Opportunities for individuals who self-identify as living with a disability and inclusive businesses
The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre's innovative Access Ability program, funded by Service Canada, empowers people who self-identify as living with a disability. This program provides two distinct paths depending on the individual’s need:
Access Ability Employment: helps participants find and secure fulfilling employment opportunities supported by a wage subsidy program.
Access Ability Entrepreneurship: supports those pursuing their own business ventures.
Both streams emphasize skill development and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. The Access Ability Employment stream empowers participants through two key initiatives:
Entrepreneurial Mindset Certificate (EMC) Program: Participants attend eight paid workshops led by industry experts. Topics include Creative Thinking and Problem Solving, Intrapreneurship: Unleashing Your Inner Entrepreneur and Navigating the Hidden Job Market. Participants learn valuable skills, earn up to $600, and receive learning and job-hunting support.
Wage Subsidy Program: This program helps individuals who self-identify as living with a disability find and keep supportive employment. This program does so by providing small and medium businesses in Atlantic Canada with the support of a wage subsidy (up to $6,300 at $9 per hour). The goal of the program is to help participants get the skills and training necessary to stay on with their employer after the subsidy is completed.
This year, a remarkable 92 participants learned transformative skills for success in job hunting and had on-the-job experience through Entrepreneurial Mindset Certificate (EMC) training. In addition, 29 new employees joined wage-subsidized positions through funding that provided over $100,000 in wage subsidy support.
Just Cycle, one of the employers who joined the Wage Subsidy Program, reflects on the experience:
“Working with the Access Ability program has been very beneficial for our company. Not only did the program allow us to grow our team, but it also helped us improve employee engagement and productivity. The collaboration has been seamless; the team is responsive and genuinely invested in our success. We appreciate the tailored approach that addresses our unique challenges. Overall, we are thrilled with the outcomes and look forward to continuing our journey together. Thank you!”
Join the next cohort of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Certificate (EMC) Program and Wage Subsidy Program. The next cohort of the EMC Program runs from February 10 to March 7, 2025. Sign up now to join this winter.
We are seeking employers to join the Wage Subsidy Program in 2025! Submit your interest form now to secure your spot.
Access Ability Entrepreneurship
The Access Ability Entrepreneurship stream provides two different streams:
Business Incubator: Offers participants a full-time paid wage along with guidance, training, resources and mentorship, all delivered virtually, allowing aspiring entrepreneurs from across the province to participate regardless of location.
Speaker Series: This series features 18 training sessions and group meetings with experienced speakers from the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It provides invaluable knowledge for personal and business development, while participants earn up to $900 for attending all sessions.
This year’s cohort of the Access Ability Entrepreneurship program provided over $80,000 in wages along with business development and disability-related support for nine program participants.
Kevin MacKinnon, a small business owner in Port Hawkesbury and participant in the Business Incubator program, said, “I really enjoy the Access Ability Entrepreneurship Incubator Program through SMU. There is so much to learn and they do a great job of breaking it down so it's easier to understand. This program has helped me a lot, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to build their business.”
This winter, the Access Ability Entrepreneurship Speaker Series runs from January 7 to March 8, 2025. There are only ten spots remaining. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or seeking to expand your entrepreneurial knowledge, this program will allow you to learn directly from experienced speakers from the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Apply now for the 2025 cohort and secure your spot for the Speaker Series this winter!
Questions?
Employment Stream: Contact AccessAbility@smu.ca
Entrepreneurship Stream: Contact aae@smu.ca