Many Canadians with disabilities are talented entrepreneurs who deserve a chance at success. These people are capable of bringing much to Canada’s economy and community — the Canadian government understands that. That’s why it offers some Canadians with disabilities the benefits of the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP).

“The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program provides business information, training and development, mentoring, and one-on-one counseling services.”

These combined benefits can be a major boon to any business. The EDP also offers business loans, in some cases. These loans have flexible terms and are “tailored to meet your needs.”

The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program loans can be used for the following purposes:

– “Buying and applying new technology”

– “Starting or expanding a business”

– “Establishing working capital for anticipated sales increases”

– “Developing marketing and promotional materials”

– “Upgrading facilities and equipment”

What needs does your business have? Would meeting those needs be easier with a loan?

Who qualifies for the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program?

Entrepreneurs who meet certain criteria may be eligible to receive support from the EDP. Would you possibly be eligible? To determine this, ask yourself the following questions:

Am I an entrepreneur who…

– Lives in Western Canada?

– Is mentally or physically disabled?

– Has a business plan?

– Has not been able to get all the funding I need for my business?

– “Is restricted in my ability to perform at least one of the basic activities of entrepreneurship or self-employment?”

If your answer to some or all of these questions is “yes,” you might qualify for the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program.

Do you think you may qualify for the EDP? Here are the next steps to take.

If you think you may be eligible to receive support from the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program, great! That is very exciting! The next step you will want to take is contacting the EDP-related organization that you live closest to.

Here is a list of EDP organizations, their locations, and their websites:

Victoria/Vancouver

– VanCity Savings Credit Union (www.vancity.com)

– Coast Capital Savings Credit Union (www.coastcapitalsavings.com)

Regina

– South Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre (www.ssilc.ca)

Edmonton

– Distinctive Employment Counseling Services of Alberta (www.decsa.com)

Calgary

– Momentum (www.momentum.org)

Winnipeg

– Independent Living Resource Centre (www.ilrc.mb.ca)

Saskatoon

– North Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre (www.nsilc.com)

If you are a Canadian entrepreneur with a disability, the EDP could be a life changing resource for you.

Read more about the program by visiting http://www.wd.gc.ca/eng/273.asp. To learn about additional financial resources that may be available to you, visit http://www.wd.gc.ca/eng/99.asp.

Sources:

http://www.wd.gc.ca/eng/273.asp

http://www.wd.gc.ca/eng/99.asp

Image made available by -Twon- on Flickr through Creative Commons License.

*Please note: All research for this article is compiled from direct and third party sources. Mention of programs, organizations and companies does not imply support of The National Benefit Authority.  Pictures are for creative purposes only; they are not intended to sell or promote products for the NBA and belong to the accredited individual, organization or company.

Let’s Talk About It

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