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Business Resources for Disabled People

Human Resources Management

Business Resources for Disabled People

Here you will find resources that help disabled people start, grow and manage a small business.

Starting a Business

Entrepreneur Resources for People with Disabilities
Information, resources and technical assistance to expand opportunities for self-employment and small business.
Important Considerations for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities
Discusses important considerations for potential entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Online Seminar: Self-Employment for Individuals with Disabilities
Introduces some of the critical factors in considering business feasibility, developing financial resources, basic business plan development, and the identification and access to community small business resources.
Small Business and Self-Employment Service
Provides information, counseling, and referrals about self-employment and small business ownership opportunities for people with disabilities.
START-UP USA
Self-employment information and resources for individuals with disabilities.
State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
Learn about programs that help people with disabilities become employed, including self-employment.
Ticket to Work Program
This connects social security disability insurance and supplemental security income beneficiaries with employment networks for training and other support services needed to achieve their employment goals, including self-employment.

Financing a Business

Federal and state government agencies do not provide grants to people with disabilities for starting a business. However, there are a number of low-interest loan programs that help disabled people obtain startup financing. The following loan progams are specifically for business owners with disabilities . Visit the Loans and Grants Search Tool to get a full list of grant, loan, and venture capital programs for which you might qualify

Abilities Fund
Offers financial assistance, customize training and resources to entrepreneurs with disabilities.
Alternative Financing Technical Assistance Project
Get information on state loan programs and success stories.
SBA Prequalification Loan Program
Intermediary organizations assist prospective borrowers in developing viable loan application packages and securing loans. This program targets low income borrowers, disabled business owners, new and emerging businesses, veterans, exporters, rural and specialized industries.
Illinois Minority, Women, and Disabled Participation Loan Program
Small businesses that are 51 percent owned and managed by persons who are minorities, women, or disabled, with loans up to loans up to $50,000 or 50 % of the total project.
Iowa Target Small Business Assistance Program
Provides loans, loan guaranty, and equity grants of up to $50,000 to help women, minorities and persons with disabilities start and expand their businesses.
Maine: Kim Wallace Adaptive Equipment Loan Program Fund
Financial assistance to disabled persons and businesses for the purchase, construction or installation of adaptive products or equipment that allow disabled persons to become more independent within the community, promotes mobility and improves independence and quality of life. Businesses may use loan funds to facilitate compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Maryland WorkABILITY Loan Program
Home-based and business loans from $500 to $5,000 for people with disabilities.
Michigan Telework Loan Fund
Michigan residents with disabilities can apply for loans for equipment and home modifications that will allow them to either start a home-based business or work for an employer from home.
Mississippi Capital Access Loan Program
Provides financing for borrowers who, for various reasons, might have difficulty in obtaining conventional loans. Borrowers must apply for a loan through a lending institution.

Tax Information

Accessible IRS Tax Products
Get popular tax forms and publications in accessible formats, including Braille and talking formats.
Facts About Disability-Related Tax Provisions
Info on the IRS' disability-related provisions of particular interest to businesses as well as people with disabilities.
Tax Incentives Packet on the Americans with Disabilities Act
Find out how to take advantage of the tax credit and deduction available for complying with the ADA.

Trade and Professional Resources

Business Leadership Network
Learn about the only national disability organization led by business for business, and how it promotes best practices in hiring, retaining, and marketing to people with disabilities.
Chamber of Commerce for Individuals with Disabilities
A national consumer volunteer organization that uses business principles to improve the economic status of individuals with disabilities.
Disabled Businesspersons Association
Assists enterprising individuals with disabilities to succeed in the business world.
National AgrAbility Project
Resources to assist people with disabilities employed in agriculture.