Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – The North Saskatchewan
Independent Living Centre (NSILC) will continue to help disabled individuals
in Saskatoon to start and grow small businesses thanks to a $605,000 investment
announced today for an extension of the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
Program (EDP).
“The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program gives disabled entrepreneurs
the information and support they need to create self-employment opportunities
for themselves,” said the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of
National Revenue, on behalf of Rona Ambrose, Minister of Intergovernmental
Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. “Canada’s
Government is creating new opportunities and more choices in the West’s
small business sector to encourage the independence of individuals with
disabilities.”
The program enhances fundamental business skills through orientation,
disability consultation, business training, coaching and access to financing.
NSILC will deliver services over the next four and a half years.
“The EDP is an excellent tool to help the North Saskatchewan Independent
Living Centre provide individuals with disabilities with the independence
they need to fully integrate and participate in their community,”
said Georgie A. Davis, NSILC executive director. “It ensures our
clients have easy access to business services and other support mechanisms
needed to consider self-employment as a viable option.”
Entrepreneurs with disabilities face barriers related to access to capital,
a lack of understanding of disability amongst the business sector and
marketplace, limited business experience, low self-confidence, more restricted
access to information, the demands of the disability and systemic issues
such as the potential loss of income supports or medical coverage.
A 2005 evaluation concluded that there is a significant need for this
program and that the program has been successful. In response to the evaluation
and consultations, WD announced a five-year extension of its existing
multi-regional program in May 2006.
For further information regarding the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
Program, visit www.wd.gc.ca/finance/programs/edp_e.asp
.
For additional information, contact:
Heather Waldern-Hinds
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, SK
Tel: (306) 975-5475
Georgie A. Davis
Executive Director
North Saskatchewan Independent Living Centre
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 665-5508
