Entrepreneurs With Disabilities Program

Helping entrepreneurs with disabilities build their business future

Western Canadians who have a disability can access a network of business professionals and a world of resources through WD’s Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP).

The program provides western Canadians with disabilities with easy access to business information, training and development, mentoring and one-on-one counselling services, and financing in their pursuit of self-employment and entrepreneurship.

In rural communities, the program is delivered through Community Futures offices. In urban areas, WD works with a  number of partners to deliver the program. To access the EDP in your city, please click on the links below:

Vancouver | Victoria | Edmonton | Calgary | Saskatoon | Regina | Winnipeg

What does the program offer?

The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) makes it easier for entrepreneurs who have a disability to pursue their business goals and contribute to the economic growth of their communities.  EDP provides access to business services across Western Canada, including:

• mentoring and one-on-one counselling services;
• access to business training and development;
• help to identify requirements for specialized equipment, and
• business loans

Who is eligible?

The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program has been designed to benefit  Western Canadians who have a disability that impairs their ability to perform at least one of the basic activities of self-employment or entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs meeting the following basic criteria may be considered for support :

• have been unsuccessful in acquiring funding for business from other sources;
• are restricted in the ability to perform at least one of the basic activities of entrepreneurship or self-employment ;
• are disabled due to physical or mental impairment;
• have a viable business plan and are a new or current small business owner with a disability;
• reside in Western Canada.

What loans are available?

The program provides entrepreneurs with disabilities who are unable to obtain financing from a traditional financial institution access to business loans. The loan terms are flexible and tailored to meet your needs.

What can the loans be used for?

The types of 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.

Where can you find more information?

For more information contact the Community Futures office nearest you or the partner in your city.

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

Small and medium-sized businesses in most rural and urban centres can easily access a range of  business services through WD's Western CanadaBusiness Service Network. The Community Futures offices (CFs), which deliver the EDP in rural areas, are part of this network, which also includes Women’s Enterprise Initiative offices (WEIs), Francophone Economic Development Organizations (FEDOs) and Canada Business service centres. All of these organizations provide entrepreneurs in targeted groups with the expertise they need to start a new business or expand their existing company.

They provide a range of services including marketing information and funding options, to counselling and support. For information on these services and the network member nearest you, view Services for Business.