Get help starting a small business
Where Can I Find Information on Disability.gov?
What Programs, Services & Support are Available in my Community?
Many states and local communities offer programs and services that help veterans and people with disabilities start small businesses. The following resources answer frequently asked questions, provide counseling and direct visitors to local development centers.
The Department of Labor's (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) includes links to programs, publications and frequently asked questions related to small business entrepreneurs. The site also offers the Small Business Self-Employment Service (SBSES), which provides resources on writing business plans, financing and other issues specific to developing a small business.
The Small Business Administration's (SBA) Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) offer local one-on-one counseling to prospective and current entrepreneurs in the areas of planning, financing, management, technology, government procurement and other business-related topics. This site directs visitors to local SBDC contact information.
SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" is a nonprofit organization that educates entrepreneurs about the development, growth and success of small businesses nationwide. Both working and retired executives and business owners donate time and expertise as business counselors. Visitors can attend online workshops, receive free face-to-face counseling and access a database of information and resources.
Growing Customers: Critical Considerations for Small Enterprises Owned by Individuals with Disabilities is an article by The Rural Institute at the University of Montana's Center for Excellence in Disability Education, Research and Service that explains how to build a good customer base.
Why is Owning my own Business Beneficial?
One of the largest benefits of entrepreneurship is having the flexibility to do something you love when, where and how you want. The Department of Labor's (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) connects prospective entrepreneurs to resources that explain the benefits of self-employment and share success stories.
What Resources are Available for Veterans?
Veterans are a growing force within the disability community. The following resources provide assistance and support for veterans and members of the military who want to establish or expand a small business:
The General Services Administration (GSA) connects disabled veteran business owners to federal business opportunities and provides assistance during the contracting process. Resources are available on local Small Business Utilization offices, multiple award schedules and the VETS Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC).
The Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) offers entrepreneurial development services through Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOC). The VBOCs provide business training, counseling and mentorship on topics such as international trade, franchising, Internet marketing and accounting.
The SBA's Patriot Express Pilot Loan Initiative offers veterans low interest loans for most business purposes, including start-up, expansion, equipment purchases, working capital, inventory or business-occupied real-estate purchases.
The Start-up USA's Online Training Seminars address concerns related to launching a successful veteran-owned business.
What Resources are Available for Young Entrepreneurs?
Young entrepreneurs are the essence of the true American dream. The following resources provide support and assistance for young entrepreneurs with disabilities who want to establish or expand a small business:
The Department of Labor's (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) encourages youth with disabilities to participate in entrepreneurship programs. The site offers resources that explain the benefits of owning a small business and entrepreneurship education.
Start-Up USA, a Web site that offers self-employment technical assistance, resources and training provides answers to frequently asked questions about self-employment for youth with disabilities.
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides a list of federal government offices and resources that support and assist young entrepreneurs during the small business development process.
The Small Business Training Network offers free online business courses on topics such as business management, surviving in a down economy, e-commerce and accounting.
The Small Business Administration's Small Business Planner helps business owners manage each stage of the business lifecycle from start to finish.
How Do I Write a Business Plan?
The core foundation of a successful business is a well-developed business plan. The following resources include sample plans, software and other forms of support to help entrepreneurs during the writing process:
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides a list of business plan resources, including sample plans, software, Webinars and weekly videos to assist business owners in establishing and running a business.
Self-Employment Technical Assistance, Resources & Training (START-UP/USA) directs individuals with disabilities to self-employment services. The site offers information on how to write a business plan, fact sheets, case studies, small business resources and contact information for state vocational rehabilitation agencies.
The Training and Technical Assistance for Providers (T-TAP) offers an online seminar that covers critical factors in considering business feasibility, developing financial resources, basic business plan development and the identification and access to community small business resources.
Business.gov is a government resource that educates small business owners about a variety of issues. Information is available on writing a business plan, starting a green business, finding a business location and buying a franchise.
What is a Small Business Incubator & How Do I Find One?
Starting a business of any kind is risky. Small business incubators are programs that protect and assist young firms during their initial development. The following resources link entrepreneurs to programs that aid the survival of their business:
The National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) provides support and resources that assist small businesses during the start-up period. The site addresses frequently asked questions about small business incubators.
MICROenterprise Matters is a national membership organization that helps business owners who do not have access to traditional sources of business education. Members receive training and technical assistance, financial assistance, access to markets and information about economic literacy and asset development.
Where Can I Learn About Financial Assistance?
Whether you have started a small business or want to establish one, you won't know all the answers about every business-related issue. START-UP/USA releases online training seminars on current issues that concern business owners. The following seminars cover financing a small business:
Where Do I Find Funding?
There are a number of private and public funding sources for starting a small business.
Business.gov offers information on locating small business financing, from grants to loans, and includes necessary application documents.
The Job Accommodation's Network (JAN) includes a number of resources on financial assistance from the Small Business Administration and other organizations. Additionally, the site provides a list of state economic development and funding resources.
Business owners can apply for microloans through the Small Business Administration. The loans support newly-established or growing small businesses.
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