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Community and Internet Resources


Employment: Self Employment

National

Disabled Netrepreneurs of America offers information and resources on starting an on-line business.

Small Business and Self-Employment Service (SBSES) is a service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy of the U.S. Department of Labor which provides information, counseling, and referrals about self-employment and small business ownership opportunities for people with disabilities. SBSES, located at the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), is available through JAN's toll-free number (800) 526-7234 (Voice/TTY).

State Lisitngs

Iowa

Self-Employment Loan Program (SELP) "is designed to assist in the creation and expansion of businesses owned, operated and managed by women, minorities, or persons with a disability." SELP loans of up to $10,000 have an interest rate of 5% and must be repaid over a 5-year period. SELP applicants must obtain a local sponsor for the application process. For more information, call (800) 245-4692 or e-mail SmartState@ided.state.ia.us.

Targeted Small Business Financial Assistance Program (TSBFAP) "is designed to assist in the creation and expansion of Iowa small businesses that have an annual gross sales of less than $3 million and are at least 51 percent owned, operated and managed by women, minorities or persons with a disability." This program offers low-interest loans of up to $25,000 and in limited cases, equity grants in amounts of up to $25,000. TSB funds may be used to purchase equipment, acquire inventory, provide operating capital or to leverage additional funding. For more information, call (800) 245-4692 or e-mail SmartState@ided.state.ia.us.

Ohio

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council offers the Employment Outcome Project which uses the same approach that non-disabled individuals use to get a job: the help and assistance of family and friends. Whatever is needed to make the employment successful can be paid for by project funds. However, these flexible dollars need to meet all of the employment-related costs. The goal is to use resources cost effectively. For more information on this unique opportunity, call your County Board of MRDD and tell them you are interested in an Employment Outcome Grant.

EnterpriseWorks offers free Self-Assessment and Business Plan Development classes throughout an 8-county area of Ohio to anyone interested in starting a small business of their own. For individuals with disabilities, they suggest first calling the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission at (800) 282-4536, who can arrange an appointment with an EnterpriseWorks coordinator.

Pennsylvania

Small Business Assistance Center offers a great deal of information to individuals interested in starting their own businesses. They offer introductory seminars, information on business financing, information on building and sustaining business and much more. For more information, call (610) 444-1721 or e-mail inquire@sbacnetwork.org.

Washington

Washington Community Alliance for Self-Help (CASH) offers free business training, small loans, peer support and on-going technical assistance to help start and expand small businesses. To receive loans and technical assistance, members must: successfully complete a 12-week Washington CASH business training course, participate in a bi-weekly business support group of 4-6 members, and contribute to a planned program of savings. For more information, call (206) 352-1945.

Wisconsin

New Sign Easter Seals Wisconsin offers Self-Employment Services to people with disabilities. Their Self-Employment Specialist can help identify realistic business opportunities, assist in business plan and financial statement development, and provide referrals to funding alternatives and other free business planning services. Easter Seals Self-Employment Services works one-on-one with entrepreneurs to evaluate ideas from both a business standpoint and with respect to issues presented by disabilities. For more information, contact the Self-Employment Specialist at (920) 431-0843.

Wisconsin Department of Commerce offers general information on resources for business owners: expanding a business, financing a business, international business programs, programs for disadvantaged entrepreneurs, choosing Wisconsin as a business location, starting a business in Wisconsin, technical resources for business and business statistics and data. There are funds available to businesses that are owned by or hire people with disabilities.

The Business Development Initiative (BDI) offers grants to entrepreneurs with disabilities for planning and managerial assistance or to rehabilitation facilities or businesses that hire persons with severe disabilities. Also, the BDI Micro-Loan program offers individual loans to firms that have successfully completed a BDI grant project. The grants are up to $15,000 and can be used for business, financial, marketing and professional plans and services. The Microloans are up to $25,000 and can be used for working capital or fixed-asset financing.

Canada

Highwood Development Business Corporation offers the The Self-Employment (SE) Program which provides training on how to start and run a small business. The program is for unemployed individuals who have identified a viable business opportunity that matches their skill and financial situation. For more information, call (403) 652-3700.

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Network (EDN) provides support to persons with disabilities who want to explore their entrepreneurial aspirations. They also provide assistance and information to entrepreneurs who have already started a business and to those who are involved with or interested in entrepreneurship for a person with disabilities. Their website features many helpful resources and links. For more information, call (902) 426-0591 (Voice) or (902) 426-0561 (TTY). You may also e-mail newd@cbsc.ic.gc.ca.

For more on the topic of Employment:

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[Updated June 30, 2006]
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