Being disabled may make it more difficult to be hired into certain positions at companies around the country.
We know that people with disabilities even get discriminated against when applying for several jobs.
Read this post by benefits.com to know your employment rights and make sure you know what do if you were discriminated against due to your condition when applying for a job.
That being said, you might choose the self-employed route and create your own business.
Many people find that they have even more success starting their own business, so we would definitely encourage that if you have the wherewithal of running your own business.
While it may seem like an uphill battle to do so, you should know that there are grants for the disabled to start a business.
By applying for grants to help you start a business you will be in a position to gain the funding you need to move forward.
No matter what type of business you would like to start there are going to be expenses to help get it off the ground.
Keep in mind, however, the old saying that it “takes money to make money.”
When you put in the money to start your own business you will have an income source, and by getting grants for disabled to start the business you will find that it’s achievable.
There are no limits to the number of grants for disabled people that you can apply for when it comes to starting your business.
It’s a good idea to apply for as many as you can, so that you can secure all the funding you need to get started.
This way you will also ensure your business is properly funded from the start, which will help make it more successful.
Grants for Disabled to Start a Business
Grants.gov –
The federal government routinely offers grants for those who are disabled. The grants are available for business purposes, as well as for supporting other financial goals.
The grants that the federal government offers vary and change throughout the year.
Ideally, you should search their grant database on a weekly or monthly basis to keep up on any grants they are offering that meet your criteria. They also offer information about how to write a grant proposal and how to avoid grant scams.
U.S. Small Business Administration –
This federally funded agency offers grants for disabled people to start a business. If you are a veteran who is disabled you will have an even easier time qualifying for a grant.
The group tries to ensure that at least 3% of their grant dollars go to veterans who are disabled.
Small Disadvantaged Business Grants –
The federal government offers business grants to entrepreneurs who are disadvantaged in some way.
They award $50 billion in small disadvantaged business grants every year.
Being a disabled person is something that will qualify you to be considered for one of these grants.
In order for you to be considered at a disadvantage, your circumstance must be the result of something that is out of your control.
The SBA – small business administrations’ grants are pretty easy to qualify for if you are living with a disability.
They also offer business loans if that is something that you would consider.
The difference between a grant and business loan is that with a grant you will not have to pay the money back, which is pretty big.
With a business loan, however, you will need to pay the funds back. The good thing is that with the SBA business loans, the terms are pretty good, which makes starting a business easier.
The SBA offers business loans with as little as 10% down, and a payment program that can spread the life of the loan for up to 30 years.
National Association for the Self-Employed –
This organization offers $4,000 grants for business persons, and it’s open to those who are disabled.
The grant can be used to develop your business, expand, advertise, marketing, hiring someone, or for a variety of other purposes related to business growth.
Applications are taken all year long, with grants being awarded quarterly. You have to have an identifiable business need and a detailed description of how the grant will be used for your business.
Disability Chamber of Commerce –
This nonprofit organization has a mission of helping those who are disable with a variety of issues, including business development.
They offer a variety of grant programs, including providing grants for the disabled to start a business. In addition to providing grants, they also offer information on how to start a business, recession-proofing it, and ensuring your business has security.
The main goal of the organization is to help those who have disabilities with self-employment and entrepreneurship challenges. The organization was started in 2017 and has over 200 members.
Angel Investment Network –
This network brings together those who want to invest in someone’s business and those who need financial assistance. People with disabilities will be able to obtain grants and small business startup loans through this site.
No matter what type of business you want to start you will likely find an Angel Investor who will provide you with the backing. They offer investments in such areas as software, technology, property, medical, product inventions, food and beverages, and much more.
This network is a great place to get your story out there so that others know what type of business you are trying to start, and to help connect you with someone who wants to invest in your goals.
In addition to these options, consider reaching out to your local Chamber of Commerce and nonprofit organizations.
Many of them offer grants that can be used to help start businesses in their own community.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, there are many options as far as funding your business, as a person with disabilities.
We highly recommend that you apply to all of them and see what you qualify for, as the application process is completely free of charge.
Remember, there are cash assistance grants that you can use for any purpose, including starting a business, that might be an option for you as well. If you happen to be a wounded veteran, apply for the $20,000 grant, we got a lot of positive feedback from applicants that got approved for this one.
Furthermore, you can try to get different types of loans that will give you better rates if you suffer from a disability.
Regardless, we wish you good luck on your business ventures and hope that you will succeed!
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