Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

In March of 1997, Western Economic Diversification Canada created the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program. The program was established to make it easier for entrepreneurs with disabilities to pursue their business goals and contribute to economic growth within their rural communities.

The program offers:

Repayable business loans with terms that are specifically tailored to address each individual entrepreneur's needs.

Loans received under this program can be used for:

• Starting or expanding a business
• Applying new technology to your business
• Upgrading facilities and equipment
• Developing marketing and promotions material
• Establishing working capital for anticipated sales increases

To qualify for the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program you must:

1. Live in a rural community in Western Canada, and
2. Have a disability that impairs your ability to perform at least one of the basic activities of self-employment or entrepreneurship

For more information: please contact our loans department at 352-1933 ext. 114

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Web Resources

Canadian Society for Social Development (CSSD)
CSSD is part of the Community Futures network of British Columbia. The society provides skills training to persons facing barriers to employment, including online entrepreneurial and web design training across Canada. CSSD also conducts research for the development of programs in the areas of entrepreneurship, leadership and distance learning.

Achieve Planning & Employment Services
Community Futures is a delivery agent of the Self-Employment Program for people with disabilities. Achieve is the first point of contact for this program. Achieve does assessments and makes referrals. Their Central Kootenay office is located at 533B Baker Street, 250.352.5209.

WORKlink BC
WORKlink BC is a virtual employment resource centre, providing services to work seekers with disabilities, employers and career practitioners.
Come on in and check out our job postings, online counselling services, agency directory, articles and much more.

BC WorkinfoNet
Your one-stop shop for On-line Career, Job and Labour Market Information in British Columbia.

B.C. Aboriginal Network on Disability Society
BCANDS provides a variety of support services and resources to help B.C.'s aboriginal people with disabilities, and others associated with the disabled. Aboriginal people with special needs direct and control the organization, a registered non-profit society with about 1900 members.