:: Enabling Accessibility Fund for Small Businesses in Canada

The Enabling Accessibility Fund call for proposals was launched today by the Honorable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development) at the Nanaimo Association for Community Living, giving eligible small businesses in all provinces and territories the opportunity to submit proposals until October 1, 2014.

Small businesses are encouraged to apply for funding, to receive grants of up to $50,000 for projects that will increase accessibility for Canadians with disabilities in workplaces across the country.

Projects must address the objective of removing barriers, improving accessibility and enabling Canadians with disabilities to participate in, and contribute to their local economies. They must support employment opportunities for people with disabilities through construction and renovation activities that will improve accessibility in the workplace.

Quick Facts:

• The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) was originally announced in 2007 as a three-year, $45-million program to support community-based projects across Canada, and was renewed in 2010 with the creation of a new mid-sized project component. Since the first call for proposals in 2008, over 1,400 projects have been awarded funding to improve accessibility in Canadian communities.
• Since its creation in 2007, our Government has funded over 1,400 projects through the EAF helping thousands of Canadians gain better access to their communities' facilities, programs and services.
• Economic Action Plan 2013 extended the Enabling Accessibility Fund on an ongoing basis at $15 million per year to improve accessibility in facilities across Canada, including workplaces.
• Through Economic Action Plan 2013, the Government extended EAF on an ongoing basis at $15 million per year to continue to help improve accessibility for Canadians with disabilities in their communities as well as in their workplaces.
• Projects receiving funding under the Workplace Accessibility Stream must create or enhance accessibility in workplaces and create or maintain job opportunities for Canadians with disabilities.
• Project costs will be shared between the recipient and government. Contributions equal to or greater than 50 percent of the total eligible costs of the project must be provided by sources other than the federal government (which can include the applicant's own organization).
• Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees and less than $5 million in gross revenue per year are eligible to apply through this year's call for proposals.
• Our Government also supported the creation of a Canadian Employers Disability Forum, expanded the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, created a new generation of Labor Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities, and expanded the Ready, Willing & Able Initiative.
• This call for proposals closes on October 1, 2014.

For more information about how to submit proposals please visit www.esdc.gc.ca/eng/disability/eaf/workplace.shtml