PrairiesCan — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
Entrepreneurs residing in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba who have disabilities due to physical or mental impairments are eligible. They must be unable to perform at least one of the basic activities of entrepreneurship or self-employment and have been unsuccessful in obtaining necessary business funding from other sources. Additionally, they should have a feasible business plan and be current or potential small business owners with disabilities.
Overview
The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program, administered by PrairiesCan, offers business loans to Western Canadians with disabilities, facilitating access to mentoring, training, and one-on-one counseling to start or expand a business, purchase new technology, upgrade equipment, or develop marketing materials. The program aims to support entrepreneurs with disabilities who have been unable to secure funding from other sources, with services available across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
At a glance
Funding available
- Increase performance through digital transformation
- Develop an online presence
- Reduce environmental footprint
- Varies by project
Eligible candidates
- All industries
- Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
- All revenue ranges
- All organization sizes
- Persons with Disabilities
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Startups
Next Steps
Activities funded
The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program supports activities that enable entrepreneurs with disabilities to start or expand their businesses. The eligible projects focus on obtaining technology, upgrading facilities, and enhancing market presence.
- Starting or expanding a business.
- Purchasing and applying new technology.
- Upgrading facilities and equipment.
- Developing marketing and promotions materials.
- Establishing working capital for anticipated sales increases.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
Entrepreneurs residing in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba who have disabilities due to physical or mental impairments are eligible. They must be unable to perform at least one of the basic activities of entrepreneurship or self-employment and have been unsuccessful in obtaining necessary business funding from other sources. Additionally, they should have a feasible business plan and be current or potential small business owners with disabilities.
Who is not eligible
There are certain types of companies that are not eligible for the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program grant:
- Companies that do not have entrepreneurs with disabilities as owners
- Companies that do not operate in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba
Eligible expenses
This program enables entrepreneurs with disabilities in the Prairies to access resources for developing and expanding their businesses. Eligible activities include services and financial assistance to help overcome challenges related to disability in the entrepreneurship journey.
- Starting or expanding a business.
- Purchasing and applying new technology.
- Upgrading facilities and equipment.
- Developing marketing and promotions materials.
- Establishing working capital for anticipated sales increases.
Eligible geographic areas
This grant is available to entrepreneurs residing in specific geographical areas within Canada. The eligible regions focus on the Prairie provinces, aiming to support local businesses operated by entrepreneurs with disabilities.
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba
Selection criteria
The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) in the Prairie provinces has specific criteria for evaluating and selecting applicants:
- Applicants must have been unsuccessful in obtaining funding from other sources
- Applicants must be unable to perform at least one basic activity of entrepreneurship
- Applicants must have a physical or mental impairment that constitutes a disability
- Applicants must have a viable business plan and be either new or current small business owners
- Applicants must reside in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba
How to apply
Here are the steps to submit an application for the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program in the Prairie provinces:
- Step 1: Contact Regional Office
- Identify your regional office from the provided list based on your location (e.g., Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, etc.).
- Reach out via telephone or email to get specific guidance and application forms.
- Step 2: Gather Required Information and Documents
- Prepare a detailed business plan outlining your business idea, goals, and the support you need.
- Compile necessary documents such as proof of disability, failed funding attempts from other sources, and any other supporting documents requested by the regional office.
- Step 3: Consultation and Assessment
- Book and attend a consultation session with a counselor for one-on-one business guidance and assessment of your application.
- Refine your business plan and application with feedback from the consultation.
- Step 4: Complete Application Form
- Fill out the application form provided by the regional office during your consultation.
- Ensure all questions are answered accurately and completely.
- Step 5: Submit Application
- Submit your completed application form along with all required documents to the regional office.
- Use the contact method specified by the office (mail, email, or fax).
- Confirm submission and retain any confirmation receipt for your records.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP):
- In rural communities, the program is delivered through Community Futures.
- Community Futures offices and other regional support organizations are part of the Prairies Business Service Network.
- The program provides access to expertise through various associated service centers such as Women’s Enterprise Initiative offices and Indigenous Business Development Services.
- Participants can receive specialized help in identifying requirements for specialized equipment.