Business Abilities Program

Each year an increasing number of persons living with disabilities and chronic health issues are looking at self employment as a viable career option. The Business Abilities Web site will give them the tools they need to research their business idea and prepare a business plan. During the start-up phase of the business, the program will continue to provide advanced business management modules and online workshops where they will obtain tools for future business growth.

Eligibility Criteria

Persons with disabilities and chronic health issues.

Summary

The Business Abilities Program is an online program designed to support participants in becoming self-employed through:

• Assessing their entrepreneurial skills;
• Researching their business idea;
• Learning how to prepare a business plan;
• Sourcing out new financing opportunities;
• and much more...

Broken into two phases, the goals are to complete the following within one year:

• Eight "Preparing for Business" modules (in approximately 12 weeks);
• Write a business plan;
• Have the plan assessed by their Business Coach;
• Start their business and participate in the advanced business management modules and virtual classroom sessions.

Throughout this process, participants will be able to access tools and resources one-on-one from their Business Coach via instant text messaging, telephone, e-mail and the Conversation Café.  The Business Abilities Program is funded by the Government of Canada for any person with disabilities who meet the program criteria and would like to explore entrepreneurship.

For more information, visit the Web site: http://www.businessabilities.ca or call the CBDC Westmorland Albert at: 506-533-3343 or 1-800-825-6677.

New Brunswick Contact(s):
Sharon Geldart
Business Seminar Coordinator
CBDC Westmorland Albert
Community Business Development Corporations
337 Main Street
Shediac, New Brunswick  E4P 2B1
Telephone: 506-533-3343
Fax: 506-532-1373
Toll-free (information): 1-800-925-6677
E-mail: sharon.geldart@cbdc.ca