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).