Projects

Employment Connections: A Transition Tool Kit for Youth with Disabilities

Advice and Business Loans for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (ABLED)

This British Columbia program was started in the spring of 2001, as a partnership between VanCity Savings Credit Union and the Federal Government’s Western Economic Diversification Fund. It was set up to address the problem of low labour force participation by people with disabilities within the province.

ABLED provides loans of up to $75,000 to entrepreneurs with disabilities who want to start their own business in B.C.’s lower mainland or Fraser Valley. In addition, an Enterprise Development Specialist from VanCity works with entrepreneurs to locate needed resources, and provides assistance with business planning.

ABLED loans can be used for: set-up or expansion of a business; the purchase and application of new technology; facilities and equipment upgrade; the development of marketing and promotional materials, or; the establishment of working capital for anticipated sales increases.

For more information contact the Enterprise Development Specialist at VanCity’s Micro-Credit Office, at 604-877-6934, or visit your VanCity branch.
TTY: 604-871-5408
Web site: www.vancity.com