PrairiesCan: Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
Entrepreneurs with disabilities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba can get training, mentoring, and access to loans through regional partners. You must apply through the partner for your region directly.
“The EDP provides business information, training and development, mentoring and one-on-one counseling services.”
From the official program page
Before you spend any money
The official page does not list an application deadline. Ask the regional office for your area before you apply.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Is this for you?
- You are a new or current small business owner with a disability living in Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba.
- You have tried to get funding from traditional lenders but were unable to secure it.
- You want help with business planning, finding specialized equipment, or getting professional counseling.
Probably not the right fit if
- You live outside of Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba.
- You do not have a disability that affects your ability to run a business.
- You are looking for a direct grant or free money, since this program primarily helps you access loans and services.
How much you'd realistically get
Variable; depends on the specific loan or service provided by the regional partner.
What may be supported
- Starting or expanding a business.
- Purchasing and applying new technology.
- Improving facilities and equipment.
- Developing marketing and promotions materials.
- Establishing working capital for anticipated sales increases.
- Accessing mentoring and one-on-one counseling services.
How applying works
Effort: moderateYou must identify your regional contact, verify your eligibility regarding disability and funding history, and engage with the local agency for counseling or loan applications.
- 01Find your regional contact on the official page (for example Edmonton, Calgary, or Winnipeg).
- 02Contact the regional organization via phone or email to discuss available loans and services.
- 03Prepare documentation proving your disability and previous unsuccessful funding attempts.
- 04Work with the regional advisor on your business plan and specialized equipment requirements.
- 05Apply for the specific loan or service through the regional partner.
Who to ask: 780-705-9677 (Edmonton), 1-877-483-2562 (Edmonton Toll Free), 403-272-9323 (Calgary), info@momentum.org (Calgary), 403-851-9995 (Rural Alberta), 1-877-482-3672 (Rural Alberta Toll Free), 204-888-5422 (Winnipeg), 204-943-2905 (Rural Manitoba), 306-665-5508 (Saskatoon), info@abilityhubyxe.ca (Saskatoon), 306-757-7452 (Regina), info@ssilc.ca (Regina), 306-244-3732 (Rural Saskatchewan)
Documents commonly required
- Proof of disability (physical or mental impairment).
- Evidence of unsuccessful funding applications from other sources.
- A business plan, if the regional office asks for one.
- Identification of specialized equipment requirements (if applicable).
What to know before you count on it
- This program acts as a gateway to regional organizations rather than a direct funding source; you must contact the specific agency for your region.
- Eligibility requires proof of disability and a history of unsuccessful funding applications from other sources.
- The specific loan terms, interest rates, and repayment conditions are determined by the regional administering body, not this federal program directly.
What are your odds?
Approval depends on the assessment of the regional partner and your specific business plan and disability status.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get money directly from this program?
No. This program connects you to regional organizations that provide training, mentoring, and access to loans. Ask the regional office for your area how its loans work.
Which regions are covered?
Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Specific contacts are provided for Edmonton, Calgary, Rural Alberta, Winnipeg, Rural Manitoba, Saskatoon, Regina, and Rural Saskatchewan.
What if I have already applied for loans elsewhere?
You must have been unsuccessful in getting needed funding from other sources to qualify for this program.
Is there an application deadline?
The official page does not list a deadline. Ask the regional office for your area before you apply.
More funding by what it pays for
What you can combine it with
This program is related to the Prairies Business Service Network and Community Futures offices; check if you can combine support from multiple regional agencies.
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Worth reading before you apply
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Page last updated ; status and deadline checked . Source: official program page.