Entrepreneurial Development Programs for Persons with Disabilities

The IDEA Pilot Program assists eligible participants to become self-employed, providing resources for evaluating business ideas and training to develop capacity for self employment.

IDEA - Eligibility

• You have a self-declared disability or have been assessed as having a disability.
• You have a self-employment idea or concept but not the resources or knowledge to launch a business.
• You started a business on or after February 1, 2020 but have not made any substantial income to date.
• You need training in the field that the self-employment opportunity is in.
• You are self-employed, unemployed, or precariously employed.

IDEA - Participant Supports

• Skills Development Training.
• Business Coaching and Training.
• Access to temporary financial supports that reduce barriers to participation in the program. (e.g. childcare expenses, transportation supports, digital technology, business equipment, mental health supports.)

To submit a Participant Application for the IDEA Program

The EDP Program assists eligible participants to maintain or grow their existing business.                                                                                                           

EDP - Eligibility

• You have a self-declared disability or have been assessed as having a disability.
• Your business is registered and generating revenue prior to February 1, 2020.
• You have the skills/training required to operate the business.
• You need training or coaching to maintain or grow the business.
• You have the resources or means to access capital to implement the strategies developed through coaching and/or training.                                         

EDP - Participant Supports

• Business Coaching related to business strategy, business plan development and/or specific challenges impacting the businesses future.
• Business Training addressing skill gaps in business operation and management.

To submit a Participant Application for the EDP Program