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.

This guide breaks down the eligibility criteria in a friendly, accessible way, so you can feel confident taking the first step.

Who Is EDP For?

EDP is designed to support entrepreneurs in rural Alberta who face health-related barriers to traditional employment or business development. These barriers can take many forms, and we recognize that they affect each person differently.

Here are some examples of what a health-related barrier might look like in the context of business ownership:

Physical Disabilities

• You experience mobility limitations that make it difficult to work in a traditional setting or commute regularly
• You require assistive technology or modified workspaces to manage your business
• You need to structure your workday around energy levels, pain management, or accessibility needs

Long-Term Health Conditions

• You live with chronic illness (e.g., fibromyalgia, diabetes, autoimmune conditions) that affects your stamina or consistency
• You manage mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression that impact your ability to plan, communicate, or make decisions
• You experience fatigue, flare-ups, or other symptoms that require flexible scheduling and adaptive workflows

Neurodivergence

• You process information or communicate in ways that differ from neurotypical norms
• You benefit from structured routines, visual planning tools, or sensory-friendly environments
• You face challenges with executive functioning, time management, or social interaction in business settings

These are just examples—your experience is valid even if it doesn’t fit neatly into a category. If your health or neurodivergence affects how you work, plan, or run a business, EDP may be a fit for you.

Do I Need a Diagnosis to Qualify?

No. EDP does not require a formal diagnosis to access support.

We understand that receiving a diagnosis can be a barrier in itself—due to cost, wait times, stigma, or simply not feeling the need to pursue one. That’s why we focus on self-management and empowerment, not paperwork.

If you’re managing a health condition or neurodivergence that impacts your ability to work or run a business, that’s enough. We trust you to know your own experience.

EDP is built on the belief that you are the expert on your own life. Our role is to support you in building a business that works for you—not to gatekeep based on medical documentation.

What Does “Rural Alberta” Mean?

To be eligible, you must live in or operate your business in a rural Alberta community. That includes:

• Small towns, villages, and hamlets
• Areas outside major urban centres in Alberta like Edmonton and Calgary
• Communities served by a Community Futures office

If you’re unsure whether your location qualifies, you can reach out to your local Community Futures office or use our eligibility check tool on the website.

Do I Need to Have a Business Already?

Not at all! EDP supports entrepreneurs at all stages:

• If you’re just exploring the idea of starting a business and want to figure out if it is a fit for you and your circumstances
• If you have too many business ideas and need to pick the perfect one!
• If you have a business idea and want help with general planning or specifically with the creation of a Business Plan document
• If you already run a business and need support to grow or adapt—or even if you want to sell.

Our coaching packages are tailored to your stage and situation, so you don’t need to have everything figured out before you apply.

Still Not Sure? Let’s Talk.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to reach out. EDP is here to support rural Albertans who face health-related barriers—and we’re happy to help you explore your options.

Your business dreams matter. Let’s find out if EDP is the right fit for you.