PrairiesCan - Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program

Insider Tip

The EDP's real value is often the free business coaching and mentoring — not just the loan. Before even applying for a loan, you can access one-on-one counseling, business plan development assistance, and training at no cost. Many participants benefit significantly from these services even without taking a loan. Also, this is a 'lender of last resort' program — you must show you've been turned down by banks first. Keep records of any bank/credit union denials. The disability is self-declared, meaning you define your barrier; you don't need a doctor's note. If you have a chronic health condition that affects your ability to work in a traditional job, you likely qualify.

Rejection Pitfalls 6

• No self-declared disability or ongoing health condition
• Able to obtain financing from conventional sources (banks, credit unions)
• Business plan deemed not viable by the delivery agent

Success Profile

The ideal EDP participant is a Western Canadian (AB, SK, or MB) with a self-declared disability or chronic health condition who has a viable business idea but has been unable to secure financing through conventional channels. The program is particularly well-suited for: (1) individuals transitioning from disability benefits to self-employment, (2) people with physical or mental health barriers who need flexible, patient capital, (3) micro-business startups in service industries, home-based businesses, or sole proprietorships, (4) entrepreneurs who benefit from mentoring and coaching alongside financing. The program's comprehensive support services (not just the loan) make it ideal for first-time entrepreneurs who need holistic guidance.

Evaluation Criteria

Delivery organization counsellors assess: self-declared disability or ongoing health condition creating financing barriers; evidence of unsuccessful conventional financing attempts (bank denial letters); business plan viability (realistic revenue projections, market demand, operator capability); ability to meet loan repayment terms. Approval rate historically ~91% for applicants who complete the full process — the counsellor conversation is the primary filter.

Application Steps

Required Documents 6

Eligible Expenses 8

• Startup costs and initial business launch expenses
• Purchase of equipment and machinery
• Facility upgrades and leasehold improvements
• Purchase and application of new technology relevant to the business
• Inventory acquisition for anticipated sales growth
• Marketing and promotional material development
• Working capital to support anticipated sales increases
• Business expansion costs

Ineligible Expenses 5

• Personal expenses unrelated to the business
• Debt consolidation or refinancing of existing obligations
• Purchases at above-market prices
• Activities not related to starting or expanding a legitimate business
• Expenses for businesses operating outside Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba

Intake Periods

Continuous intake — no deadlines or application windows. Program has operated since 1997 with consistent year-round availability.

Deadline Notes

The EDP is a continuously available program with no application deadlines or intake windows. Entrepreneurs can contact their regional delivery organization at any time. The program has been operational since 1997.

Open Application Portal →

Ineligible Organizations

• Entrepreneurs who can obtain financing from conventional banking or credit union sources
• Residents outside Alberta, Saskatchewan, or Manitoba
• Individuals without a self-declared disability or ongoing health condition
• Businesses deemed not viable by the delivery organization's counsellors

Compatible Programs

Clawback Risk

Low Risk

Low. No federal clawback mechanism beyond standard loan recovery. Delivery organizations are generally more flexible than banks when borrowers face hardship due to disability or health conditions.