Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program

Edmonton, Alberta

Western Economic Diversification Canada's (WD) Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP)  assists people living in the Edmonton area who have a disability and are interested in pursuing self-employment goals. The EDP supports the federal government's ongoing commitment to help reduce barriers and increase self-employment opportunities for Canadians with disabilities.

Who is eligible?

The Edmonton component of WD’s EDP is specifically designed to benefit individuals living in the Edmonton area who have a disability and are interested in opening their own business or need support for an existing one.

Description

In Edmonton, the Distinctive Employment Counselling Services of Alberta (DECSA) administers a $400,000 loan fund and provides mentoring and training support to entrepreneurs with disabilities living in the Edmonton area, on behalf of WD. Participants may access loans of up to $20,000 to:

• start or expand a business;
• purchase and apply new technology;
• upgrade facilities and equipment;
• develop marketing and promotional activities; and
• establish working capital.

How can I apply?

For more information on the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program offered in Edmonton, contact:

Dixie Estrin, Client Services Coordinator
Ventures Program
Distinctive Employment Counselling Services of Alberta
11515 - 71 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
T5B 1W1

Telephone: (780) 471-9621
Fax: (780) 474-7765
TTY: (780) 471-9635
E-mail: destrin@decsa.com

What other services may I be eligible for through Western Economic Diversification Canada?

With over 100 points of service in urban and rural communities across the West, the Business Service Network is made up of several integrated organizations that provide entrepreneurs with what they need to establish a business or make it grow.

Network partners work at the local level to ensure western Canadians have direct access to information on a wide range of financing alternatives, which will help determine your eligibility for services that best suit your needs. They offer various services from marketing and funding options to counselling and support.  For more information on the services our network provides and the network member nearest you, please visit WD’s Business Service Network.