Jump to main content

Follow us on Twitter Twitter and Facebook Facebook!

Work + Money

Opportunity Knocks


By Cindy Rehberg

One of the newest opportunities for people with disabilities who are thinking about self-employment is the online Business Abilities Program started by the Canadian Society for Social Development. The program began in June 2005 and already 40 students from across Canada are developing business plans at their own pace in their own homes. This innovative program evolved from the award-winning Internet Business Development for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (IBDE) program. The Business Abilities program was started in response to students’ desire to know more about planning their own businesses after learning website design.

The Business Abilities Program is funded by Social Development Canada for any person with disabilities who meets the program criteria and would like to explore entrepreneurship. It provides online training and one-on-one coaching, from the preparation of the business plan to the start-up of the business.

The program has two phases: Phase One is eight modules consisting of readings, quizzes, worksheets and web links to help students prepare a business plan. They explore their business idea through this dynamic interactive website over 12 weeks. Phase Two participants develop their business with support from a coach who provides helpful resources. Through virtual classroom sessions with guest speakers and advanced business modules, students learn how to market their business, obtain financing, do advanced bookkeeping and much more.

In order to feel like part of the group, participants can communicate one-on-one or in a group session with other students and business owners through instant text messaging, e-mail, telephone and the Conversation Café, an online forum.

If you are considering self-employment, check out the Business Abilities Program at www.businessabilities.ca (registrations are ongoing) or the Internet Business Development for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities at www.ibde.ca (the next group starts January 3 and spaces are limited).
 
Cover: Winter 2005-06

This article originally appeared in the Winter 2005-06 issue of Abilities Magazine.

Comments



You must be logged in to add a comment. Log in
Promo graphic: Subscribe to Abilities
 
 
Important Survey on End of Life Services for People with Disabilities
The Canadian Abilities Foundation (CAF) is supporting Hospice Toronto in an initiative known as the Transitions Project. The objective is to help gain a greater understanding of the needs of people with disabilities as they deal with end of life issues. Hospice Toronto is inviting people with disabilities and those who care for them from across Canada to participate in the survey. Your point of view is needed and would be very much appreciated.

Hospice Toronto Transitions Project Survey
 
abilities.ca services
Directory of Disability Organizations in Canada - Browse or search the most comprehensive database of disability organizations in Canada
Access Guide Canada - Your guide to accessible places in Canada
Donate online - Help support the work of the Canadian Abilities Foundation
Subscribe - Order a subscription for yourself, and a gift subscription for a friend
Write for us - Read our writers' guidelines
Advertise with us - Download our rate card (PDF)
 
Promo graphic: Proud sponsors of the Canadian Abilities Foundation
 
 
 
Landscape of Literacy and Disability (Canadian Abilities Foundation publication) by Ezra Zubrow, et al.

This groundbreaking report definitively shows, using easy-to-read maps, the wide discrepancy of literacy between those with and without disabilities and it provides a critical look at hot-spots across the country. To purchase a copy visit our online store (select Shop online at the top of the homepage).

Landscape of Literacy and Disability
 
 

Your account

With an account at abilities.ca, you can join the conversation, and you can use the website to manage your subscription to the magazine. Signing up is free and easy!




Forgot password? | Create account
 

Email bulletin signup

The Abilities Bulletin is free, monthly, and packed full of news and information you can use.

 

Article Tools

Send a letter to the editor

Share this article through email or social networks