Entrepreneurs with disabilities often encounter barriers accessing capital, specialized business services, mentorship and tailored supports needed to start, grow and scale successful businesses. The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP), unique to Western Canada, delivers business information, training and development, mentoring, and one-on-one counseling services to entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced $5.5 million in non-repayable PrairiesCan funding over the next five years to support eight organizations delivering the EDP in Prairie communities.
The EDP has a strong track record of advancing inclusive economic participation and helping entrepreneurs turn innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. Over the last four years, the program has helped create, maintain or expand more than 490 businesses, delivered over 8,200 business advisory services, and provided direct support to more than 1,880 entrepreneurs with disabilities across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
By renewing the program for another five years, PrairiesCan continues to support a more accessible, inclusive and resilient economy, helping entrepreneurs with disabilities turn ideas into viable businesses that contribute to a strong, resilient, and inclusive Prairie economy.
“The renewal of the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program ensures that aspiring and established entrepreneurs with disabilities continue to receive practical, tailored support to start and grow successful businesses in the Prairie economy. This investment reflects our government’s commitment to building a more resilient and inclusive economy, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and contribute to the Prairies and Canada’s economic growth.” said Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada.
