Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program
The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) provides access to business services across Western Canada, including:
mentoring and one-on-one counseling services;
access to business training and development;
business loans (in some locations); and
help to identify requirements for specialized equipment.
Who is eligible?
Entrepreneurs meeting the following basic criteria may be considered for support through the EDP:
have been unsuccessful in getting needed funding for business from other sources;
are unable to perform at least one of the basic activities of entrepreneurship or self-employment;
are disabled due to physical or mental impairment;
have a possible business plan and are a new or current small business owner with a disability; and
live in Western Canada.
What loans are available?
The program provides entrepreneurs with disabilities access to business loans if they can't get financing from a financial institution. The loan terms are flexible and made to meet your needs. Contact the organization serving your area for more information on loans and services available.
What can the loans be used for?
Projects supported by this program include:
starting or expanding a business;
purchasing and applying new technology;
upgrading facilities and equipment;
developing marketing and promotions materials; and
establishing working capital for anticipated sales increases.
What other services are available?
Small and medium-sized businesses in most rural and urban areas can easily access a business services through Western Economic Diversification Canada's Western Canada Business Service Network.
This network includes:
Community Futures offices, which deliver the EDP in rural areas
Women's Enterprise Initiative offices
Francophone Economic Development Organizations
Canada Business Network service centres
Indigenous Business Development Services
All of these organizations provide entrepreneurs with the expertise they need to start a new business or expand their existing company.
They offer many services from marketing and funding options to counseling and support. For more information on the services our network provides and the network member nearest you, visit the Western Canada Business Service Network.
mentoring and one-on-one counseling services;
access to business training and development;
business loans (in some locations); and
help to identify requirements for specialized equipment.
Who is eligible?
Entrepreneurs meeting the following basic criteria may be considered for support through the EDP:
have been unsuccessful in getting needed funding for business from other sources;
are unable to perform at least one of the basic activities of entrepreneurship or self-employment;
are disabled due to physical or mental impairment;
have a possible business plan and are a new or current small business owner with a disability; and
live in Western Canada.
What loans are available?
The program provides entrepreneurs with disabilities access to business loans if they can't get financing from a financial institution. The loan terms are flexible and made to meet your needs. Contact the organization serving your area for more information on loans and services available.
What can the loans be used for?
Projects supported by this program include:
starting or expanding a business;
purchasing and applying new technology;
upgrading facilities and equipment;
developing marketing and promotions materials; and
establishing working capital for anticipated sales increases.
What other services are available?
Small and medium-sized businesses in most rural and urban areas can easily access a business services through Western Economic Diversification Canada's Western Canada Business Service Network.
This network includes:
Community Futures offices, which deliver the EDP in rural areas
Women's Enterprise Initiative offices
Francophone Economic Development Organizations
Canada Business Network service centres
Indigenous Business Development Services
All of these organizations provide entrepreneurs with the expertise they need to start a new business or expand their existing company.
They offer many services from marketing and funding options to counseling and support. For more information on the services our network provides and the network member nearest you, visit the Western Canada Business Service Network.
Main Page: http://www.wd.gc.ca/eng/13643.asp
Contact Page: http://www.wd.gc.ca/eng/13643.asp
Details
Disabilities
Acquired Brain Injury, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Behaviour Disorders and Conditions (ie. ADHD), Blind / Visual Impairment, Cerebral Palsy, Deaf / Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind, Down Syndrome , Dual Diagnosis, Epilepsy / Seizure Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome / Spectrum Disorders , Intellectual / Developmental Disability, Learning Disorder / Disability, Mental Health , Neuromuscular Disorders, Other / I don't know, Paraplegia / Quadriplegia, Physical Disability / Mobility Impairment, Schizophrenia , Speech Impairment / Social / Communication Disorders, Spina Bifida, Substance Use/Addiction
Age
18-99
Eligibility
Entrepreneurs meeting the following basic criteria may be considered for support through the EDP:
have been unsuccessful in getting needed funding for business from other sources;
are unable to perform at least one of the basic activities of entrepreneurship or self-employment;
are disabled due to physical or mental impairment;
have a possible business plan and are a new or current small business owner with a disability; and live in Western Canada.
have been unsuccessful in getting needed funding for business from other sources;
are unable to perform at least one of the basic activities of entrepreneurship or self-employment;
are disabled due to physical or mental impairment;
have a possible business plan and are a new or current small business owner with a disability; and live in Western Canada.
Locations
Share Resource