PrairiesCan — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

Q: How much funding can be received?

There is no informations about how much funding can be received.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Q: Is the PrairiesCan — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities a grant, loan, or tax credit?

PrairiesCan — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities is a Loans and Capital investments

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the PrairiesCan — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities?

PrairiesCan — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities is funded by Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), Government of Canada

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the PrairiesCan — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities?

You can contact Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan) or by phone at 403-851-9995.

Q: Where is the PrairiesCan — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities available?

The PrairiesCan — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program is available the province of AB.

Q: Are startups eligible for the PrairiesCan — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program?

Yes, startups are eligible to apply for the PrairiesCan — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program.

Last Update: July 25, 2025

AB, Canada

Loans and support for entrepreneurs with disabilities in the Prairies provinces

At a glance

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Loans and Capital investments

Eligible Industries

All industries

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

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.

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.

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.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 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

$ 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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Complete Application Form

Fill out the application form provided by the regional office during your consultation.
Ensure all questions are answered accurately and completely.

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.

Contacts

403-851-9995

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the PrairiesCan — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the PrairiesCan — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the PrairiesCan — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities?

How much funding can be received?

What is the deadline to apply?

Is the PrairiesCan — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Who are the financial supporters of the PrairiesCan — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities?

Who is eligible for the PrairiesCan — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program?

To be eligible for the PrairiesCan — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program, you must: The entrepreneur must live in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba. The entrepreneur must be unable to perform at least one of the basic activities of entrepreneurship or self-employment due to physical or mental impairment. The entrepreneur must have been unsuccessful in obtaining needed funding for business from other sources.