Entrepreneurs with Disabilities

Excellence, Determination and Passion

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News and Articles

Minister Iain Black salutes Community Futures Top Ten at Paralympic Celebration

Posted March 19, 2010

Minister Black introduces the Top Ten
On March 18, 2010 BC’s Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development Iain Black paid special tribute to eight of Community Future’s top ten entrepreneurs with disabilities. The eight were present as guests of honor at the Vancouver Entrepreneurship and Accessibility Forum.
This special event celebrated entrepreneurship and the 2010 Paralympic Games and was well-attended by athletes, Ministers, Chamber of Commerce representatives, Venture Capitalists and Financial Institutions. Co-sponsored by Community Futures British Columbia, EDP Provincial Coordinator Garry Angus led the forum as Master of Ceremonies. 

Accessible technology was showcased and networking opportunities abounded.  As Minister Black so aptly put it, entrepreneurs with disabilities have much in common with Canada’s top Paralympic athletes.  “It takes excellence, determination and passion to achieve success” said Garry Angus, “and that is the essence of EDP.”

International Day of Persons with Disabilities: A great night in Prince George

 Posted December 4, 2009  

Thursday, December 3 was the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.   Nations around the globe celebrated the accomplishments of their citizens with disabilities, and Prince George was the premiere place to be in Northern BC.  The Prince George Civic Centre was buzzing with good food, good company, excellent conversation and presentations by keynote speakers and honored guests.  
The message of night was “raising the bar”  and how we must do this for ourselves as people with disabilities for our own self-worth,  and to educate the non-disabled public of our real potential , creativity and ability.   A great night was had by all.  Read more about the International Day of Persons with Disabilities here at the United Nations website

 Small Business Statistics in British Columbia

  Posted October 30, 2009.

This year, the month of October was dedicated to celebrate small business in British Columbia.  Small business accounts for over 56% of all private sector jobs in BC- the highest figure in Canada- and creates over 30% of the Province’s gross domestic product (source: BC Small Bsuiness review, 2008.)  Small business is a major economic engine that is vital to the health of our rural communities.

Did you know that:

*  45% of al small businesses are owned and operated by people in their mid 40′s to early 50′s?

*  People with disabilities have a higher rate of self employment and small business experience than the rest of the population?

*  Community Futures’ Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program was created to make it easier for people with disabilities to access small business loans.