Resources and Help for Business Owners with Disabilities

Disabled business owner resources in CT

In the state of Connecticut, business owners and entrepreneurs with disabilities can find funding, grants, tax credits, mentorships, and more. Find resources here, including private grants for individuals with disabilities, grants for disabled persons to start a business, as well as other disabled business owner benefits.

Funding, grants, and loans for business owners with special needs or disabilities

Whether you’re looking for rehabilitation services or mission-driven grant funds, find resources for business funding.

In-state

• Financial help: Tax incentives and wage reimbursement for business owners with disabilities and those hiring employees with disabilities. Provided by the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS).
• Searchable CDFI Awards Database: Find CT organizations that received awards from the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund). These organizations received the funds so they can in turn provide the following to underserved populations and communities:
  • Loans
  • Investments
  • Financial services
  • Technical assistance

Federal and nationwide

• PASS Program: If you receive SSI or SSDI payments, you can set aside money from your monthly check to reach a stated goal, such as starting a business. Provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
• Funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
  • Lender Match: Points you to institutions that offer the right loans for you.

Advice and mentoring for business owners with disabilities

Find business advice and guidance tailored to your needs.

Federal and nationwide

• SCORE: Mentors available are current and retired business people who volunteer their time to provide free help so you start, grow, or successfully exit a business.
• The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) entrepreneurship hub: Mentorship, consulting services, and technical assistance for individuals with disabilities. JAN is supported by ODEP and DOL.
• National Disability Institute (NDI) Small Business Hub: They can help you write a business plan, find capital, and get one-on-one counseling to support your business goals. Learn more about the NDI, a nonprofit that advocates for people with disabilities.
• Guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL):
  • Information on small business ownership and self-employment
  • Self-employment and entrepreneurship topic page: Learn how self-employment can benefit you. Discover resources for self-employed people with disabilities, provided by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).
  • Blog on disability employment

Education, training, and development for entrepreneurs with disabilities

Connect to programs that will strengthen your business. Find training and development courses, plus other assistance for business owners with disabilities.

• Self-employment and entrepreneurship topic page: Lists training and education resources for business owners with disabilities. Provided by the DOL and ODEP.
• Training courses and programs: Access to a diverse range of courses, development, and training for small business owners with disabilities. Provided by the United States Disability Chamber of Commerce (USDCC).

Marketing and sales opportunities

Get more access to contracts and other sales opportunities for business owners with disabilities. Make sure to certify your business for eligible programs so it can continue to grow.

In-state

• Supplier Diversity Program: Get certified and find state contract opportunities. Through the Department of Administrative Services (DAS). Get certified today.

Federal and nationwide

• Disability-owned Business Enterprise (DOBE) Certification: Each year, the federal government awards about 10% of all federal contract dollars to Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs).

Additional resources

In-state

• Connecticut Tech Act Project: Get help and funding for assistive technology (AT).
• Find employer resources for those who want to hire individuals with a disability.