Business Financing for Western Canada
Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program - Saskatoon and Regina (Saskatchewan)
The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) offers a flexible loan program that provides business loans to entrepreneurs with disabilities who are unable to obtain financing from traditional lenders. Participants may access loans to:
- start or expand a business;
- purchase and apply new technology;
- upgrade facilities and equipment;
- develop marketing and promotional activities; and
- establish working capital
Who is eligible?
The Saskatoon and Region Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program is specifically designed to benefit individuals who live in Saskatoon or Regina and have a disability.
Description
The Saskatchewan Independent Living Centres - the North Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre in Saskatoon and the South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre in Regina—manage this program. The centres take a lead role in providing mentoring and counselling services, support in business development stages, as well as providing business loans to people with disabilities who wish to start or expand their business.
Through the EDP, the Independent Living centres:
- promote entrepreneurship and self-employment as an option for people with disabilities exploring employment;
- provide mentorship and peer support;
- provide access to information resources and community services;
- provide access to support in the development stages of business in areas such as: developing a business plan, financial forecasts and researching capital options;
- provide a mechanism for follow-up and aftercare; and
- provide an option for capital (and the possibility of leveraging additional money) through the investment fund to people with disabilities wanting to start or expand their business.
How can I apply?
For more information on the Saskatoon and Regina Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program contact :
David Jones |
Mr. Lynn Freistadt |
Dale Nave Toll-free: 1-888-338-9378 |
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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 .