Business ACCESS-Ability Grant Program

Overview of the Business ACCESS-Ability Grant Program program:

The program aims to foster inclusive, welcoming environments that benefit persons with disabilities, ensuring access to business facilities and employment opportunities. This program aligns with Nova Scotia’s commitment to creating an accessible province by 2030 under its "Access by Design 2030" framework​.

Benefits of the Business ACCESS-Ability Grant Program program:

• The primary goals of the program are to:
• Encourage businesses to enhance accessibility for customers and employees.
• Promote the implementation of universal design principles to remove barriers.
• Provide financial support to improve accessibility in the physical environment, communications, transportation, and assistive devices.
• Grant Maximum: Up to $50,000 per applicant per fiscal year.
• Cost-Sharing: The grant covers a percentage of eligible expenses; businesses are required to contribute a portion of the project costs.
• Eligible Expenses: Costs for accessibility enhancements that exceed legal requirements, such as:
• Wheelchair-accessible entrances and bathrooms.
• Assistive communication technologies (e.g., captioning, Braille conversion, digital signage).
• Universal design enhancements (e.g., visual fire alarms, wheelchair lifts).

Eligibility criteria of the Business ACCESS-Ability Grant Program program:

• Eligible Businesses:
• Must be for-profit entities registered with the Nova Scotia Registry of Joint Stocks.
• Must be located in Nova Scotia and open to all community members.
• Leased properties are eligible if the lease term extends at least five years from the application date.
• Ineligible Applicants:
• Not-for-profits, municipalities, and residential rental properties (these can apply under the Community ACCESS-Ability Program).
• Accessibility Projects:
• Must meet or exceed Nova Scotia Building Code requirements.
• Renovations impacting over 75% of floor space are classified as new construction and subject to specific guidelines.