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Special Projects funding from EDP Alberta helped Community Futures Meridian Region design and deliver a practical, inclusive way for rural youth to learn the basics of small business ownership. All 10 seats filled within 7 days, and every participant completed the program by October 2025.

Running a business is exciting—but it can also be stressful. For rural entrepreneurs living with disabilities or health conditions, those challenges can feel even heavier. At Community Futures, we believe that supporting your success means supporting your whole well-being. That’s why many Community Futures staff receive Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training.

Every year on December 3rd, the world comes together to recognize the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). Established by the United Nations, this day promotes understanding of disability issues and mobilizes support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities. It’s also a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of individuals living with disabilities in every community.

 At Community Futures Alberta, our Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) is designed to help rural entrepreneurs overcome barriers and build businesses that fit their lives. Today, we’re proud to share the inspiring journey of Bonnie Kroeker, owner of Wiggle Butts Day Home—a safe haven for dogs that’s rooted in trust, compassion, and community.

Community Futures Alberta’s Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) helps rural business owners overcome barriers and succeed. One powerful tool for managing the day-to-day business load? Project management skills. Even an informal approach can make a big difference for entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Running a business in rural Alberta comes with unique challenges—and when you’re managing a disability, chronic health condition, or neurodivergence, those challenges can feel even bigger. The good news? Technology is changing the game. Affordable and accessible tools can help entrepreneurs work smarter, not harder, and create businesses that thrive.

 If you’re living in rural Alberta and dreaming of starting or growing a business—but you’re also navigating a disability, long-term health condition, or neurodivergence—you might be wondering: Am I eligible for the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP)?

The answer might be yes—and we’re here to help you find out.

 If you’ve never worked with a business coach before, you might be wondering: What exactly does a coach do? And just as importantly—what don’t they do?

At the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP), coaching is at the heart of how we support rural Albertans with disabilities, long-term health conditions, and neurodivergence. But coaching isn’t about giving you all the answers—it’s about helping you find your own.

 Entrepreneurship is a journey—and for those navigating disabilities, long-term health conditions, or neurodivergence, that journey can come with unique challenges. That’s why the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) offers coaching that’s not only supportive, but deeply personalised to your needs, goals, and circumstances.

In the heart of Alberta’s countryside, innovation is thriving. From small towns to remote hamlets, entrepreneurs with disabilities and health conditions are building businesses that reflect their resilience, creativity, and deep connection to their communities. The Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) is proud to support these changemakers—because rural Alberta deserves tailored support, and rural entrepreneurs deserve to dream big.