Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program

Eligibility Criteria

• 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.

Summary

The program is delivered through Community Futures Development Corporations in rural areas and by a number of partners in urban areas.

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.

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.

Alberta Contact(s):
Ms. Colette Bomersback
Provincial AEDESS Coordinator
Community Futures Network Society of Alberta
115 4th Avenue West
P.O. Box 184
Cochrane, Alberta  T4C 1A5
Telephone: (403) 851-9995 Ext. 11
Fax: (403) 851-9905
E-mail: cbomers@telusplanet.net

British Columbia Contact(s):
Community Futures Development Association of BC
Room 880, Marine Building
355 Berrard Street
Vancouver, British Columbia  V6C 2G8
Telephone: (604) 685-2332
Fax: (604) 681-6575
Toll-free (information): 1-866-685-3223
E-mail: info@communityfutures.ca
Web site: http://www.communityfutures.ca/provincial/bc/index.html

Manitoba Contact(s):
Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
250 - 240 Graham Ave
P.O. Box 2609
Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3C 4B3
Canada
Telephone: 204-984-2272
Fax: 204-983-3852
Toll-free (information): 1-800-665-2019
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-457-8466
TTY (hearing impaired): 1-800-457-8466
E-mail: manitoba@cbsc.ic.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.cbsc.org/manitoba
Hours of operation: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday

Saskatchewan Contact(s):
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Room 601, S.J. Cohen Building
119 - 4th Avenue South
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan  S7K 3S7
Telephone: (306) 975-4373
Fax: (306) 975-5484
Toll-free (information): 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
E-mail: info.sask@wd.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.deo.gc.ca/default_e.asp