Community Futures Alberta — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
Cochrane, AB, Canada
Training and coaching for entrepreneurs with disabilities in Alberta
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|noCondition
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Loans and Capital investments
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Community Futures Alberta
- Prairies Economic Development Canada (PRAIRIESCAN)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Get help with your business plan and access business training and coaching services to help you launch your own business in rural Alberta.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program provides support for individuals with disabilities or health conditions to start and grow their businesses. This program facilitates various project activities essential for developing entrepreneurial ventures.
- One-on-one business coaching
- Access to loans
- Technology training
- Mental wellness resources
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$5,000
Banff
Providing technology training for new rural entrepreneurs
$6,000
Jasper
Developing mental wellness resources for small businesses
$14,000
Red Deer
Establishing a business development center
$7,000
Canmore
Offering business coaching services to aspiring entrepreneurs
$9,000
Grande Prairie
Launching a mental wellness initiative for a local NPO
$15,000
Fort McMurray
Facilitating loans for local business development
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program you must:
- Have a self-disclosed disability or ongoing health condition
- Live in rural Alberta
- Have a viable business idea
- Be able to contribute in some way to your business
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) does not specify the types of companies or industries eligible. It focuses on individuals with disabilities or health conditions living in rural Alberta.
Nothing
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include:
- Technology training
- Mental wellness resources
- Business coaching expenses
- Loans for business development
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
Eligible companies for this grant must be located in rural Alberta. The program is designed to support entrepreneurs residing in specified rural areas of Alberta.
- Rural areas in Alberta
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program grant:
- Self-disclosed disability or ongoing health condition
- Residency in rural Alberta
- Viable business idea
- Ability to contribute to the business
grant_single_labels|register
Step 1: Research and Eligibility Verification
- Ensure you have a self-disclosed disability or ongoing health condition.
- Confirm that you live in rural Alberta.
- Verify that you have a viable business idea.
- Assess your ability to contribute to your business.
Step 2: Locate Community Futures Office
- Find your local Community Futures office in rural Alberta.
- Gather contact information and address for communication.
Step 3: Contact Community Futures Office
- Reach out to the Community Futures office for initial consultation.
- Request details on the program application process.
- Ask about any required documentation or forms.
Step 4: Prepare Application
- Compile necessary information related to your business and personal background.
- Prepare a business plan and financial projections.
- Complete any required application forms.
Step 5: Attend Coaching Sessions
- Schedule and attend one-on-one business coaching sessions.
- Utilize guidance to improve your business plan.
Step 6: Submit Application
- Submit your completed application and business plan to your local Community Futures office.
- Include any supporting documents requested during the initial consultation.
Step 7: Await Approval and Feedback
- Wait for feedback or approval from the Community Futures office.
- Be prepared to provide additional information if requested.
Step 8: Utilize Program Offers
- Access loans, technology training, and mental wellness resources once approved.
- Continue engaging with the program for ongoing support and mentorship.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Additional information worth knowing for applicants of the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program:
- Access to one-on-one business coaching to support business development.
- Availability of mental wellness resources to help maintain the well-being of entrepreneurs.
- Provision of support specifically tailored for individuals facing barriers due to health conditions.
- Opportunity for training in technology to enhance business operations and efficiency.
- Celebration of the program's 25 years of operation, showcasing its long-standing commitment to supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities.
grant_single_labels|contact
403-851-9995
Apply to this program
Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program: Empowering Business Dreams in Rural Alberta
The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program provides customized support for individuals with disabilities or health conditions residing in rural Alberta, empowering them to realize their entrepreneurial dreams. Participants gain access to personalized business coaching, financial loans, technology training, and mental wellness resources to successfully start and grow their businesses.
Comprehensive Guide to the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program
The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) offers a robust framework for aspiring entrepreneurs who may be managing a disability or long-term health condition. Tailored to the unique needs of individuals residing in rural Alberta, this program is designed to break down barriers that might traditionally hinder the entrepreneurial process. Celebrating its 25th year, the EDP has been a lifeline for many, providing not just financial assistance but a comprehensive suite of services that aim to ensure business viability and sustainability in diverse economic landscapes.
At its core, the EDP is an initiative of the Community Futures Network of Alberta, a renowned organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in rural communities. The program stands out for its inclusivity, extending its benefits to individuals regardless of the type of business they envisage, provided they can demonstrate a viable business idea. Eligibility criteria are straightforward and inclusive, focusing on self-disclosed disabilities and residing within the designated geographical scope.
One of the cornerstone offerings of the EDP is its one-on-one business coaching. This service is particularly beneficial as it allows participants to receive customized advice and insights tailored to their specific business circumstances. Coaches provide guidance on business planning, marketing strategies, operational efficiencies, and more, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge required to navigate the challenges of building a successful enterprise.
Financial support forms another crucial pillar of the EDP. The program provides access to business loans that can be instrumental in overcoming initial financial hurdles. Whether funds are needed for startup costs, inventory purchases, or expansion efforts, the financial assistance offered is geared toward empowering participants to manifest their business visions without the constraints of inadequate capital.
Furthermore, the EDP places significant emphasis on technology training, recognizing that digital literacy and adeptness with modern technological tools are indispensable elements of contemporary business success. Participants have the opportunity to learn about and integrate technology solutions that can streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and ultimately boost profitability.
Beyond the operational facets, the program recognizes the importance of mental wellness in sustaining entrepreneurial efforts. Starting a business is inherently stressful, and for those managing health conditions, the pressure can be even greater. Thus, the EDP provides access to mental wellness resources, ensuring participants have the support needed to maintain a balanced and healthy approach to business development.
The impact of the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program is multifold. It not only supports individual entrepreneurs in realizing their business dreams but also contributes to the larger economic and social ecosystem in rural Alberta. By empowering individuals who might otherwise remain marginalized, the program fosters inclusion and community development, leading to a more equitable and prosperous society.
For those interested in the program, connecting with a local Community Futures office is a crucial first step. With 27 locations spread across rural Alberta, finding a nearby office ensures that potential applicants can gain tailored advice and access resources efficiently. Community Futures staff provide welcoming, knowledgeable service, ready to guide applicants through the process and towards a successful entrepreneurial future.
Overall, the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program is more than just an initiative; it is a testament to the power of inclusive economic practices, and a model for combining financial aid with personal development to drive sustainable growth. By focusing on individuals' strengths and potential, the EDP not only builds businesses but also communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.