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Part 3 of a 4-part series on disability-smart business planning

In Part 2 of this series, we explored how to design your operations plan so your business runs in a way that supports your capacity, accessibility needs, and long-term sustainability.

Now we turn to one of the most important—and often intimidating—parts of your business plan: cash flow projections.

Part 2 of a 4-part series on disability-smart business planning

In Part 1 of this series, we explored how to build your business plan around your real capacity—not an unrealistic “standard” model of entrepreneurship.

Once you’ve defined what you can sustainably manage, the next step is to turn that into something concrete: your operations plan.

Part 1 of a 4-part series on disability-smart business planning

Starting a business often comes with an unspoken assumption: that success requires long hours, constant output, and the ability to push through no matter what.

For many entrepreneurs—including those living with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or neurodivergence—that model simply doesn’t reflect reality. And more importantly, it doesn’t build sustainable businesses.

For Evan Wile, Waverley Ranch represents more than a business — it’s a fresh start and a way of life grounded in family, hard work, and stewardship of the land.

Located on 64 acres outside of Drumheller, Waverley Ranch is a diversified hobby farm raising chickens for eggs and meat, turkeys, and alpacas for fibre, while also grazing cattle and producing hay. Each element of the operation reflects Evan’s commitment to building something sustainable and meaningful in rural Alberta.

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.

For Ruby Cole‑Ellis, building ROSE Magazine was about more than launching a business — it was about creating a meaningful platform for connection, storytelling, and personal growth.

ROSE Magazine is a digital community designed for millennial women, exploring modern womanhood through thoughtful editorial content, social media, and collaborative storytelling. Operating primarily online, the platform brings together contributors and readers in a space that is both creative and empowering.

Starting and growing a business in rural Alberta comes with both exciting opportunities and unique challenges. Whether you’re launching a home-based business, exploring self-employment, or expanding an existing venture, having the right support system can make all the difference.

That’s where Community Futures comes in.

Starting a business for the first time can feel overwhelming, especially when confidence is still growing and the path forward isn’t always clear. For Brenda Schultz, co-owner of Paws in the City in Red Deer, Alberta, the journey into entrepreneurship came with uncertainty, but also a passion to create high-quality, all-natural products for dogs and their owners.

Late spring brings important disability awareness initiatives across Alberta and Canada. Throughout May and early June, organizations and communities are coming together to recognize contributions, raise awareness, and encourage more inclusive approaches to work, community life, and economic participation.

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.