Grants for Disabled Business Owners

General Support

Starting a business can be challenging but for disabled entrepreneurs, it can be an even more daunting task. From finding accessible locations to securing financing, additional barriers can make it difficult to get a business off the ground. However, there are grants available specifically for disabled business owners to help them succeed.

Small Business Administration (SBA)

For small business owners, including those with disabilities, the SBA offers a wide range of resources and programs. One such program is the 8(a) Business Development Program, which provides business development assistance to companies owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals in the USA, including those with disabilities. The SBA also offers loans and other financing options to eligible small businesses. To learn more about these programs, visit https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/veteran-owned-businesses.

National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR)

NIDILRR is a federal agency that funds research and development projects aimed at improving the lives of disabled people. They also offer grants to businesses that employ people with disabilities or develop products and technology that benefit the disabled community. For further information, please visit https://www.acl.gov/grants.

Disability Rights Advocates (DRA)

DRA is a nonprofit organization that provides legal advocacy and representation to people with disabilities. The organization offers a grant program specifically for disabled entrepreneurs who are starting or expanding a business. The grant can be used for various purposes, including business planning, marketing and purchasing equipment. For more information, please visit https://dralegal.org.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

This is a federal program that provides financial assistance to people who have a disability and are unable to work. To be eligible for SSDI, disabled individuals must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain amount of time and their disability must meet Social Security’s definition of “disability.” Find out more information at https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is another federal program that provides financial assistance to people who have a disability and have limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require individuals to have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Instead, it is based on your income and resources. For more information, you may visit https://www.ssa.gov/ssi.

Medicaid

This a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage to eligible

low-income adults,
children,
pregnant women,
elderly adults
and people with disabilities.

The eligibility criteria and covered services vary by state but in general, Medicaid covers a wide range of medical services, including

hospital care,
doctor visits,
prescription drugs and more.

Medicaid is an important resource for many people with disabilities, as it can help cover the costs of necessary medical care and services. For further information, please visit https://www.medicaid.gov/.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

Providing job training and other employment-related services to people with disabilities is the purpose of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program. VR can help you prepare to find and keep a job and may provide assistance with things like resume writing, interview skills and workplace accommodations. Find out more information at https://rsa.ed.gov/about/states.

Assistive Technology (AT) Act

The Assistive Technology (AT) Act is a federal program that offers to fund assistive technology devices and services for disabled business owners. Assistive technology can include things like wheelchairs, hearing aids, communication devices and more. The AT Act helps ensure that people with disabilities have access to the technology they need to live independently and participate fully in their communities. For more information, please visit https://at3center.net/at-act-information/.

The Ability Center

The Ability Center is a nonprofit organization that provides resources and support to disabled business owners. They offer a grant program for disabled entrepreneurs in Ohio and Michigan. The grant can be used for various purposes, including business planning, marketing and purchasing equipment. To learn more about The Ability Center’s grant program, visit https://www.abilitycenter.org.

SCORE

This is a nonprofit organization that offers free business mentoring services to small business owners. They have a network of over 10,000 volunteers who are experienced business professionals and can provide guidance on a wide range of topics, including business planning, marketing, finance and more. SCORE also offers workshops, webinars and other educational resources to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Find out more information at https://www.score.org/.

The National Disability Institute (NDI)

The National Disability Institute (NDI) is a nonprofit organization that works to improve the financial health and well-being of people with disabilities. They offer a variety of programs and services to help disabled people achieve financial stability and independence, including financial coaching, benefits counseling and tax preparation assistance. NDI also works with businesses and employers to promote the hiring and retention of employees with disabilities. Visit their website at https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/ to learn more.

The Disability Opportunity Fund: The Disability Opportunity Fund (DOF)

An independent nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) that provides financing and technical assistance to businesses owned and operated by people with disabilities. DOF offers a range of financing options, including loans, lines of credit and equity investments, to help disabled entrepreneurs start or expand their businesses. They also provide business planning and technical assistance to help entrepreneurs succeed. For further information, please visit https://thedof.org.

Disabled entrepreneurs face many challenges when starting a business, but with the aid of these grants, you can make your dreams a reality. Whether you’re looking for financial assistance or support with business development, these programs offer a range of resources to help you succeed.