Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program

The program provides Western Canadians with disabilities easy access to business information, training and development, mentoring and one-on-one counselling services, and financing in their pursuit of self-employment and entrepreneurship. 

Eligibility Criteria

Western Canadian entrepreneurs meeting the following basic criteria may be considered for funding:

• have been unsuccessful in acquiring funding for business from other sources;
• are restricted in the ability to perform at least one of the basic activities of entrepreneurship or self-employment;
• are disabled due to physical or mental impairment; 
• have a viable business plan and are a new or current small business owner with a disability;
• reside in Western Canada.

Summary

The program is delivered through Community Futures Offices in rural areas and by a number of partners in urban areas.

What does the program offer?

The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) makes it easier for entrepreneurs with disabilities to pursue their business goals and contribute to the economic growth of their rural communities. Through the EDP, you can access business services across Western Canada such as:

• mentoring and one-on-one counselling services;
• access to business training and development;
• help to identify requirements for specialized equipment; and
• business loans.

What loans are available?

The program provides entrepreneurs with disabilities who are unable to obtain financing from a traditional financial institution access to business loans. The loan terms are flexible and tailored to meet your needs.

What can the loans be used for?

The types of 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; and
• establishing working capital for anticipated sales increases.

Manitoba Contact(s):
Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
250 - 240 Graham Ave
Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3C OJ7
Telephone: 204-984-2272
Fax: 204-983-3852
Toll-free (information): 1-800-665-2019
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-457-8466
E-mail: manitoba@canadabusiness.mb.ca
Web site: http://www.canadabusiness.mb.ca/

Community Futures Manitoba
559 - 167 Lombard Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0V3
Telephone: 204-943-2905
Fax: 204-956-9363
E-mail: info@cfmanitoba.ca
Web site: http://www.cfmanitoba.ca/ 

Western Economic Diversification Canada
Suite 620
The Cargill Building
240 Graham Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0J7
Telephone: 204-983-4472
Fax: 204-983-3852
Toll-free (information): 1-888-338-WEST (9378)
E-mail: info.manitoba@wd.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.wd.gc.ca/eng/home.asp