Programs
Supported Entrepreneurship Program
Supported Entrepreneurship is the process of helping persons with disabilities to develop and operate a small business. You do not need to be eligible for PDD funding in order to make use of this program.Current Projects
SEP is currently working on a couple of exciting new initiatives. A Cooperative [PowerPoint - 44KB], and an Urban Farming Project [PowerPoint - 4.62MB]. Check back soon for more information as we develop these projects.What do we offer?
- Exploring Entrepreneurship workshops
- Small Business Development workshops
- Business Plan Development
- Action Plan Development
- Support with Start-Up Activities
- Small Business Loans
- Business coaching & Support
- Administrative / Bookkeeping Services
Who uses our Services?
Adults with intellectual disabilities, who require support to develop and operate a business.Upon receiving a referral, S.E.P. will respond to the applicant within two weeks. We will arrange to meet with the applicant and determine the ability of S.E.P. to meet their current goals and needs.
If S.E.P. is able to serve the individual, we will begin working with them immediately.
(In the event that S.E.P. is unable to meet the Individual’s needs with the resources available, a letter and summary of recommendations will be provided to the referral source.)
Participants should be:
- at least 18 years old and self-identify as having a permanent disability which restricts daily living activities.
- legally entitled to work in Canada.
- unemployed and not receiving E.I.
- essentially work-ready and expressing a desire for self-employment.
Workshops
'Be Your Own Boss' (BYOB) Small Business Development workshops will be conducted by the Canadian Centre for Management and Innovation (C2MI) over an eight week period to prepare the participants for self-employment.Development
Business Plans and Action Plans will be facilitated with participants. Research & Marketing Strategies will also be facilitated. Direct support is provided to assist with start-up activities in order to help businesses become operational. New clients will meet with a Job Marketer to identify and discuss job choices. The Job Marketer may then begin searching on behalf of the client. ( Clients will be expected to be involved in job search, and all interviews which arise.)Follow up support
Monitoring, coaching & trouble shooting are provided by S.E.P. staff through the project. As well, bookkeeping and revenue processing services are available to participants. During the marketing process, the client may wish to access other employment services through C.A.E.S. such as Career Exploration Groups, Job Smart Workshops, resource assistance, etc.Micro-Loans Fund
Calgary Alternative Employment Services, MCC Employment Development and Persons with Developmental Disabilities are partnering to ensure that Entrepreneurs with Disabilities have access to start-up capital for their businesses. This fund may be accessed by entrepreneurs who require support to develop and operate a business. Applicants must possess a business plan, a client support plan, and have support to assist with their self-employment.Intake
If you're interested in joining our Supported Entrepreneurship Program, please download, and fill out our referral form (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).Please direct your intake questions for S.E.P. to Sean McEwen.
Phone:(403)283-0611
Fax:(403)283-0691
Email: Use our Contact page linked to at the top of this page to send Sean McEwen an email.