Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program in the Prairie provinces

Western Canadians with disabilities can access a network of business professionals and other resources through Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)’s Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP). The EDP provides business information, training and development, mentoring and one-on-one counseling services.

For more information on the EDP and the services available contact the organization listed below that is nearest to you. In rural communities, the program is delivered through Community Futures.

For more information contact the EDP office for your region:

What the program offers

The EDP provides access to business services across the Prairie provinces, including:

• mentoring and one-on-one counseling services
• access to business training and development
• business loans (in some locations)
• 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
• live in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba

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 the loans can 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
• establishing working capital for anticipated sales increases

Other services

Small and medium-sized businesses in most rural and urban areas can easily access a business services through PrairiesCan’s Prairies 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
• 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 Prairies Business Service Network.