Resources, Funding, and Support for Disability-Owned Businesses
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Across the United States, one-fifth of all small businesses close within a year due to a lack of funds and support. The obstacles are even steeper for minority-owned businesses that contend with centuries-old discriminatory systems. These small businesses, however, and the people who run them, enrich the country in numerous ways, including economically, socially, and culturally.
The Fault in Our Straw Bans: On Accessibility, Awareness, and Allyship
One in four people in the US have a disability and those with disabilities are twice as likely to be self-employed. Their businesses provide over $1 billion in annual revenue on average and support over 6,000 jobs. Things like funding and technology can be great assets for disabled business owners.
The following resources and funding opportunities for disability-owned businesses can help keep these businesses open and inspire more diverse entrepreneurs to pursue their small business dreams.
Unique Funding for Disability-Owned Businesses
Grant and investment opportunities tailored to specific communities are critical, ensuring marginalized entrepreneurs can receive aid. The following list gathers several of these opportunities for ease of access:
Plan to Achieve Self-Support: The PASS program involves a written plan to “set aside income, other than your Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other things you own for a specified time to help you reach your work goal,” including goals like starting a business.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program: The federal government aims to set aside up to 5% of all federal contracting dollars to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses.
Access Technologies Inc.: Offers assistive technology loans, products at discounts, and helps access funding for this tech.
Brighter Tomorrow Grant: Grants up to $1,000 for people with MS. The grant covers goods and services to improve the quality of life for people with MS, including tools to help run their small business.
The FedEx® Entrepreneur Fund: Provides 10 grants of $30,000 to entrepreneurs who have a connection to the military and/or entrepreneurs with disabilities.
The Disability Opportunity Fund: The mission is to provide financial products, technical assistance, and financial advisory services that improve the quality of life and build personal wealth for People with Disabilities and their families, and support organizations serving this market.
Disability Angel Fund: This program invests in early and growth stage companies which provide innovative market solutions, products, and services for people with disabilities.
Deaf Entrepreneurs Fund: This organization offers support for Deaf-owned businesses with capital and resources.
The Enterline Foundation: Provides grants to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in various areas of life, including employment and entrepreneurship.
Support and Community Resources
There are many challenges for businesses with marginalized owners, including publicity and funding. The below communities and networks offer space and resources for disabled-owned businesses:
National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program: Provides tools for things like Internet access, telecommunications, and more for those who are low-income and deaf-blind.
National Disability Institute: The NDI’s Small Business Hub helps entrepreneurs with disabilities find access to capital, expand customer outreach, and create business plans.
Job Accommodation Network: JAN offers self-employment and small business development expertise and referrals regarding business planning, financing strategies, marketing research, disability-specific programs, and much more.
Center on Self-Employment: The Center's goal is to build the capacity of public agencies and private entities to support people with disabilities in achieving self-employment, business ownership, or telecommuting.
2gether International: Offers various programs, cohorts, and learning opportunities for disabled entrepreneurs.
Heather Abbott Foundation: Helps amputees get specialized prosthetic devices to return to “the life they love,” including running a business and beyond.
Find more resources for business owners: Black-owned, Latino/a/x-owned, LGBTQ-owned, Women-owned, AANHPI-owned
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