Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP)

Community Futures Development Corporation of North Fraser believes that every individual, including people with disabilities,
have the right to be included in business. Unfortunately, a
host of systemic physical and attitudinal barriers often excludes
potential entrepreneurs with disabilities from accessing
business products and services, and often prevents full
achievement of their business goals.

Our EDP loan program can help clients establish a new business or it can help to purchase or expand an existing one. People with disabilities are eligible for business services and programs by
self-declaring a disabling condition. These may include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Communication impairment
· Hearing loss or deafness
· Visual impairment or blindness
· Learning disability
· Impaired mobility
· Neurological disability
· Psychiatric disability
· Chronic disabling medical condition such as asthma, severe
  allergies, heart condition or disease, kidney condition or disease

Our agreement with Western Economic Diversification Canada stipulates that our EDP investment funds are to be utilized in support of:

"Entrepreneurs who, that in the opinion of the Corporation, have a disability due to physical or mental impairment, such that the ability to perform at least one of the basic activities of self-employment or entrepreneurship is restricted, are eligible. Partnership or corporations owned or controlled by disabled individuals are also eligible."

It should be noted that the EDP program is designed to serve only those potential clients who are competent, ready and motivated to start a business. They should have a clear picture of the opportunity they face, and possess the basic skills that will allow them to be successful.

We encourage people with disabilities to meet with our Business Analyst or our Business Consultant to discuss their business ideas. Please contact our office by phone at (604) 826-6252 or by email at info@northfraser.org