The Community Futures Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP) is a business loans program that reduces the obstacles that people with disabilities or ongoing health issues may face when looking for financing. The program began in 1997 through funding from Western Economic Diversification and the support of the Community Futures network. In 2006, the EDP was expanded to provide specialized assistance directly to rural entrepreneurs with disabilities. At Community Futures, we believe that managing ongoing health or disability issues should not be a barrier to business success.

• EDP loans are for business owners who self-identify and self-disclose a disability or ongoing health issue.
• EDP eligible clients also have access to specialized assistance to help them successfully run the business.
• EDP loans and assistance have helped business owners who live with cyclical health issues, physical, mental and learning disabilities.