Business Financing for Western Canada
Entrepreneurs With Disabilities Program
Helping entrepreneurs with disabilities build their business future
If you live in a western Canadian community, large or small, you can access a network of business professionals and a world of resources through a program designed specifically for you.
The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) is designed to help western Canadians with disabilities gain easier access to business information, training and development, mentoring and one-on-one counselling services, and financial assistance in their pursuit of self-employment and entrepreneurship.
The program is delivered through Community Futures Development Corporations in rural areas and by a number of partners in urban areas. To access the EDP in your city, please click on the links below:
Vancouver | Victoria | Edmonton | Calgary | Regina | Saskatoon | Winnipeg
What does the program offer?
The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) makes it easier for entrepreneurs with disabilities to pursue their business goals and contribute to the economic growth of their rural communities. Through the EDP you can access business services across Western Canada such as:
- help to develop customized business plans;
- 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 up to $125,000. 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 WD office nearest you, or call us at 1 888 338 -WEST (9378).
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 Canada Business Service Network .
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 the expertise they need to start a new business or expand their existing company.
Our Western Canada Business Service Network partners work in their local communities to ensure western Canadians have direct access to information and advice on a wide range of financing options. Our partners will help you determine whether you are eligible for the financing you are most interested in. They also 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, visit http://www.wd.gc.ca/pos/default_e.asp.