can access at any time. Simply visit the IFF website and follow the instructions to subscribe and gain access to these valuable financial education resources.
Is there a cost to attend IFF workshops, and are there any free resources available?
Many of IFF’s online workshops are offered for free, allowing participants to gain valuable financial insights without any upfront cost. For those looking for more in-depth learning, IFF provides a subscription-based service to its Video On Demand platform, which offers access to a vast library of past workshops for a low monthly fee. This ensures ongoing financial education at an affordable rate.
How can Immigrants Financial Fitness help me achieve homeownership in Canada?
IFF offers specialized workshops and resources designed to guide immigrants through the complex process of buying a home in Canada. Topics include saving for a down payment, understanding mortgage options, navigating the housing market, and making informed decisions as a first-time homebuyer. With the added support of experts and practical tools, IFF helps immigrants move closer to achieving the dream of homeownership.
How does Immigrants Financial Fitness support immigrant entrepreneurs and small business owners in Canada?
IFF provides specialized programs and workshops tailored to immigrant entrepreneurs and small business owners. These sessions cover topics like business planning, securing funding, understanding taxes, and marketing strategies. IFF also offers guidance on how to grow a business in Canada’s competitive market, helping immigrants succeed in their entrepreneurial journeys.
What makes IFF's financial education unique compared to other financial literacy programs in Canada?
IFF’s financial education is specifically designed for immigrants, addressing the unique challenges they face when adapting to the Canadian financial system. Unlike general programs, IFF takes into account cultural differences, diverse financial experiences, and the specific needs of newcomers. The workshops are led by experts who understand the immigrant experience, making the education practical, accessible, and highly relevant.
How can IFF help me improve my credit score as a new immigrant in Canada?
IFF offers workshops focused on understanding and improving credit scores, which are essential for financial success in Canada. These sessions teach newcomers how to build and maintain a good credit history, manage debts, and use credit responsibly. Through actionable advice, IFF helps immigrants take control of their credit health, which is crucial for accessing loans, mortgages, and other financial services.
Does IFF provide one-on-one financial coaching or personalized financial advice?
Yes, in addition to workshops, IFF offers one-on-one financial coaching to provide personalized guidance based on individual needs. Whether you’re looking to create a budget, plan for retirement, or navigate complex financial decisions, IFF’s expert coaches work with you to create a tailored plan that fits your financial goals.
How does IFF help with retirement planning for immigrants in Canada?
IFF provides comprehensive workshops that cover all aspects of retirement planning, including understanding Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs), Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs), and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Immigrants can learn how to maximize their savings and investments for retirement, even if they’ve arrived later in life. IFF helps participants create actionable strategies to secure their financial future.