At Housing 4 Now, we say: "Where there's a will, there's a way". Meaning, even with a serious disability, you still may be able to start and operate your own personal business. The only thing that may be stopping you, is you. With a little help and a few options, you can make a difference.
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Down syndrome Man
Starts His Own Business |
Disability Business Owner
Hires Disability Workers |
Down syndrome Woman
Starts Her Own Business |
Disabled Persons
Start Their Own Business |
Business Resources For Disabled Persons Who Want To Start A Business |
Starting a Small Business With a Disability
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People with disabilities often are underrepresented and underutilized in the workplace – they tend to experience higher rates of unemployment than the general population, even though many people with disabilities are able and eager to work. One other option people with disabilities can consider, is to start your own business.
By starting a business, someone with a disability has the chance to generate their own income without the limitations and possibly of discrimination, that are often associated with traditional job employment. |
Produced by Housing 4 Now, Here Are Some Helpful Idea's To Start Your Own Business
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One great thing that is almost always overlooked, is the fact that there are powerful online small business tools, that can be used to help you or someone you may know, to start their business today. Physical disabilities are less important, when you determine your own productivity and profitability as a business owner. As long as you have an energetic/entrepreneur spirit, you can be very successful when it comes to operating your own business with a disability.
There are many resources available for people with disabilities who want to start their own business. Even if you have not been able to land a traditional job or are feeling excluded from the workforce. Start looking into ways to get help and to launch your own successful business.
1. Consider a Home-Based Business: Here are a few tips to help people with disabilities, start a small business
One of the biggest obstacles for people with disabilities is transportation and mobility barriers. Too many employers lack adequate accommodations for people with disabilities, so as a result, you might be better off trying to start a business out of your own home. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to do this, and you can use online marketing to connect with customers.
For example, if you love to make crafts or jewelry or personal care products, you could start a home-based business and sell your wares on Etsy, eBay, or Amazon, and promote your business on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. (The founder of SHEA CHIC Boutique, a shea butter personal care products company, got inspired to start her business when she was recovering at home from a severe back injury and was unable to work at a traditional job.) If you have online work skills, you can use those same skills as a home-based consultant, for example, as a freelance writer, graphic designer or web developer. If you love to shop and have a knack for finding great deals on certain products, you could start a home-based Amazon retail business – and with Fulfillment By Amazon, you don’t even need to worry about storing or shipping your own inventory.
2. Look for Special Financing:
Most people with disabilities can qualify for special loans and grants. As a entrepreneurs with disabilities, you can check out the SBA Website, to see which programs you might be a good fit for, depending on the state where you live. But be sure to read the fine print – some loan programs are only intended for existing businesses. If you are starting a new business, you might need to find a special loan or grant program that includes start-ups as well as existing companies.
3. Get Help Online:
Disability.gov is a federal government website with a variety of resources and advice articles specifically for entrepreneurs with disabilities. This site can help you think through every stage of the process of starting your business – from writing a business plan to designing your business website to finding a business mentor.
4. SCORE - Small Business Mentorship Program:
Another source of help for small business owners – whether or not they have a disability – is SCORE. SCORE is a great program that connects small business owners with mentors who help them build their business – with hands-on advice and practical help every step of the way. You can access live webinars and online mentoring sessions no matter where you live, and there are local events and workshops in communities throughout the country, depending on which city you live in.
One of the great aspects of living in the 21st century with online technology is that having a disability no longer needs to hold people back from starting a business. Even if you have some mobility issues, health problems or other physical limitations that might have made it hard to be accepted in the traditional workplace, the sky’s the limit with what you can do by starting your own business. Lots of organizations and programs are dedicated to helping people with disabilities get the extra help or advice or funding that they might need to get their business launched. It’s still never “easy” to start a business, but it’s possible today – for more people – than ever before.
5. Free Web Sites To Advertise Your New Business:
Did you know that there are Free Web Site's that you can use to help advertise your new business. That's a "No Cost No Brainer" decission. Once you get your web site up and running, you will be able to reach out to thousands or even millions of new customer's that may be interested your products or services. Some of the Free Web Site's are:
6. Arizona Department of Economic Security (Vocational Rehabilitation Services)
Q. What is Vocational Rehabilitation Services?
A. The Arizona Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, provides a variety of services to persons with disabilities, with the ultimate goal to prepare for, enter into, or retain employment. This also includes operating your own business.
Q. Am I Eligible For The Program?
A. You may be eligible for VR services if you meet all of the following requirements:
Q. How Do I Apply For The VR Programs?
A. An application for VR services starts with a referral. Select one of the following methods for completing a referral:
The VR program, also provides services for the Arizona Business Enterprise Program, which provides employment opportunities for legally blind individuals to own merchandising businesses, which include vending and food service operations.
Addtional Resources:
7. Housing 4 Now Web Site:
Our Housing 4 Now Web Site, is loaded with all kinds of information and resources, that can help just about anyone, to imporve his/her lifestyle, with new and rewarding opportunities. You will not be disapointed. Just take some time and look through some of our resources and catigories for the information that best fits your needs. You will find that the majority of the Programs and Services listed, are free of charge.
Let us know when you start your OWN business. We will be happy to hear from you.
There are many resources available for people with disabilities who want to start their own business. Even if you have not been able to land a traditional job or are feeling excluded from the workforce. Start looking into ways to get help and to launch your own successful business.
1. Consider a Home-Based Business: Here are a few tips to help people with disabilities, start a small business
One of the biggest obstacles for people with disabilities is transportation and mobility barriers. Too many employers lack adequate accommodations for people with disabilities, so as a result, you might be better off trying to start a business out of your own home. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways to do this, and you can use online marketing to connect with customers.
For example, if you love to make crafts or jewelry or personal care products, you could start a home-based business and sell your wares on Etsy, eBay, or Amazon, and promote your business on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram. (The founder of SHEA CHIC Boutique, a shea butter personal care products company, got inspired to start her business when she was recovering at home from a severe back injury and was unable to work at a traditional job.) If you have online work skills, you can use those same skills as a home-based consultant, for example, as a freelance writer, graphic designer or web developer. If you love to shop and have a knack for finding great deals on certain products, you could start a home-based Amazon retail business – and with Fulfillment By Amazon, you don’t even need to worry about storing or shipping your own inventory.
2. Look for Special Financing:
Most people with disabilities can qualify for special loans and grants. As a entrepreneurs with disabilities, you can check out the SBA Website, to see which programs you might be a good fit for, depending on the state where you live. But be sure to read the fine print – some loan programs are only intended for existing businesses. If you are starting a new business, you might need to find a special loan or grant program that includes start-ups as well as existing companies.
3. Get Help Online:
Disability.gov is a federal government website with a variety of resources and advice articles specifically for entrepreneurs with disabilities. This site can help you think through every stage of the process of starting your business – from writing a business plan to designing your business website to finding a business mentor.
4. SCORE - Small Business Mentorship Program:
Another source of help for small business owners – whether or not they have a disability – is SCORE. SCORE is a great program that connects small business owners with mentors who help them build their business – with hands-on advice and practical help every step of the way. You can access live webinars and online mentoring sessions no matter where you live, and there are local events and workshops in communities throughout the country, depending on which city you live in.
One of the great aspects of living in the 21st century with online technology is that having a disability no longer needs to hold people back from starting a business. Even if you have some mobility issues, health problems or other physical limitations that might have made it hard to be accepted in the traditional workplace, the sky’s the limit with what you can do by starting your own business. Lots of organizations and programs are dedicated to helping people with disabilities get the extra help or advice or funding that they might need to get their business launched. It’s still never “easy” to start a business, but it’s possible today – for more people – than ever before.
5. Free Web Sites To Advertise Your New Business:
Did you know that there are Free Web Site's that you can use to help advertise your new business. That's a "No Cost No Brainer" decission. Once you get your web site up and running, you will be able to reach out to thousands or even millions of new customer's that may be interested your products or services. Some of the Free Web Site's are:
6. Arizona Department of Economic Security (Vocational Rehabilitation Services)
Q. What is Vocational Rehabilitation Services?
A. The Arizona Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, provides a variety of services to persons with disabilities, with the ultimate goal to prepare for, enter into, or retain employment. This also includes operating your own business.
Q. Am I Eligible For The Program?
A. You may be eligible for VR services if you meet all of the following requirements:
- You have a physical or mental impairment;
- Your physical or mental impairment constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment;
- You require VR services in order to prepare for, secure, retain, or regain employment; and
- You can benefit from the provision of VR services in terms of achieving an employment outcome.
Q. How Do I Apply For The VR Programs?
A. An application for VR services starts with a referral. Select one of the following methods for completing a referral:
- Call or visit the Vocational Rehabilitation office nearest to you and inquire about VR services or set up an appointment. VR staff will collect personal information from you and complete an RSA Referral form on your behalf.
or - Complete one of the following referral forms submit it to RSA via email. Once your referral is received, it will be sent to a local field office and a VR staff member will contact you to set up an appointment.
The VR program, also provides services for the Arizona Business Enterprise Program, which provides employment opportunities for legally blind individuals to own merchandising businesses, which include vending and food service operations.
Addtional Resources:
- Arizona@Work Workforce Centers(link is external)
- Disability Benefits 101(link is external)
- DES Public Meetings
- Rehabilitation Services Forms
- Rehabilitation Services Pamphlets and Brochures
- Vocational Rehabilitation Manual
- RSA Memos and Agreements
- Business Enterprise Program Manual
7. Housing 4 Now Web Site:
Our Housing 4 Now Web Site, is loaded with all kinds of information and resources, that can help just about anyone, to imporve his/her lifestyle, with new and rewarding opportunities. You will not be disapointed. Just take some time and look through some of our resources and catigories for the information that best fits your needs. You will find that the majority of the Programs and Services listed, are free of charge.
Let us know when you start your OWN business. We will be happy to hear from you.
