For individuals who self-identify as living with a disability and are interested in starting their own business, the Access Ability Entrepreneurship program offers the guidance, knowledge and resources for your business to thrive.
Applications for the business incubator are now closed. Interested in future opportunities?
Email: aae@smu.ca
Interested in applying to the Access Ability Entrepreneurship Business Incubator? Sign up below:
In a 12-month business incubator, a cohort of participants are selected to develop ideas, create a business model and achieve goals for a sustainable business, with three phases:
Phase 1—Accelerator Phase: You will work full-time with Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. You will receive an honorarium that reflects NS minimum wage 35 hours a week for 14 weeks. You will complete regular milestones to support development of business ideas.
Phase 2—Support Phase: You get to launch your business while receiving support from the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. There will be monthly coaching round tables to bring entrepreneurs together.
Phase 3—Mentor Phase: You will be paired with a mentor for one year. Mentors will help support your business and give you the knowledge and advice to grow.
application are now closed.
Email aae@smu.ca for more information on future programs.
Over 9 weeks, 20 participants are invited to join our cohort of training sessions with speakers from the entrepreneurial ecosystem to aid in personal and business development. There will be 18 sessions and all sessions are mandatory.
Participants will receive $50 per session for their participation, up to $900 for attending all sessions.
Applications for the 2026 Speaker Series are now closed.
Interested in joining our program waitlist? email aae@smu.ca
In a 12-month business incubator, a cohort of participants are selected to develop ideas, create a business model and achieve goals for a sustainable business, with three phases:
Phase 1—Accelerator Phase: You will work full-time with Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. You will receive an honorarium that reflects NS minimum wage 35 hours a week for 14 weeks. You will complete regular milestones to support development of business ideas.
Phase 2—Support Phase: You get to launch your business while receiving support from the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre. There will be monthly coaching round tables to bring entrepreneurs together.
Phase 3—Mentor Phase: You will be paired with a mentor for one year. Mentors will help support your business and give you the knowledge and advice to grow.
application are now open.
Email aae@smu.ca for more information
Over 9 weeks, 20 participants are invited to join our cohort of training sessions with speakers from the entrepreneurial ecosystem to aid in personal and business development. There will be 18 sessions and all sessions are mandatory.
Participants will receive $50 per session for their participation, up to $900 for attending all sessions.
Applications for the 2026 Speaker Series are now closed.
Interested in joining our program waitlist? email aae@smu.ca
“Through the AccessAbility program at the Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre I was able to develop the confidence to make my career as an artist sustainable for my future. I spent my time working with amazing teachers who gifted me with the knowledge of marketing and helped me to develop a future business plan for an exciting non-profit arts centre, while also aiding me in my efforts to individualize and promote myself as a professional artist.”
The program is free. We pay you, so you can attend the training sessions.
Our application period has closed. Email us at aae@smu.ca if you have any questions!
Our application period has closed.Email aae@smu.ca for more information on further programming.
You can come at any stage, whether you have an idea or are already operating your business!
A self-identified disability refers to a condition or impairment that an individual recognizes as a barrier for themselves. The definition is broad and is subject to the person’s own interpretation. The program aims to be as inclusive and supportive as possible, so please email us at aae@smu.ca if you are unsure or have questions about eligibility.
