Gateway Association

What Gateway Association does

Gateway Association is a Canadian non-profit organization founded in 1975 and headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, with a regional office in Calgary. It supports people with disabilities, their families, and employers across Alberta through a coordinated portfolio of programs delivered at no cost to participants. The organization is structured around five core programs: the Employment Resource Centre (ERC) in Edmonton and Calgary providing one-on-one job seeker support, resume development, interview preparation, and ongoing workplace support; the Family Resource Centre (FRC) offering peer support, caregiver roadmaps, and transition planning; MentorAbility Alberta, a provincial mentorship program for which Gateway is the sole facilitating organization since 2023; the Alberta Employment First Network (AEFN), a 675+ member collaborative hub; and the GEDI-Hub for equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives. Supporting programs include Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM), the Equitable Employment Leadership Summit, and the Arbor Awards recognition program.

Gateway operates a community-led go-to-market model reaching customers through community workshops, government service referrals, employer partnerships, and word-of-mouth. Its revenue model is entirely non-commercial: services are funded by donations (processed through CanadaHelps with 50% matching via Rogers Birdies for Kids through August 2026) and government grants from the Government of Alberta (Alberta Employment First Network and disability services funding) and the Government of Canada (Sectoral Initiatives Program). All workshops and direct services are free to families, job seekers, employers, and community members. The organization supports approximately 4,000 people annually, has 400+ employer partners, and operates with 11-50 staff across its two offices.

In 2025, Gateway celebrated its 50th anniversary and received the global Zero Project Award for MentorAbility Canada. The same year, it expanded Calgary ERC programming with newly secured funding while simultaneously executing funding-related layoffs at the Calgary ERC amid a reduction in retail opportunities and partner policy reversals, signaling active navigation of a changing funding landscape.

Name

Gateway Association

Legal name

Gateway Association for Community Living

Website

https://gatewayassociation.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Gateway Association is a 1975-founded Alberta non-profit supporting people with disabilities, families, and employers through employment resource centres, family support services, and mentorship programs, serving approximately 4,000 people annually across Edmonton and Calgary.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Services

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG), Accessibility, Accommodations & Assistive Services (EDALAFAN)

Keywords

• Disability employment services
• Family support services
• Inclusive hiring programs
• Job seeker mentorship
• Nonprofit social services

Headquarters

HQ city

Edmonton

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Gateway Association accepts donations from individuals and organizations. Through August 2026, Rogers Birdies for Kids matches donations up to 50%. All administrative costs are covered, meaning 100% of donations go directly to Gateway programs. Donations are processed securely through CanadaHelps and tax receipts are provided.
2. Government Funding: Gateway Association receives funding from government sources including the Government of Alberta (funding for Alberta Employment First Network and disability services) and the Government of Canada Sectoral Initiatives Program (funding for Mayor's Luncheon/Equitable Employment Leadership Summit events).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Gateway Association provides free employment and family support services to people with disabilities in Alberta. Its core offerings include the Employment Resource Centre (ERC) — providing one-on-one career discovery, job matching, and ongoing workplace support for job seekers and employers — and the Family Resource Centre (FRC) — providing family navigation, peer support, and educational workshops for families and caregivers. Supporting programs include MentorAbility Alberta (mentorship matches), the Alberta Employment First Network (AEFN), the GEDI-Hub, annual events (DEAM, Equitable Employment Leadership Summit), and the Arbor Awards recognition program.

Product overview

Gateway Association operates as a nonprofit organization offering a coordinated portfolio of employment and family support services for people with disabilities in Alberta. The core offerings include the Employment Resource Centre (ERC) providing job seeker and employer support services, the Family Resource Centre (FRC) offering family guidance and resources, and MentorAbility Alberta facilitating mentorship connections between job seekers with disabilities and employers. Supporting programs include the Alberta Employment First Network (AEFN) for provincial collaboration, the GEDI-Hub for diversity and inclusion initiatives, DEAM (Disability Employment Awareness Month) events, the annual Equitable Employment Leadership Summit, and the Arbor Awards recognition program. All workshops are provided free of charge to families, job seekers, employers, and community members.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Employment Resource Centre (ERC) Provides job seekers with disabilities one-on-one assistance to discover career interests, find employment, and receive ongoing support throughout the working relationship. Also supports employers in developing meaningful, paid employment relationships.
• Family Resource Centre (FRC) Supports people with disabilities and their families by providing practical tools, guidance, and resources to foster more inclusive communities. Services are tailored to each individual's unique needs.
• MentorAbility Alberta A national initiative that creates meaningful connections between job seekers experiencing disability and employers through hands-on, real-world mentorship experiences. Gateway Association serves as the sole facilitating organization for the program across Alberta.
• Alberta Employment First Network (AEFN) A collaborative hub bringing Albertans together to expand meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Connects community organizations, businesses, and advocates to advance inclusive hiring across the province.
• GEDI-Hub Gateway to Equity Diversity and Inclusivity initiative - an Alberta-wide initiative focused on advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
• Workshop Calendars Free workshops for families, job seekers, employers, and community members covering topics such as transitioning to adulthood, Family Managed Services (FMS), and inclusive community topics.
• Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) Annual campaign each October with employer panels, community gatherings, and conversations that keep disability employment on the agenda. Includes the DEAM IDEA Conference.
• Equitable Employment Leadership Summit Formerly the Mayor's Luncheon for Persons with Disabilities. A flagship annual event bringing together employers, community leaders, and advocates to celebrate progress and advance inclusive employment across Edmonton and Alberta.
• Job Seeker Support One-on-one assistance helping job seekers discover interest fields, find suitable employment, and receive ongoing support throughout the working relationship.
• Employer Support Partnership with employers to develop meaningful, paid employment relationships. Involves thorough discovery with each job seeker and full exploration with every potential employer.
• Family Support Supporting people with disabilities and their families with services tailored to each individual's unique needs, fostering more inclusive communities.
• Arbor Awards Annual recognition program honoring people in six categories: Volunteerism (Frondosus Award), Inclusive Employment (Opus Award), Family Strength (Confirmo Award), Youth Leadership (Pomus Award), Community Leadership (Communitas Award), and Service Sector (Ramosus Award).

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,540 individuals and family members supported in 2025
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Alberta Chambers of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to engage 32,000+ employers through the Alberta Chambers of Commerce and its 100+ local chambers to advance disability-inclusive employment across Alberta.
• Government of AlbertacoreOthersPrimary funder of the Alberta Employment First Network and disability services programs. Provides ongoing funding to support employment services and network operations.
• Government of CanadacoreOthersFunding through the Sectoral Initiatives Program for the Equitable Employment Leadership Summit and Mayor's Luncheon events.
• Alberta Hotel & Lodging AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partnership connecting hospitality employers with skilled talent pools of Albertans with disabilities for inclusive hiring and workforce development.
• Excellence in Manufacturing ConsortiummajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting inclusive hiring practices in the manufacturing sector, helping connect employers with job seekers with disabilities.
• CPHR AlbertamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Alberta to promote disability confidence and inclusive hiring practices among HR professionals.
• ECO CanadamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnvironmental careers sector partnership supporting employment opportunities for people with disabilities in environmental and conservation industries.
• Centre for NewcomersmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting newcomer communities with disabilities, helping bridge gaps in system navigation and culturally responsive disability employment support.
• Neil Squire SocietymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational partnership supporting employment services for people with disabilities, strengthening pathways to employment across Alberta.
• Immigrant Champions of CanadamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting immigrant communities in accessing disability employment services and inclusive workplace opportunities.
• Deaf and Hear AlbertamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership delivering weekly ASL training for Gateway team members, deepening commitment to accessibility and inclusive service delivery.
• ProspectmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial service organization partner helping people who face barriers to employment overcome obstacles through skill development and workplace capacity building.
• City of EdmontonmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal government partner with pioneering Abilities@Work program, supporting inclusive hiring in the public sector.
• City of St. AlbertmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal government partner, with Mayor Cathy Heron providing ongoing leadership and support for the annual Mayor's Luncheon event.
• MacEwan UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner providing moderation and academic support for panel discussions and educational content.
• Pan Disability ConnectionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization partner supporting disability connection initiatives.
• The BrickmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRetail employer partner with commitment to Diversity & Inclusion and inclusive recruitment and workplace culture strategies. Keynote speaker from The Brick at Mayor's Luncheon events.
• Rogers Birdies for KidscoreOthersCharitable giving program that matches donations to Gateway Association up to 50% through August 2026, with all administrative costs covered.
• CanadaHelpsminorOthersOnline donation processing platform enabling secure donations to Gateway with automatic tax receipt generation.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW): National Canadian organization promoting meaningful employment for persons with disabilities through employer engagement, training, and policy advocacy. Closely aligned mission to Gateway's Employment Resource Centres and AEFN collaborative model.
• Inclusion Canada: National federation advocating for persons with intellectual disabilities and their families. Comparable as a Canadian disability-membership and family-support organization, with overlapping family-resource and self-advocate programming.
• Ready, Willing and Able: Canadian initiative connecting employers with job-ready talent who have an intellectual or developmental disability. Highly comparable as a disability-employment intermediary program running across multiple provinces with employer-engagement focus.
• Opportunities for Employment (OFE): Winnipeg-based nonprofit providing employment services to people facing barriers to work. Comparable as a Canadian nonprofit employment-services provider focused on barriered populations, with similar employer-engagement model to Gateway's ERCs.
• Prospect Human Services: Alberta-based social enterprise supporting people facing barriers to employment through skills training, workplace capacity building and employer partnerships. Explicitly named as a Gateway partner and operates the same barriered-employment model in Alberta.
• Neil Squire Society: Canadian nonprofit providing assistive technology, employment services and digital inclusion for people with disabilities. Compares directly to Gateway as a national disability-employment nonprofit with overlapping mandate on job-seeker support and inclusion; explicitly named as a Gateway strategic partner.
• Inclusion Alberta: Alberta-based nonprofit supporting persons with developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy, employment and community inclusion programming. Directly comparable geography, constituency (persons with developmental disabilities and families) and core service offerings.

Broad incumbents

• JVS Toronto: Long-established Canadian nonprofit providing employment, training and career-counselling services, with programs targeted to newcomers, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. Comparable as a broader, multi-program employment-services nonprofit with similar population mix to Gateway.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/GatewayAssocEdm
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gateway-association
• Instagraminstagram.com/gatewayassocab

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gateway Association