Reach: The National Forum for Disabled Entrepreneurship
What is Reach?
Each year Canada celebrates National AccessAbility Week beginning from the last Sunday in May. During this time our country highlights the unique qualities of persons with disabilities and the nationwide efforts to improve accessibility and inclusion for all Canadians.
In our mission to celebrate entrepreneurs and business owners with disabilities IWSCC invites business owners, entrepreneurs, corporate supporters, members of government, advocates and allies to celebrate Disabled-Owned businesses and the entrepreneurs that succeed not in spite of, but because of their lived experiences.
Reach is Opportunity. The opportunity for investment, for innovation, and for inclusion. Reach is access to higher heights, to greater potential, and to new possibilities.
Reach is Understanding. To reach out is to listen, and to learn. To ask questions. To hear new voices and to gain new insights. Reach is also to teach, to share experiences, and to be heard.
Reach is Community. To connect with others. To accomplish more together than apart. An equal opportunity to grow thriving businesses and supply chains together.
When & Where?
Date: Wednesday, May 28
Time: 1 pm ET
Location: This event is virtual.
Accessibility at this Event: The 2025 Reach Forum will feature live-generated Closed Captions and ASL interpretation for spoken English.
Early registration for the 2025 Reach Forum is now open! For more information on this year’s Agenda and Speakers, check back soon or follow IWSCC for updates.
Agenda
The Agenda for the 2025 Reach Forum is still being planned! Check back soon or follow IWSCC for updates.
The Reach Awards
Alongside our vision of a space for Disabled-Owned businesses and their supporters to share experience and resources is a desire to celebrate the success of Disabled-Owned businesses in Canada.
This year, for the first time IWSCC will recognize members of the Disabled-Owned business community who go above and beyond, help to reduce stigma, and share our vision of an inclusive and accessible economy for all with three awards nominated by our community.
Business of the Year
Awarded to an IWSCC Certified Disabled-Owned business, the Reach Forum Business of the Year Award recognizes an organization that, led by lived experience, has achieved success for themselves, shared that success with their community, and contributed to the positive perception of Disabled-Owned businesses in Canada.
Purchaser of the Year
Awarded to an IWSCC Corporate Member, the Reach Forum Purchaser of the Year recognizes an organization in our community that has gone beyond expectations by diversifying their supply chains, creating opportunities outside of purchasing, and inspiring their peers to work with Disabled-Owned businesses.
Community Impact Award
Awarded to a fellow supporter of Canadian Disabled-Owned businesses, the Reach Forum Community Impact Award is given to either an individual or an organization who has made great impact on the perception, the inclusion, and the future of opportunity in entrepreneurship for Canadians with disabilities.
The Reach Awards, just like the IWSCC, are based on community. Submit your nomination for the 2025 Reach awards and recognize the incredible Disabled-Owned businesses, entrepreneurs, advocates, and allies in your community. Visit the nomination form for Frequently Asked Questions, or contact Events@iwscc.ca for more information.
Past Forums
Watch past Reach Forums and get to know even more Disabled-Owned businesses and their supporters across Canada.