Afro-Caribbean Business Network | Fireside Chat with Elsie Cote, Founder of The Elsie Cote Foundation | Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | Online
When we talk about inclusion in business, disability is often left out of the conversation. In reality, it touches almost every family, including many Black families who are building businesses while caring for loved ones with complex needs.
Consider the numbers. According to Statistics Canada, 27% of Canadians aged 15 and over, about 8 million people, reported at least one disability in 2022. Meanwhile, the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders estimates that 1 in 12 Canadians is affected by a rare disorder. In short, supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities in Canada, and the caregivers behind them, is not a niche issue. It is a community issue.
So on Wednesday, October 21, the Afro-Caribbean Business Network continues the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference 2026 with a virtual fireside chat featuring Elsie Cote, Founder of The Elsie Cote Foundation, on supporting people navigating rare diseases and disabilities.
Who Is Elsie Cote?
Elsie is the founder of The Elsie Cote Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting people navigating rare diseases and disabilities. Through her foundation, she connects individuals and families with the resources, expertise and solutions that promote greater dignity, independence and quality of life.
Importantly, her work sits at an important intersection. On one side are people facing complex health challenges. Meanwhile, on the other are the systems, services and support networks that are often hard to find and harder to navigate. Elsie’s foundation helps close that gap.
Why This Conversation Matters for the Black Community
1. Many entrepreneurs are also caregivers
Across our community, many business owners are also caring for a child, parent or partner with a disability or chronic illness. Consequently, they juggle appointments, paperwork, and care alongside running a business. Recognizing that reality is the first step to designing support that actually works for them. ACBN was able to survey our own network and over 150 entrepreneurs raised their hand saying they are currently care givers.
2. Entrepreneurship can create independence
For many people with disabilities, traditional workplaces are not built with their needs in mind. As a result, entrepreneurship can offer flexibility, control and dignity. When the right supports are in place, starting a business can be a powerful path to financial independence.
3. Navigation is its own barrier
Admittedly, resources for rare diseases and disabilities exist, but finding them can be overwhelming. Similarly, Black entrepreneurs often struggle to find the right business programs. Organizations like Elsie’s show how much impact comes from simply connecting people to what already exists.
4. Inclusive businesses reach more customers
In addition, businesses that are accessible to people with disabilities serve a larger market and build deeper loyalty. Therefore, every entrepreneur can benefit from thinking about accessibility in their products, websites and spaces. (Our Day 15 spotlight on digital equity explores this further.)
5. Clarity and connection come first
At ACBN, we name the Four Strikes™ that hold Black entrepreneurs back, including systemic barriers to capital, credit and networks. For entrepreneurs managing disability or caregiving, those barriers can be even steeper. This is where ACBN’s 3C Framework™ comes in: Clarity → Connection → Capital. First, get clear on what you and your business need. Next, connect with people and resources who can help. Finally, access capital that fits your stage and your life.
You do not have to navigate it alone. ACBN’s Growth Pathway program offers coaching, community and a direct route to funding through the 3C Framework™. We are welcoming 100 entrepreneurs into the program.
What You Will Walk Away With
- How families navigate rare diseases and disabilities, and where to find help
- Why dignity and independence belong at the centre of support
- How caregivers can protect their well-being while running a business
- Ways to make your business more accessible and inclusive
- A live Q&A with a foundation leader and community advocate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there support for entrepreneurs with disabilities in Canada?
Yes. Several federal and provincial programs support entrepreneurs with disabilities, and many community organizations offer coaching and navigation. In addition, ACBN’s Growth Pathway offers coaching, community and access to microloans for Black entrepreneurs.
How common are rare diseases in Canada?
According to the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders, about 1 in 12 Canadians is affected by a rare disorder, roughly two-thirds of them children.
I missed the live session. Can I watch the replay?
Yes. Replays of BEEConference sessions will be shared on the ACBN YouTube channel.
Join Us on Day 21
Day 21 continues a full month of workshops through October as part of the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference 2026. So if you, or someone you love, is navigating disability while building a future, this conversation is for you.
Fireside Chat with Elsie Cote | BEEConference Day 21
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | Online
Can’t make it live? Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a replay, workshop or conversation: youtube.com/@acbn_canada
Connect. Build. Grow.
