Access dedicated funding programs, business loans, mentoring, and support designed to empower Canadian entrepreneurs with disabilities. From startup capital to accessibility upgrades, find the resources to build your business.
Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan)
A comprehensive program offering business loans, mentoring, training, and counseling specifically for Western Canadians with disabilities or health conditions. Whether you're starting a new business or expanding an existing one, this program provides tailored support with flexible requirements and understanding staff.
Explore dedicated funding programs designed to support your entrepreneurial journey, from startup capital to accessibility improvements.
Employment and Social Development Canada
Supports capital projects that improve accessibility in workplaces and community spaces through grants for renovations, retrofits, or accessible technologies.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Supports under-represented groups in agriculture including persons with disabilities to develop skills, gain knowledge, and grow their businesses.
City of Ottawa
Provides financial support to non-profit agencies for projects that assist persons with disabilities to overcome obstacles to creating new jobs and enterprises.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Government-backed loans to help small businesses access financing for equipment, leasehold improvements, and real property. Accessible to all eligible entrepreneurs.
Business Development Bank of Canada
Flexible financing options for Canadian entrepreneurs at all business stages. BDC offers inclusive lending practices with business advisors who understand diverse needs.
Futurpreneur Canada
Provides financing, mentoring, and support to aspiring business owners aged 18-39. Committed to inclusive entrepreneurship with accessible application processes.
Employment and Social Development Canada
Supports youth including those with disabilities to develop skills and gain work experience. Includes entrepreneurship pathways and small business development support.
Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Supports community economic development projects in Southern Ontario, including initiatives that help underrepresented entrepreneurs build and grow businesses.
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Supports business development and economic growth in Atlantic Canada through various programs. Committed to inclusive entrepreneurship across the region.
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
Supports economic development in Canada's three territories with funding for businesses and communities. Inclusive programs for all territorial entrepreneurs.
Ontario Ministry of Labour
Provides financial support and business training to eligible Ontarians who want to start their own business, including those facing employment barriers.
Employment and Social Development Canada
Helps persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and keep employment or become self-employed. Funds can support entrepreneurship training and business startup.
Many programs offer more than just financial assistance. Here's what else is available.
Connect with experienced entrepreneurs and business advisors who understand the unique challenges of building a business with a disability.
Access accessible workshops, courses, and resources covering everything from business planning to marketing and financial management.
Funding for adaptive equipment, accessible software, and assistive technologies that help you run your business effectively.
Grants for workplace modifications, accessibility renovations, and accommodations that make your business space inclusive.
Most Canadian disability entrepreneur programs use self-declaration policies, meaning you identify as a person with a disability without requiring medical documentation. This approach is designed to be:
Get answers to common questions about disability entrepreneur funding in Canada.
Canadian entrepreneurs with disabilities can access several dedicated programs including: PrairiesCan Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (business loans and mentoring in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba), Enabling Accessibility Fund (up to $100,000 for workplace accessibility), AgriDiversity Program (up to $200,000 for agriculture), plus many provincial and municipal programs. Most general business grants are also fully accessible to entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Most Canadian disability entrepreneur programs use self-declaration, meaning you simply identify as a person with a disability or chronic health condition without requiring medical documentation. Programs like PrairiesCan's Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program explicitly state "self-declared disability or health condition." Some programs may request documentation such as a Disability Tax Credit certificate, medical letter, or provincial disability benefit confirmation, but this varies by program.
Yes, absolutely. Canadian disability entrepreneur programs recognize all disabilities including invisible/non-apparent disabilities such as chronic pain, mental health conditions, learning disabilities, neurological conditions, autoimmune disorders, and chronic illnesses. Self-declaration policies are designed to be inclusive of all disability types without requiring proof.
Federal Canadian grant programs are required to provide accessibility accommodations upon request. This includes: alternative format applications (large print, audio, braille), extended deadlines, telephone/video call assistance instead of written applications, sign language interpretation for consultations, and assistive technology compatibility. Contact the program administrator to request accommodations before applying.
Yes, the Enabling Accessibility Fund provides up to $100,000 for small projects to improve workplace and community space accessibility. This covers renovations, retrofits, and accessible technologies. Many provincial programs also offer accessibility improvement grants. These can fund ramps, automatic doors, accessible washrooms, assistive technologies, website accessibility upgrades, and more.
Yes, you can and should apply to both disability-specific programs and general business grants. There's no restriction preventing entrepreneurs with disabilities from accessing mainstream funding like the Canada Small Business Financing Program, provincial development grants, or sector-specific funding. Applying to multiple programs can maximize your funding potential.