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Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program

What does the program offer?

The program makes it easier for entrepreneurs with disabilities to pursue their business goals and contribute to the economic growth of their rural communities.

Business services such as the following can be accessed through this program:

• help developing customized business plans
• mentoring and counselling services
• training in business development
• one-on-one assistance
• help to identify needs for specialized equipment and the assistance needed to acquire it
• access to capital

What loans are available?

The program provides entrepreneurs with disabilities, who are unable to obtain financing from a traditional financial institution, access to business loans up to $150,000.

The loan terms are designed to be patient and flexible, and are tailored to meet your needs.

What can the loans be used for?

Types of projects supported by this program include:

• starting or expanding a business
• purchasing and applying new technology
• upgrading facilities and equipment
• developing marketing and promotions materials
• establishing working capital for anticipated sales increases

Who is eligible?

Western Canadian entrepreneurs meeting the following basic criteria may be considered for funding:

• have been unsuccessful in acquiring funding for business from other sources
• are restricted in the ability to perform at least one of the basic activities of entrepreneurship or self-employment
• are disabled due to physical or mental impairment, have a viable business plan and are a new or current small business owner with a disability, reside in the CF Region, and are legally entitled to work in rural Western Canada.
• have a reasonable personal investment and provision of suitable collateral
• prepay loan application, mortgage, cavaet, search & registration fees, etc.

All legal fees incurred during the preparation and signing of security are the responsibility of the client.

Interest rate is set for the term of the loan at Prime + 2%. The term of the loan is determined by the Community Futures St Paul - Smoky Lake Region Credit Committee depending upon the life of the assets pledged as security on the loan.