Minister Bergen launches New Call for Proposals for the Enabling Accessibility Fund for Small Businesses

NANAIMO, BC, Aug. 6, 2014 /CNW/ - 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

• 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.
• 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 Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities, and expanded the Ready, Willing & Able Initiative.

Quote

"Our Government has taken unprecedented action to support Canadians with disabilities.  As part of our focus on creating jobs and opportunities, we invite small businesses to begin submitting proposals to eliminate barriers and improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Our goal is to ensure all Canadians can participate in, and contribute their many skills to our workforce."

- The Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development)

Associated Links

• Funding: Enabling Accessibility in Workplaces
• Economic Action Plan

Backgrounder

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.

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. This call for proposals closes on October 1, 2014.

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.

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

SOURCE: Employment and Social Development Canada