undefined
Entrepreneurs with Disabilities - AB - Canada

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

Last Update: January 24, 2025
AB, Canada
Loans and support for entrepreneurs with disabilities in the Prairies provinces

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities at a glance

Eligible Funding
  • No Condition
Timeline
  • Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Loans and Capital investments
Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Grant Providers
  • Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
  • Government of Canada
Status
Open

Overview of the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program

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.

Financing terms and conditions

The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program offers flexible loan options to eligible entrepreneurs, designed to meet their specific business needs. The financing modalities emphasize accessibility for those unable to secure loans through traditional financial institutions.
  • Access to business loans for starting or expanding a business.
  • Funds available for purchasing and applying new technology.
  • Loans can be used to upgrade facilities and equipment.
  • Financing for developing marketing and promotional materials.
  • Establishing working capital for anticipated sales increases.

Eligible projects & activities

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.
Examples of admissible projects:

$ 80,000

Establishing a microbrewery with a focus on producing eco-friendly, sustainable brews

$ 40,000

Launching an online platform for selling handmade crafts and arts by local artists

$ 50,000

Upgrading gym facilities to include accessible fitness equipment for individuals with disabilities

$ 70,000

Opening a new daycare center with modern facilities and educational tools

$ 50,000

Expanding a local bakery by upgrading kitchen equipment and enhancing marketing strategies

$ 60,000

Developing a mobile app aimed at providing mental wellness resources for remote workers

Eligibility criteria of the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program

Eligibility for the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) in the Prairie provinces is based on specific criteria relating to the entrepreneur's condition and business status.
  • The applicant must be an entrepreneur who has been unsuccessful in obtaining necessary funding from other sources.
  • The applicant must be unable to perform at least one of the basic activities of entrepreneurship or self-employment.
  • The applicant must have a disability due to physical or mental impairment.
  • The applicant must have a viable business plan and be a new or current small business owner with a disability.
  • The applicant must reside in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba.

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

Eligibility criteria of the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program

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 to the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Contact Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)

403-851-9995

Apply to this program

More grants like this

PrairiesCan — Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative
Other SupportGrant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen
Alberta, Canada
Funding to recover Canada's aerospace sector in the Prairie region
Community Futures Alberta — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
Loans and Capital investmentsOpen
Alberta, Canada
Training and coaching for entrepreneurs with disabilities in Alberta
AWE — Loan Programs
Loans and Capital investmentsClosed
Alberta, Canada
Loans for Alberta women entrepreneurs
Alberta Indian Investment Corporation
Loans and Capital investmentsClosed
Alberta, Canada
Loans for Alberta First Nations entrepreneurs
Renewable and Alternative Energy Program
Grant and FundingLoans and Capital investmentsOpen
Alberta, Canada
Invests in clean technologies for Alberta's low-carbon future
Settlement Investment Corporation
Other SupportLoans and Capital investmentsOpen
Alberta, Canada
Developmental debt financing for the Métis in Alberta
Community Futures Alberta — Financial Supports
Loans and Capital investmentsOpen
Cochrane, Alberta
Funding for rural SMEs in Alberta
Community Futures Treaty Seven — Lending Services
Loans and Capital investmentsOpen
Alberta, Canada
Business loans for Treaty Seven Members (Alberta)
Alberta Carbon Capture Incentive Program
Grant and FundingOpen
Alberta, Canada
Supports carbon capture projects for emissions reduction in Alberta
Alberta Innovates — Agriculture & Environment (AE) Program
Grant and FundingOpen
Alberta, Canada
Fosters innovation and promotes sustainable practices in agriculture