Toronto Business Development Centre Offers BIZ FUTURES
Self-Employment Program For People with Disabilities

Have you thought about starting your own business?
Biz Futures is a skills development and business support program designed specifically for people with disabilities.

Candidates eligible for consideration should meet the following criteria:

• have a viable business concept or idea
• have the skills to deliver the goods and services they hope to offer
• are prepared to commit to full attendance and participation in comprehensive training and support activities

The Biz Futures Program has four main phases:

Phase 1 – Orientation

Eligible individuals interested in exploring self-employment are invited to register for program orientation sessions. During the sessions, participants will:

• be introduced to self-employment as an employment option
• learn about the Biz Futures curriculum, schedule and benefits
• learn about obligations and expectations for program participation
• be invited to submit a written, oral or interpreter/intervener-assisted application

Phase II – Entrepreneurial Self-Assessment and Business Feasibility Research

In Phase II of the program, participants will attend a series of workshops over a 3-week period. The goal is to gain more insight into what it takes to build a viable business. During this phase of the program, participants will:

• assess their personal readiness for self-employment
• test the market and earning potential of their business idea through market research
• explore how disability may impact the operation of a business and consider accommodation strategies
• further focus their business vision
• or develop an alternate life/work vision and action plan if they determine that self-employment is not suitable for them at this time

Candidates selected for Phase III participate in a comprehensive class-room training program that includes lectures, group learning exercises and one-on-one coaching. Participants will:

• acquire critical business concepts, knowledge and skills to manage a small business. Topics include marketing, sales, financial planning and operations management
• create a detailed business plan to guide them during the first critical year of business
• build a network of business relationships and contacts
• work one-on-one with a business advisor to set goals and develop action plans

Participants in Phase IV are ready to launch and actively market their business. Business Advisory support and peer group mentoring are key components of this phase of the Biz Futures Program. During Phase IV, participants will:

• have regular one-on-one meetings with a business advisor
• participate in marketing clinics designed to accelerate revenue generation
• attend networking events
• participate in regular peer support meetings featuring additional learning and guest speakers

• fully accessible training venue with lunch facilities
• participant-centred program scheduling and support services
• individualized planning and co-ordination of training-related accommodations
• assistance for eligible candidates wishing to apply to community loan programs