Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP)

Rural Areas

The Community Futures Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) is a business loans program that reduces the obstacles that people with disabilities or ongoing health issues may face when looking for financing. The program began in 1997 through funding from Western Economic Diversification and the support of the Community Futures network. In 2006, the EDP was expanded to provide specialized assistance directly to rural entrepreneurs with disabilities. At Community Futures, we believe that managing ongoing health or disability issues should not be a barrier to business success.

• EDP loans are for business owners who self-identify and self-disclose a disability or ongoing health issue.    
• EDP eligible clients also have access to specialized assistance to help them successfully run the business.  
• EDP loans and assistance have helped business owners who live with cyclical health issues, physical, mental and learning disabilities.

Read some of our clients' success stories here.

In fiscal year 2017-18 Community Futures Rural EDP program across BC disbursed $1.5 Million in loans, served 307 clients, helped to create or maintain employment for 124 individuals and created or expanded 52 businesses.

If you live in rural BC and need a loan, or help to start or grow your business, ask us about EDP.

Please watch the video below for further information about how the EDP can help business owners like you!

Find out how we help.

Urban Areas

The Community Futures Urban Entrepreneurs Disability Program (UEDP) is a new initiative in 2018. The program is for Entrepreneurs who:

• Self-disclose a disability or ongoing health issue
• Live in Greater Vancouver or Greater Victoria area
• Have a viable business idea and have demonstrated commitment through research, learning and planning
• Have made a personal investment into the business
• Require additional support to overcome a barrier to entrepreneurship

Clients who are applying for a loan through a financial institution such as a bank or credit union may be referred to Community Futures to access such services as one-to-one business skills coaching, mentorship or support, which may better aid them in a successful loan application process with that institution.

If you are an institution wishing to refer a client, please complete the Urban EDP Client Referral Form. Once the form is submitted we will be in contact with the client.

If you live in the Greater Vancouver or Greater Victoria areas and require further information, ask us about Urban EDP.