Service Canada provides funding contributions towards helping persons with disabilities start their own business, increase their job skills, converge into the workplace through special needs services, and encourage employers to provide them with valuable work experience and skill development opportunities. The $30M program is called the Opportunities Fund (OF) and provides funding under two streams: (1) the individual for start-up support and (2) for employers interested in hiring.
Government Funding for Start-Up Activities
Eligible candidates for this stream must self identify as having a permanent physical or mental disability that limits daily activity. Candidates must be unemployed or work less than 20 hours per week, not currently collecting EI, and legally entitled to work in Canada.
Eligible costs include living expenses, costs of participating in the activity, and training or course costs.
Government Funding for Small Businesses
Companies interested in hiring persons with disabilities under OF must be incorporated in Canada and can either be for-profit, not-for-profit, a public health & educational institution, a municipality, or a governmental department.
Funding is available up to three years towards wage subsidies, funding towards work experience development, and financial support to incorporate new services and technology that help integrate the new hire into the workplace.
Canadian Government Funding Support Services
If you are interested in applying for OF, please visit Service Canada or contact Mentor Works for helpful resources and support throughout the application process. We also offer support for other human resources & training grants, as well as funding for business expansion, conduct research & development, and to invest in capital equipment.