Starting a business with a disability can come with extra barriers. Access to financing, one‑on‑one coaching, and flexible supports often matter more than a one‑time grant. The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP), delivered by Community Futures organizations across Canada, is designed to fill that gap with practical, local support.
This guide explains how the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program works, how to apply by province, and what you can expect at each step.
The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program is a Community Futures–delivered program that supports people with disabilities or ongoing health conditions who want to start or grow a business. While many people search for “EDP grants,” the program primarily offers business loans paired with advisory services, not non‑repayable grants.
Core supports usually include:
Each province runs EDP slightly differently, so where you live matters.
While details vary by province, most Community Futures offices share the same core eligibility rules:
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you filter programs by province and rural/urban eligibility in seconds.
Program: Community Futures Alberta — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program
Who it’s for: Rural Alberta residents with disabilities or ongoing health conditions
Key eligibility:
What you get:
Application typically starts by contacting your local Community Futures office, not a centralized provincial portal.
Program: Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) — Saskatchewan
Who it’s for: Individuals with disabilities pursuing self‑employment
What you get:
Important notes:
Program: Community Futures Manitoba — Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program
What you get:
Who it’s for:
Program: Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program — BC (Community Futures)
What you get:
Eligibility highlights:
While forms differ by province, the process usually follows these steps:
EDP is relationship‑driven. Strong engagement with your advisor matters as much as your written plan.
Assuming EDP is a grant
Most EDP funding is repayable financing, not free money. Plan for repayments.
Waiting until your business is “perfect”
EDP is designed to support early‑stage ideas. You do not need a finished business plan.
Applying outside your service area
Community Futures programs are local. Applying to the wrong office can delay your file.
Ignoring stacking rules
You may be able to combine EDP loans with other funding, but only if rules allow it. See also: How to stack grants and loans without violating funding rules.
Q: Is the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program a grant or a loan?
EDP primarily provides repayable business loans, paired with training and advisory support. It is not a traditional grant program.
Q: Do I need medical proof of my disability?
No. The program generally relies on self‑declaration, not formal medical documentation.
Q: Can I apply if I haven’t registered my business yet?
Yes. Many provinces accept applicants who are still in the planning stage, as long as the business idea is viable.
Q: How much funding can I receive?
There is no fixed amount. Loan sizes are determined locally based on your project, budget, and repayment capacity.
Q: Can I combine EDP with other government funding?
In some cases, yes. This depends on the other program’s rules and your Community Futures office’s assessment.
The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program works best when paired with other local and provincial funding. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active grant and loan programs across Canada and helps you see which ones match your location, industry, and business stage. That way, you can plan your funding mix with confidence before you apply.
Was this article helpful?
Rate it so we can improve our content.
Canada Proactive Disclosure Data
The Canadian government has funded over 400,000 businesses through 1.27 million grants and contributions. Check your eligibility in 60 seconds.