Tracy Johnson for Business.gov
Are you a disabled person considering starting a business? Read this before you open up shop as there are government resources set-aside specifically for you!
The government recognizes that people with disabilities have specific challenges when starting a business that other small business owners may not face. Because of this, the government has created special assistance programs to help small business owners with disabilities start, grow and manage their business.
Starting Up
Disability Info is one online resource for Americans with disabilities. The site provides targeted resources for the self-employed and entrepreneurs. The site points to organizations such as the APSE and Disabled Businesspersons Association for support and networking.
Commerce has a program entitled the Chamber of Commerce for Individuals with Disabilities that offer online courses and business plan wizards for disabled individuals wishing to start a home-based business.
The Department of Labor similarly offers a video training guide on self-employment for Individuals with Disabilities. Complimentary resources include a full transcript and flow chart.
Universities often are a good resource for small business owners as well. The University of Virginia’s START-UP USA program offers a wide variety of training seminars for free online including audio and transcripts.
Financing Your Business
Know your tax provisions! The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission outlines all disability related tax provisions for your convenience. Additionally, the Attorney General’s Office has compiled a “Tax Pack” as a part of the Americans with Disabilities Act including information on accessibility regulations, legal documents, and tax assistance contacts.
Most of us have a choice as to whether we want to file our taxes ourselves or seek assistance. For a person with disabilities, often assistance in filing taxes is necessary. The IRS has provided tax forms in Braille and Text Formats as well as a Talking Tax Form for additional assistance.
Additional Resources
There are also some very credible non-government resources recommended by Business.gov. One of the most helpful practice for small business owners is networking, and there are several groups that bring together business owners with disabilities to discuss you specific challenges and solutions with other business owners that have been there before. The following groups are worth joining:
- Business Leadership Network, Disability at Work
- Chamber of Commerce for Individuals with Disabilities
- Disabled Businesspersons Association
- The National AgrAbility Project
What if you are a small business owner considering hiring a disabled person? Read Small Business and Disabilities, Part II.
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This is good news.As the US economy seems to go sour, it´s good to get new people online making money.
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