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Community and Internet Resources


Employment: Self Employment

National

New Sign Blind Online Success System is a comprehensive internet marketing apprenticeship and coaching program that helps those who are blind or visually impaired learn about online marketing so they can build and run an online business. This program is advertised as FREE. As an apprentice you will assist in projects such as writing and submitting articles, reports and press releases, updating and maintaining web sites, checking and sending email, taking customer service calls, making calls, and aiding in the development of projects that pertain to your own business, among other tasks. Check out their website for more information.

Job Accommodation Network offers self-employment and small business development expertise and referrals regarding business planning, financing strategies, marketing research, disability-specific programs, income supports and benefits planning, e-commerce, independent contracting, home-based business options, and small business initiatives for disabled veterans. For more information call (800) 526-7234 (Voice).

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 the John Pappajohn Business and Entrepreneurial Center at North Iowa Area Community College at 1-888-466-4222 ext. 4111.

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 the Iowa Department of Economic Development at (800) 532-1215.

Ohio

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council offers a various employment programs for individuals with developmental disabilities of all abilities and skill levels. To learn more, call 1-800-766-7426.

EnterpriseWorks in partnership with the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission, assists people with disabilities to start a business or to help strengthen an existing business. They help prospective entrepreneurs decide if self-employment is the right career decision and help build the business step by step through a combination of classroom participation and individualized technical assistance. If already self-employed, EnterpriseWorks will guide individuals as they strengthen or expand their business. For more information, call the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission at 1-800-282-4536 (Voice/TTY).

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers offer 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 (215) 898-1219.

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 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 or e-mail info@washingtoncash.org.

Wisconsin

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. For more information, call 1-800-435-7287.

For more on the topic of Employment:

Community and Internet Resources / Editorials / FAQ / Guides / Books

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[Updated November 30, 2009]
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