The Canadian federal government is offering 100% of Accessibility renovation project costs for small businesses and communities through the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF). It is important to note that this program has a short intake deadline of July 13, 2020. Eligible expenses are not retroactive, as expenses incurred before signing the contribution agreement will not be reimbursed.

The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) provides a maximum of $100,000 to cover up to 100% of eligible costs.

The EAF has awarded government grants to just under 400 Canadian organizations in 2019 alone. The funding amount has been increased to 100% to help organizations with the costs of accessibility projects during the coronavirus pandemic.

Who is Eligible to Receive Funding?

This program has a focus on making workplaces and communities more accessible for Canadians with disabilities. The eligibility criteria and projects are listed below:

1. Workplace Accessibility:

• Applicants must be small businesses (99 or fewer employees).
• Eligible activities include renovation, construction, and/or retrofitting, or the provision of accessible technologies, in facilities where people with disabilities work or could work in the future.

2. Community Accessibility:

• Applicants can be not-for-profit organizations, including social enterprises, small municipalities, Indigenous organizations, or territorial governments.
• Eligible activities include renovation, construction, and/or retrofit activities, or the provision of accessible technologies, in community spaces where programs and/or services are offered, or will be offered, to people with disabilities.

Eligible Expenses

The expenses listed below must be incurred after funding has been approved and the organization has signed a contribution agreement:

• Professional fees, including consultants, technical expertise and/or construction contractors.
• Construction materials or supplies.
• Labour required to make the improvements to accessibility.
• Tools, equipment, or machinery necessary to complete the project.
• Accessible information and communication technologies.
• Accessible or ergonomic accessories and furniture.

Successful applicants will be notified of their results between September and December 2020.

Apply for the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF)

As mentioned earlier, this program has a short intake deadline of July 13, 2020. Due to the limited time frame, we encourage organizations interested in taking advantage of this program to reach out to a member of the Mentor Works team to start the application process.

Find additional grants and no-interest loan programs available to Canadian businesses by viewing our government funding directory page. Mentor Works is updating our COVID-19 support page daily with coronavirus funding programs, infographics, and resources.