FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2026 [Toronto, ON, Canada] – The Innovators & Entrepreneurs Foundation (IEF) is proud to announce the launch of the Barrier-Free Founders Scholarship Cohort, a new scholarship initiative designed to expand access to financial literacy and investment-readiness education for entrepreneurs with disabilities across Canada.
The Barrier-Free Founders Scholarship Cohort will fund 50 fully supported seats in IEF’s Business Financing Fundamentals (BFF) program, a curriculum that equips founders with the financial tools, practical knowledge, and confidence needed to access capital and grow sustainable enterprises. This cohort responds directly to insights gathered from IEF’s October 2025 CANIE (Canadian Innovators & Entrepreneurs) survey, which highlighted disproportionate barriers to funding and financial training reported by entrepreneurs with disabilities.
“Entrepreneurs with disabilities face systemic challenges that make financial education and access to capital even more critical,” said Catherine Adare, CEO of IEF. “The Barrier-Free Founders Scholarship Cohort represents IEF’s continued commitment to ensuring that no founder is left behind due to structural barriers. By providing targeted financial literacy education and community support, we are enabling a cohort of entrepreneurs to pursue growth with a significantly stronger core business skill.”
IEF is also seeking mission-aligned partners to amplify outreach and contribute to promotional efforts, or for sponsorship opportunities.
Key Dates:
- Applications Open: December 2025
- Applications Close: January 31, 2026
- Cohort Runs: March 1 – September 1, 2026
The Barrier-Free Founders Scholarship Cohort builds on IEF’s broader mission to advance equitable access to education, capital, and opportunity for equity-deserving innovators and entrepreneurs across Canada.
About Innovators & Entrepreneurs Foundation:
The Innovators & Entrepreneurs Foundation (IEF) is a national charitable organization dedicated to supporting underrepresented founders through financial literacy education, investment readiness programming, and strategic partnerships. By driving inclusion, expanding access to capital knowledge, and enabling community networks, IEF works to level the playing field for diverse entrepreneurs across Canada.
Media Contact
Email: media@ief-fie.ca
Address: 18 King St E, Toronto, ON, M5C 1C4
For more information, visit www://ief-fie.ca.
For partnership inquiries, please contact info@ief-fie.ca
Link to apply: https://form.jotform.com/250497238681264
FAQ: BARRIER-FREE FOUNDERS SCHOLARSHIP COHORT
What is the Barrier-Free Founders Scholarship Cohort?
A national, fully funded training program offering 50 entrepreneurs with disabilities access to Business Financing Fundamentals.
Who can apply?
Anyone whose business is based in Canada and who identifies as an entrepreneur or innovator with a disability.
What does the scholarship cover?
Full access to the Business Financing Fundamentals (BFF) program, including self-paced modules on financing, investment readiness, and business financial planning.
How long is the program?
Six (6) months: from March 1 to September 1, 2026.
How many people will be selected?
Fifty (50).
Is there a cost?
No – selected participants receive full tuition coverage.
Does the program require live attendance?
No. The program is virtual and self-paced. All courses are delivered via IEF’s Campus (community and education) portal.
What outcomes can I expect?
Improved financial knowledge, increased confidence, and stronger investment-readiness.
When do applications open and close?
Applications opened December 12, 2025 and close January 31, 2026.
How do I apply?
- Step 1: Apply now for our scholarship program, choosing the programs you’re interested in. Scholarships are taken on a first-come-first-served basis (based on scholarship eligibility criteria).
- Step 2: If your business undergoes any significant updates, you can update your scholarship application so as to never miss out on a scholarship program match.
- Step 3: If selected, you will be notified and invited to join our IEF Campus, where all our entrepreneur training & development programs run from.
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