Blog

Spring is here in Alberta—and with it comes a fresh wave of opportunity for young people to explore entrepreneurship, build confidence, and discover what’s possible for their future.

Across the province, Community Futures offices are once again launching their youth programs, offering hands-on, supportive learning experiences designed to spark creativity, independence, and business skills. These programs are open to all youth, including those living with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or neurodivergence. Every Community Futures office is committed to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where young people can learn in ways that work for them.

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I don’t even know if this counts as a real business yet,” you’re not alone.

Many people come to the EDP program with an idea they can’t quite define. It might be a skill you’ve used for years, something people have encouraged you to pursue, or a solution to a problem you understand deeply because you’ve lived it yourself. What’s often missing isn’t motivation — it’s clarity.

If you’re in the early stages of entrepreneurship (or just exploring the idea), it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what comes next. Many entrepreneurs — especially those managing a disability or health-related challenge — have so many questions, it’s hard to even get started. The truth is: questions are part of the process. And you don’t have to work through them alone.

Running a business comes with uncertainty — deadlines shift, plans change, and not every day goes as expected. For entrepreneurs living with a disability or health condition, those unpredictable moments can feel even more challenging.

Navigating a health condition or disability at the same time as growing a business can feel overwhelming. Having the right kinds of support around you matters. Two supports available for entrepreneurs are business coaches and business mentors. While these roles can sound similar, they serve different purposes.

The start of a new year is a great time to reflect and set intentions for your business. But if you’re an entrepreneur living with a disability, health condition, or neurodivergence, your goals need to fit your reality—not someone else’s. Here’s how to create goals that are achievable, flexible, and empowering.

Starting or growing a business can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. Through the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP), rural Albertan entrepreneurs living with disabilities, health conditions, or neurodivergence can access free coaching packages designed to meet your unique needs.

Starting or growing a business is exciting, but it can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what the process looks like. At the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP), we provide individualized coaching to support you. Here’s what you can expect when you apply:

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.