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 Western Economic Diversification Canada's Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP). The EDP provides business information, training and development, mentoring and one-on-one counseling services.

Rural Communities

In rural communities, the program is delivered through Community Futures offices.

Urban Areas

In urban areas, Western Economic Diversification Canada works with organizations to deliver the program. For more information on the program and the services available contact the organization listed below that is nearest to you.

For more information contact the EDP office in your province:

What does the program offer?

The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) provides access to business services across Western Canada, including:

• mentoring and one-on-one counseling services;
• access to business training and development;
• business loans (in some locations); and
• help to identify requirements for specialized equipment.

Who is eligible?

Entrepreneurs meeting the following basic criteria may be considered for support through the EDP:

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

What loans are available?

The program provides entrepreneurs with disabilities access to business loans if they can't get financing from a financial institution. The loan terms are flexible and made to meet your needs. Contact the organization serving your area for more information on loans and services available.

What can the loans be used for?

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.

What other services are available?

Small and medium-sized businesses in most rural and urban areas can easily access a business services through Western Economic Diversification Canada's Western Canada Business Service Network.

This network includes:

• Community Futures offices, which deliver the EDP in rural areas
• Women's Enterprise Initiative offices
• Francophone Economic Development Organizations
• Canada Business Network service centres
• Indigenous Business Development Services

All of these organizations provide entrepreneurs with the expertise they need to start a new business or expand their existing company.
They offer many services from marketing and funding options to counseling and support. For more information on the services our network provides and the network member nearest you, visit the Western Canada Business Service Network.