Accreditation
Ability Certified
National accreditation for disability‑owned and caregiver‑owned businesses across Canada.
What Ability Certified Means
Ability Certified is a national accreditation that formally recognizes businesses that are majority owned by a person with a disability or by a caregiver.
Ability Certified helps customers, organizations, and communities identify and support disability‑owned and caregiver‑owned businesses, creating greater visibility, opportunity, and economic inclusion.
Ability Certified is a disability‑owned and caregiver‑owned business accreditation program available to businesses across Canada.
Why Ability Certified Matters
Disability‑owned and caregiver‑owned businesses are often overlooked in traditional supplier diversity programs. Ability Certified provides a clear, trusted way for organizations to identify and support these businesses, strengthening inclusive procurement, improving community visibility, and helping owners showcase their lived experience as a leadership asset.
Who Qualifies
Disability-Owned — 51% or more ownership and control by a person with a disability. Applicants confirm their identity category through a short declaration.
Caregiver-Owned — 51% or more ownership and control by a caregiver providing ongoing, unpaid support. Applicants confirm their identity category through a short declaration.
PROOF OF BUSINESS OWNERSHIP
Provide basic ownership documentation based on your business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, non‑profit, etc.).
How Certification Works
Apply online – Complete the Ability Certified application form and select your ownership category.
Upload documentation – Provide basic proof of business ownership based on your business structure.
Application review – We review your application and may contact you if clarification is needed.
Accreditation issued – Once approved, you receive your Ability Certified badge and are added to The Ability Directory.
Our accreditation process is designed to be clear, accessible, and supportive—no complex documentation or lengthy verification steps
Accreditation Fee
Ability Certified is $149 + tax per year. Accreditation is valid for 12 months from the date of approval, and renewal occurs on your anniversary date.
Fees are non‑refundable once your application is submitted for review.
Benefits of Ability Certified
Ability Certified Badge: Certified businesses receive the official Ability Certified badge, providing a trusted and visible way for customers, partners, and organizations to recognize and support disability‑owned and caregiver‑owned businesses.
Public Directory Listing: Listed in The Ability Directory.
Visibility Opportunities: Businesses may be featured in our monthly newsletter and highlighted on social media.
Ability Collective Collaboration (optional): Co‑create a message‑based product to be sold in our shop, with 70% of profits returned to the accredited business.
Business Support Access: Discounted Ability Company services and products available depending on business size and needs.