Business ACCESS-Ability Grant Program

Amount:

$100,000.00

Type:

Grant

Description:

The Business ACCESS-Ability Grant Program provides funding to businesses for a cost-shared grant to make accessibility-related improvements. Improvements can be for clients and customers, for employees, or both.
There are five categories of funding:
1. Built Environment for removing physical barriers for persons to access business services, by installing ramps, accessible washrooms, door openers, and other projects,
2. Accessible Communications Services to ensure that all customers, clients, and employees can access information related to a business,
3. Assistive Devices to ensure that employees and consumers who are person with disabilities have the devices they need to effectively do their jobs and access places of business,
4. Universal Design Capacity Building for training in the field of Universal Design, both for technical services professionals and for persons with disabilities wishing to better understand its value.
5. Accessible Transportation to provide support for businesses to improve access to transportation services.

Comments on Funding:

Maximum grant amounts available per year is $100,000 per applicant.
Funding is up to 2/3 of eligible expenses, to a maximum of:
– $50,000 for Built Environment and Accessibility Certification,
– $30,000 for Accessible Communication and Information,
– $30,000 for Assistive Devices,
– $20,000 for Accessible Transportation projects.
Funding available for Universal Design Capacity Building is up to 1/2 of eligible expenses.

Deadline:

Applications are closed. Stay tuned for future intake announcements.

Eligibility:

The applicant must be:
1. a business that operates in Nova Scotia,
2. registered as a for-profit entity with the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stocks, including locally owned franchises,
3. open for use by all community members at reasonable rates and reasonable times and not reserved to those belonging by way of a closed membership or other means.

Application Steps:

The applicant:
1. is encouraged to contact the Business ACCESS-Ability program officer, if he has any questions,
2. must submit the application form by mail, email, or fax,
3. may apply under one or more categories.

Documentation Needed:

The applicant must submit:
1. the application form,
2. description of business and description of existing place of business,
3. documented use of place of business,
4. description of proposed project,
5. copy of lease agreement or proof of ownership,
6. information about other grants,
7. proof of insurance and proof of registration as a for-profit entity,
8. detailed estimates,
9. proof of skilled labour,
10. proof of need for assistive devices,
11. site photos (before&after),
12. drawings, sketches, maps, if available,
13. a final report within 30 days of completing your project.

Other Things to Note:

The Business ACCESS-Ability program deadline has passed. The previous deadline was on 14 February 2024.

Maurice

About the author

Maurice

Maurice (Moe) Muise learned the ins-and-outs of government while an employee of the Government of Canada in Ottawa for 10 years. His current focus is helping small businesses in Canada to identify and maximize funding to grow their business.

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