What is the EDP?

The EDP is open to any emerging entrepreneur with a self-declared disability, mental health barrier, or long-term health condition. We offer access to the tools, services, and one-one support that you might need to overcome the unique barriers you might face on your journey to self-employment.

How can we help you?

We help entrepreneurs in a couple ways:

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Business resource funding, up to $750

We’ll help you get ahold of the tools, services, and disability accommodations you need to get your business started.

Small business loans, up to $2,000

We’ll set the terms that work for you, together.

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Business plan guidance

We’ll help you build a great plan through one on one counselling.

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Peer support and networks

We’ll connect you to a community of entrepreneurs that understand where you’re coming from.

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Advice and counselling

We’ll work with you for the long-haul, helping you get your business off the ground.

Who is eligible?

The program is open to anybody with a disability that’s going into business for themselves. Access to certain loans and funding is a bit more specific.

Loans, Funding & Training

We give Small Business Loans to help you get started.

• They go up to $2,000, with terms that work for you.

• They’re here so that you can start, or expand, your business.

• Use them to upgrade your technology, marketing, facilities, or services.

To be eligible for a Small Buisness Loan you need to meet the following criteria:

• You have a self-declared disability, or long term health condition.

• You’re aged 18, or older.

• You are a Canadian citizen.

• You are currently operating a registered business in Saskatoon.

At NSILC, loan criteria are lower than most banks, but we need to have to have a reasonable expectation that the loan will be paid back based on three things:

• Credit history

• Debt-to-income ratio

• Capacity to repay

If the applicant has a history of credit issues, they need to present a workable plan to address them.

​The process to apply for a small business loan is simple.

1. ​First, make sure that you’re eligible. The main requirement is that your business is operating in Saskatoon.

2. Then, meet with us to develop, or review, your business plan.

3. Finally, we’ll send your completed business plan to the loan committee for review.

We provide Training - so that you have the confidence to take the next step

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• Learning should be accessible, and all training is either free or low-cost.

• Our doors are open! Most learning opportunities are available for our clients and members of the community.

• Due to Covid-19 restrictions, all training is currently online.

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We offer Business Resource Funding – so that you can access the services, technology, equipment, and disability accommodations you need to get your business started.

You are eligible if:

• You have a self-declared disability, or long-term health condition.

• You are aged 18, or older.

• You are a Canadian citizen.

• You are currently operating a registered Business in Saskatoon; or you are in the process of registering your business