Ontario Business Grants via Disability Support Program
Employment Supports has launched the Disability Support Program in order to help people with disabilities prepare for work and find a job or start their own business. Some employment supports examples are the following:
- Job coaching
- Help keeping a job
- Help finding a job
- Help preparing for a job
- Transportation assistance
- Software and mobility devices that can help you do your job
- Tools and equipment you need for your job
- Specialized computer training
- Other items you may need
The candidate will work with a community service provider to see what type of support is needed.
Disability Support Program Eligibility
To be eligible for Employment Supports, you must:
- Be a resident of Ontario
- Be able to work in Canada
- Be 16 years of age or older
- Have a disability that makes it hard for you to find or keep a job
- Have a disability that is expected to last a year or more
Your service provider will then help you:
- Identify an employment goal
- Figure out the support you need to achieve your goal
- Develop an action plan
Ontario Government Funding Opportunities for Employers
The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities program offers funding for local, regional, and national projects. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. You are eligible for these Ontario business grants if you are a:
- Business
- Organization
- Individual people with disabilities
- Public health and educational institutions
- Municipal governments
The funding for local and regional projects is distributed through a contribution agreement with a service provider.
Additional Canadian Government Funding Support
For more information on Canadian business funding mechanisms, please be sure to contact Mentor Works, the Canadian Government Funding Planners or subscribe to our Weekly Small Business Funding E-Newsletter.
I am on ODSP I was wondering if I can use your program to help me start up my small business.
Hi Aaron – this program is not currently accepting applications, however please refer to our list of Government Funding for Hiring & Training to explore other options. Please keep in mind that all government funding programs related to for-profit businesses require the applicant to have a Canadian incorporated business in order to apply.
I’m very keen to know more info abt small buisness grant nd supports pls tx
Hi Faizal – For more information, we recommend consulting Canada.ca’s official page on the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. All the best!
A friend and I are in the process of becoming franchisees/distributors for an established Canadian company. I have a brain injury and limited vision. Are there any grants available to us, or any other assistance? Thank you in advance for any help and/or advice.
Hi Lisa – Although the program mentioned in this blog is not currently open to applications, there could be other programs available to support your business. What we recommend for businesses in the startup phase is to evaluate the various Startup Resources (click for more info) available to see which options you can leverage to finance and structure your new business. Be cautious, as some of the programs are not applicable to franchisees. All the best with this exciting new chapter of your career!
Can you advise where my daughter, a freelance graphic artist with a brain injury and sever hearing loss, can get some training and support for running her business?
Hi Katherine – Although this program is no longer available, we do encourage entrepreneurs to visit our Startup Resources Page to see the type of support available to startups in their planning and early-stage growth phases. The best of luck to you and your daughter.
I am on a disability till I’m 65 years old
Could I get a grant to partner up with someone starting there own business?
Hello Monique,
Thank you for reaching out to us with your interest in funding. Mentor Works specializes in funding for established businesses. If you are just starting out I would recommend taking a look at our startup resources which can be found on our website here. We wish you the best of luck in starting and growing your business.
What government grants, loans, funding etc are available for a woman on disability to start a business which includes owning a small farm
Hello Jo,
Thank you for reaching out to us with your query. As it turns out, the team here at Mentor Works specializes in dealing with programs that support established businesses looking to secure grants and loans. If you are just starting your business, the best resource I can navigate you to would be our Canadian Startup Business Resource page, which can be found here. I would also suggest connecting with your local government, as often disability programs are managed at that level. Good luck in getting your business started, once you are established we look forward to seeing what we can do together!
Hi, I am post strke without speaking and walking ability for 16 years. I would like to start an online business. Can I get any grant?
Hello Reno,
Thank you for reaching out to us with your interest in funding. Mentor Works specializes in funding for established businesses. If you are just starting out I would recommend taking a look at our startup resources which can be found on our website here. We wish you the best of luck in starting and growing your business
Hi I’m trying to start a online clothing market for independent designers and models and stores and I’m on odsp and need help to get this off the ground
Hi Daniel – Congrats on your new business venture! As a startup, we would recommend that you first explore your options on the Startup Resources Page to see which would be the most relevant to your business. All the best!