A Creative Employment Solution

Canadians with disabilities have a new opportunity to become their own boss, thanks to the Internet Business Development for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities (IBDE) program operated by Community Futures of Central Kootenay, British Columbia.

Graduates of the program have designed websites through which they can sell the work of local artisans. Housed together at Virtual Mall Canada, the online stores showcase pottery, carvings, quilting, glass blowing, homemade candy, clothing, handmade toys and other handicrafts. The mall is constantly being updated as new graduates set up their stores.

Being able to work from home with flexible hours is a huge plus for many people with disabilities, and Virtual Mall Canada has been well received by both entrepreneurs and local and national media. Community Futures is now in the process of expanding its project to other parts of British Columbia, and hopes to partner up with agencies across the country soon to provide this opportunity to all Canadians with disabilities. The organization anticipates that eventually hundreds of creatively designed virtual stores will feature the products of artisans from across Canada.

Virtual Mall Canada can be viewed at http://www.virtualmall.ca, or contact Community Futures of Central Kootenay for more information at (250) 825-9433.