Business Grants for the Handicapped
Starting and operating a small business offers disabled persons a sense of empowerment and independence. Successfully launching a business, however, can be costly, so obtaining financial assistance is often necessary.
A grant is a funding source issued by both public and private entities that, unlike a loan, does not require repayment. Most grants are awarded to non-profit organizations. There are, however, grants available for individuals with special circumstances, such as a disability.
Other People Are Reading
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Public Sources
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Government grants for individuals are few and far between. According to Management Consultant Jim Parrish of the University of South Florida Small Business Development Center, writing for the Angelina College website, "almost all of the grant programs for the disabled go to assistance providers rather than to a business." There are some government funded opportunities, says Parrish, that are intended to help disabled persons "become self sufficient and thereby get off of public assistance." The Job Accommodation Network, a service of the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disabilities Employment Policy, offers a database of these opportunities that is searchable by state (see Resources).
PASS Plan
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If you are receiving Social Security Insurance, the Plan for Achieving Self-Support, or PASS Plan, can help disabled persons raise funds for business needs. Though technically not a grant, the plan allows you to allocate otherwise countable income toward work-related needs, thus qualifying you for higher SS benefits.
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Private Sources
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Corporations and foundations also offer grants to individuals with disabilities. "Foundation Grants to Individuals" is a directory of over 7,000 grant programs that are awarded to individuals. This reference can be accessed at a local library for free or online for a fee. Each entry is cross-referenced by company name, region, award criteria and the type of support given.
Grant Writing Tips
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When writing your grant proposal, include information about the amount needed, what it will be used for and how offering a grant to you would meet the funder's grant criteria.
Finding Assistance
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If you are physically or mentally impaired and need vocational guidance, you may be eligible for services at your local Division of Vocational Services. The counselor assigned to you can help you locate and apply for grants that will meet your business needs.
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